"Help me to do it by myself."

MARIA MONTESSORI

One of the central tenets of the Montessori philosophy is independence—helping children do things for themselves. Even from a young age, toddlers are naturally drawn to the idea of contributing, making choices, and mastering daily tasks. In a Montessori environment, we honor this drive by creating opportunities for children to participate meaningfully in their world.

But what does that look like at home?

The Montessori View of the Toddler

Maria Montessori referred to the child as a "builder of the man," observing that even the youngest children are capable of far more than we often assume. Toddlers, in particular, are in a sensitive period for order, movement, and language, and they crave real-world, hands-on experiences. The key is not to do things for them, but rather to create a space where they can do things with us—or even on their own.

Why Independence Matters

Encouraging independence builds:

Confidence – Children feel proud when they contribute and achieve small successes.
Motor Skills – Tasks like pouring, sweeping, or buttoning help refine coordination.
Focus and Concentration – When children are deeply engaged in meaningful work, they practice sustaining attention.
Problem-Solving – Independent tasks often come with small challenges, which help toddlers think critically and flexibly.

Practical Life Tasks Toddlers Can Do at Home

Here are age-appropriate, Montessori-aligned tasks that toddlers can participate in:

Self-Care

Brushing hair and teeth with a small mirror and tools they can manage.
Washing hands with a stool and accessible sink setup.
Practicing dressing skills like putting on shoes or zipping a coat.

Care of the Environment

Watering plants with a small pitcher.
Wiping the table with a cloth after meals.
Helping sort or fold laundry (socks and towels are great starters).
Feeding pets (scooping food with supervision).

Meal Preparation

Peeling bananas or mandarin oranges.
Spreading butter or jam with a blunt knife.
Pouring water into a glass from a small pitcher.
Setting the table with child-sized dishes and utensils.

Setting Up the Home Environment

To encourage independence, the environment needs to support the child’s ability to act freely and successfully. A few tips:

Lower hooks for coats and bags at their level.
Accessible shelves with a few choices for toys or books.
Child-sized tools (brooms, pitchers, utensils) that work!
Predictable routines that toddlers can anticipate and participate in.

A Gentle Reminder

Montessori is not about perfection—it's about process. Tasks may take longer, and messes are inevitable, but the long-term benefits of fostering independence far outweigh the temporary chaos. Give your toddler space, offer gentle guidance, and resist the urge to step in too quickly.

With consistency and patience, your child will grow in confidence and capability—right before your eyes.