Independence and The Freedom of Movement Within Limits

“We must not help the child to walk, and if his hand wants to work, we must give him motives of activity, and leave him to proceed to ever greater conquests of independence.”
​- Dr. Maria Montessori

by Kim Berude
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It is the primary goal of every Montessori educator to enable children to be independent and be able to do things for themselves. This is achieved by giving children the opportunity to move freely within a safely prepared environment, to make choices, to do as much for their selves as possible, and to allow them to help adults with tasks on a daily basis.

Montessori strongly believed that when children are able to do things for themselves there is an increase in their self-belief, self-confidence, and self esteem that carries on throughout their lives. Research fully supports this belief.

When allowing young children to freely move and make choices within their environment, you should be sure to establish boundaries/limits. The purpose of setting boundaries is to ensure the safety of the children, others, and the materials being used in the environment. It is best to start setting limits as soon as infants are mobile. Children will eventually know and accept boundaries/limits if we consistently enforce them.

The following are some guidelines that can help you assist your children to be independent while learning to be respectful and considerate of self, others and their environment:

• Set up a child friendly environment by providing child size furniture and works that promote independence and healthy development.
• Have a good understanding of child development to assist you in guiding the child toward overall healthy development.
• Provide the child with age appropriate, beautiful materials that stimulate his senses and encourage exploration.
• Model careful handling of materials.
• Include your child in activities at home. Toddlers love to help adults!
• Create a routine for your toddler. Toddlers make sense of their world thru the routine and order of their day.
• Never do for the child that which he can do for himself or trying to do for self.
• Be patient with the child. Do not hurry them.
• When a child shows interest in learning something for himself, he should be given enough time to practice.
• If teaching a child a new skill, try to isolate the difficulty by teaching one step at a time.
• Give your child the freedom to choose his own work but do not allow him to choose someone else’s work.
• Offer the child choices whenever possible, but not too many which can cause confusion. Toddlers love to make choices!
• Do not break the concentration of a child who is absorbed in his work.
• Adults should be good role models by modeling the limits that are set.
• Use a respectful tone when communicating with the child. You can be kind and firm at the same time.
• Allow the child to experience the natural consequences of his choices, while still protecting his safety.
• Adults should intervene when a child’s actions are impolite or disorderly.
• Intervene just before chaos erupts.
• Avoid power struggles. Redirect the child in a positive manner.
• When a temper tantrum occurs – leave the child in a safe place until he calms down. Then hug him to confirm you still care.
• When a child does not behave appropriately he cannot have freedom.
• Always acknowledge a child’s frustrations. His feelings should always matter!
• Observe your child in wonderment and learn from him!

Kim Berude is the Infant/Toddler Program Director at MCH. You can reach her here.