Five Reasons Why You Should Share Why You Chose Montessori

You made the decision to enroll your child (or children) in a Montessori school and you couldn’t be happier. You see the benefits, you relish in the joy your child has for learning, and you know you made the right choice. But for whatever reason, you may hesitate to share this with other parents. Why do families hesitate to actively advocate for Montessori? Here are five reasons to reconsider:

1. It’s Not a Competition

Sometimes parents might feel that if they advocate for Montessori, it’s akin to bashing other methods of education. The truth is, it doesn’t need to feel that way. There are many great approaches to education and Montessori is just one of them. While Montessorians feel that the method works for most children it’s only fair to acknowledge that other methods can work, too.

Singing praises for the Montessori approach doesn’t mean putting down other methods. It just means you are sharing what you love about an approach to education that many teachers and parents have seen work for children.

When we learn about Montessori education, it is natural to make comparisons to traditional or conventional models. When talking to other parents about why you chose Montessori, don’t feel pressured to share those comparisons. It’s okay to just emphasize what Montessori is, rather than what conventional methods are not. As other people learn more about the Montessori approach, they will likely draw the same conclusions you did during your own discovery.

2. Your Story is Valuable

People love to hear first-hand accounts. We tend to value the actual experiences of people we know and trust over-advertising. Your opinions and what you have to say about your child’s experience with Montessori means much more than you might realize.

Consider this: if you are about to make an important decision, do you consult the internet, a pamphlet, a billboard, or your family and friends? While there are many great sources to gather information, we all place the most value in the experiences of the people we care about.

When you choose to share your family’s personal Montessori story, you are sharing information that others will listen to. You are telling people about a school experience that has made a positive impact in your child’s life.

3. Other Families are Looking for Alternatives

While some people are more vocal than others, many families are not content with their child’s current school. Whether a school emphasizes high-stakes testing, loads children down with hours of homework, or simply has not found a way to individualize instruction, there are plenty of parents who are actively looking for an alternative. Even if they are not actively searching, it can give parents hope when they hear about an option that serves as a solution to many current challenges in education.

There are certainly many great schools out there, and some of those use conventional or traditional methods. Even so, not every family may be happy with the approach for their child. Parents of high-achieving children may notice their son or daughter becoming bored or disliking school as a result of not being challenged enough. Parents of children who need extra support may notice the pace and structure of conventional schools leaving their child behind. Sometimes parents will begin to question the importance of frequent standardized testing that many conventional schools utilize. Regardless of the reason, rest assured that there are many families who wish there were a better setting for their child.

4. We Need to Debunk the Stereotypes

Sometimes people dismiss Montessori schools as soon as they hear the name Montessori. There are plenty of unfortunate stereotypes that hound Montessori education. Many of these originate in complete misunderstanding of the method’s principles. It is easy to see where the ideas might come from, if one has not actually visited a Montessori school to observe in person.

People may ask you why Montessori students get to do whatever they want. They may insist that children need structure to feel safe and to be successful. As the parent of a Montessori child, you have the unique position of being able to set the record straight, authentically. You know that Dr. Maria Montessori agreed that structure is important for children, but she saw the value in choice as well. The key is to give children choice within limits, thus providing boundaries, while also giving the empowering opportunity for children to learn how to trust their own judgement. It’s a lot like how, as parents, we often give our children two choices: both will satisfy our own goals and the child is left with some say in the decision.

A lot of people have concerns regarding a child’s eventual transition from a Montessori school to a conventional middle school, high school, or even college. They worry that the safe bubble a Montessori community can provide will fail to prepare them for ‘the real world’. On the contrary, Montessori tends to prepare children better for ‘the real world’ than many other methods of education, and its graduates go on to be beacons of innovation, kindness, and contributors to their communities. Montessori classrooms teach children to work independently and cooperatively, and not just with children their own age. Montessori schools guide children to cultivate their own independence, as well as time management skills and internal motivation.

There are plenty of other Montessori myths out there, including that it is religious-based, not academically challenging enough, or too expensive. Your personal experiences and knowledge might serve as a way to educate others on the way a Montessori school really operates.

5. It’s Worked for Over 100 Years

It helps to remember that Montessori is not a new approach. Dr. Maria Montessori developed her methods over a hundred years ago. They are based on scientific observation and a deep understanding of child development. Montessori is not a fad, but an approach to education that, while not in line with conventional methods, has certainly stood the test of time. What’s more, Montessori is spreading in the United States with new schools opening every year. Montessori is considered an alternative approach by many, and while it is still not widely understood by most Americans, its popularity is increasing.

As a Montessori parent, your voice is important. If you love the opportunities your child has had, why not share the love? You might just make a difference in the life of another child and their family.

If you are a Montessori-curious parent, and are considering this approach to your child’s future education, come visit the school! We’ll share with you what is so special and unique about Rose Hill Montessori School.

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Separation Anxiety: Why It’s Normal and What You Can Do

By Julie Douglas • September 8, 2025

Every fall, the doorways of classrooms become a place of transition. Children are often excited to skip into their school environment, eager to learn and play. Unfortunately, many children experience some level of separation anxiety, particularly when they are very young. The good news? This is totally normal! Read on to learn more about why, and what you can do to help your child feel good about the time you spend apart. What does it look like? Separation anxiety is completely normal. Most young children experience it at some point, and although it can cause stress for both the child and their parents, it’s actually a healthy part of development, especially during the toddler years. Separation anxiety can manifest in many forms. Parents might see their child display some of all of the following behaviors: Crying Physically clinging to parent Loud protesting Persistent worry when separated from parent(s) Separation anxiety typically doesn’t last very long for most children and resolves itself within a few weeks. Once toddlers begin to realize that their parents will actually return, their fears tend to alleviate. Even older children can experience short-lived bouts of separation anxiety. These times are often even harder for parents, but it’s all perfectly normal! Why does it happen? There are a variety of reasons children may experience separation anxiety, but as we mentioned above, it most often occurs during the toddler years. Any time from about 7 months of age through 2-3 years of age, children may go through a phase during which separating from their parents can be quite upsetting. For infants, it’s about differentiating between strangers and people they know. This is obviously an important and healthy part of their development, although it can be heart wrenching when dropping your little one off with care givers in the morning before you head to work. As children get a little older, the reasons shift toward a fear that the parent may leave and not return. After a period of time, the child learns to trust that the separation is temporary, and the anxious behaviors subside. There are plenty of other reasons why a child may experience separation anxiety. If they are tired, not feeling well, or are experiencing stress or a period of transition in their life, they may feel the need to be closely attached to their parent(s). These feelings are typically short-lived and resolve themselves once the child feels some level of reassurance or once the underlying cause is no longer an issue. What can we do? Each child is different, but the following are some strategies that tend to work well for most families: Set aside some extra time in the morning. The simple act of not rushing can create a sense of calm for both you and your child, but it also leaves a few extra minutes for some cuddles. Create a routine. When your child knows what to expect, they will feel more able to trust that everything is okay. This may mean singing a special song in the car on the way to school, walking to the front door together, and making sure to squeeze in one last hug. Find whatever routine works for you and for your child. Be consistent. Once you’ve established a routine, stick to it. This can be a challenge, but it is so important and will do so much to help a child who is feeling anxious. Of course, life has a way of interrupting our plans and routines (especially when you’re trying to get out the door with a young child!) but try to be as consistent as possible. Don’t linger, but don’t sneak away. Staying too long can intensify feelings of anxiety when you do leave, and leaving without your child’s knowledge isn’t the greatest idea, either. They may experience feelings of worry or sadness, but they will also be more likely to trust if they know when a parent is leaving. Ask your child’s teacher or caregiver for advice. Chances are, they have had lots of experience with separation anxiety in children. Teachers are often masters of distraction and redirection, which can help you make a peaceful exit. What if it’s more? Once in a while, separation anxiety is more than a phase. Again, your child’s teacher is a good person to consult if you’re concerned. If your child is well past their toddler years, if their anxiety is affecting them in multiple parts of their lives, or if behaviors are stretching past weeks and into months, it can sometimes help to talk to your child’s pediatrician. Separation anxiety disorder is a more severe and persistent version of what most children experience. The good news is, even children who experience SAD have options to help them overcome their fears and work toward healthy, trusting, and confident periods of separations from their parents. Want to learn more? Check out this fantastic article for helpful tips.