The Montessori Toddler: A Parent's Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being

This book has changed our lives for the better, pretty much overnight. I have an especially strong willed 16 month old, and while I feel I've been coping ok with some of the big toddler themes (ie. strong emotions, increasing autonomy) I've had a nagging sense that things didn't have to be quite so hard and that I wasn't really meeting my daughter's needs. This book has given me the tools to do exactly, and to meet my own needs as well. It's helped me to see how I can reorganise our home and life to make things more harmonious for all of us, and given me some very simple but incredibly effective techniques for dealing with some of our biggest challenges (such as nappy changes). It's beautifully written and put together - it really felt like a treat to read - and (like many of the best books about parenting, see also Philippa Perry) has given me some profound and constructive insights into myself as well as my daughter. After all, we're pretty much all toddlers on the inside, right? I don't think I had any idea how capable my child is before reading this book, nor how fun and satisfying both of us would find collaborating together on small everyday tasks. Today, for instance, we worked out how my daughter could climb into her big chair by herself, and used a stepladder, a small chopping board, a spreader and a (not very sharp) knife to make lunch together. Yes we had some tears and yes we had some wilful contrariness but these are part of the normal toddler experience. What we did not have is horrible meltdowns over unavoidable issues (nappy changes again) that left both of us feeling awful. And both of our overall moods seemed better throughout the day. This book has also helped me to understand and appreciate what she does at nursery more. I really love its emphasis on bringing your life into sync with your toddler's interests and growing abilities in small and sustainable ways. And the information is presented in such a memorable way - while I"m sure I'll read it again and again, I'm amazed at how much I've remembered and how easy it has been to implement the advice in all sorts of challenging toddler situations. Ok I've said enough but seriously - don't deliberate, just get this book.

Amazingly written, clear and helpful. I really love this appoach. Clear tables to follow. Will refer back to the helpful chart at the end.

This book has really enthused me to re-frame the way I look at a lot of my parenting skills for my nearly three year and one year old it really is eye opening. I have read it cover to cover this week and have truly found it life changing - sounds dramatic I know!! I have been falling into a lot of traps recently and this gives me a clear and straight forward path to improve the connection I have with my children and raise children who feel seen and know how to find satisfaction from within. I had fallen into the trap of saying good girl or well done in every sentence and now looking back it was hollow and vacuous. I’m now really observing my kids, I’m feeding back on what they have done not praising with every sentence as I want them to do the right thing as they understand that it feels better for them not to please me. It’s weird but this book has touched on everything I am struggling with right now and gives direct feedback on how to change - no waffle! Gosh I could go on and on but if you are feeling disconnected, frustrated and like you have a short fuse with your toddler I implore you to read this and feel refreshed, revived and ready to face another full on day with two tantrumming toddlers! I really Hope she writes a follow on book for children aged 4 upwards as I would love to have that at the ready as my two change and develop. Best (and only) parenting book you need I’d you have toddlers!! I’ve never actually made it through others as I zone out with all the text but this is so direct and beautifully presented I couldn’t put it down.

I bought this book with some worry that it might be a dummed down "hygge" sort of coffee table book but I was pleasantly surprised! This book is full of excellent advice for raising toddlers with a parenting philosophy that is nurturing, loving & open. I loved the simple ideas for changing some things in the home to make it more accessible for littles & seeing the home from their perspective. Lots of ideas for activities that are age appropriate but challenging/interesting for them. This will be a book I will refer back to when I'm in need of some reminders. Also, beautifully illustrated.

This is actually an amazing book. Very to the point and practical. I love the design, the space, the air between the paragraphs and chapters. This somehow makes it easier and more enjoyable to read. It gives very nice ideas about what and how to do and implement Montessori principles in everyday life. It could be used as a reference book or as a guideline. It doesn't discuss the science and theory behind Montessori in detail. If you want to know more about the method, you should look at the further reading section where several more theoretical books are mentioned

I am currently half way through reading but have already learnt so much! It is a visually beautiful book, filled with practical advice as well as easy to understand information about the ‘why’ behind the method. Many of the activities so far are aimed at children 18 months and up - my daughter is only 10 months currently but this book is still very helpful to read ahead of time so I can understand how to help guide her through her next life phases. I highly recommend this book.

obsessed with this book!! Just finished and could easily read it again, it’s changed so much of my parenting style and allowed me to relax and approach things in a totally different perspective. Has encouraged me to give my child more independence and generally I just feel like a better human for having the knowledge this book has given me! I’ve become really into child development after reading this! Hugely recommend! Even for grandparents etc!

Great quality

I guess it’s a good book but doesn’t work for my parenting style.

As a first-time mom to a 17-month-old little boy, I bought The Montessori Toddler because I wanted to learn more about the Montessori approach and find new ways to encourage my son’s curiosity and independence. I was already somewhat familiar with Montessori principles and liked what I knew, but this book helped me understand the philosophy on a much deeper level. My son is very curious and seems to be a little ahead for his age, so I was running out of ideas to keep him engaged and challenged. I also wanted to prepare myself for the toddler years and all that comes with them—especially as we get closer to the “terrible twos.” This book gave me practical ideas for encouraging learning, fostering independence, and handling common toddler behaviors in a calm, respectful way. What I appreciated most is that the book is easy to read, well organized, and written in a way that’s simple to understand. The advice feels realistic and encouraging rather than overwhelming. We’ve already started using several of the activities and techniques from the book, and I’ve noticed that they’ve helped me approach parenting with more patience and confidence. More than anything, this book reminded me that I don’t have to be a perfect parent—I just need to be a thoughtful one who’s willing to learn alongside my child. It has given me a newfound confidence in myself as a mom and has provided tools that I know we’ll continue to use as my son grows. I would highly recommend this book to first-time parents or anyone raising young children who wants practical guidance, fresh ideas, and reassurance that they’re on the right track. It’s a wonderful resource that I know I’ll be referring back to again and again.

Love that I was able to buy this second hand on Amazon, great book in great shape.

Beautifully written, well summarised know it all about setting Montessorie environment

Finished reading the book. Me and my husband loves it. Helps us understand our toddler. Fast delivery. Good quality Book it has a thick cover and pages you don't have to worry your toddler will tear the pages so easy.. It comes with one free paper book marks too! Amazon delivery guys are very professional doing social distance in dropping items by the door. Thank you amazon!