The Montessori Toddler: A Parent’s Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being – Simone Davies
1. Full Citation
Davies, S. (2019) The Montessori Toddler: A Parent’s Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being. Seattle: Workman Publishing.
2. Introduction
The Montessori Toddler introduces parents to a modern, accessible interpretation of the Montessori philosophy for children aged 1–3. Simone Davies, an experienced Montessori educator and parent, translates the key principles of Maria Montessori into practical, respectful, and aesthetically conscious home-based routines. This book bridges educational theory and day-to-day parenting, offering insight into how to foster independence, emotional regulation, and intrinsic motivation during the foundational toddler years.
3. Author Background and Credentials
Simone Davies is a certified AMI Montessori teacher with over 15 years of experience. She runs the Jacaranda Tree Montessori in Amsterdam and is internationally respected for her ability to adapt the Montessori method to modern parenting. Her work is known for its visual elegance, philosophical clarity, and gentle tone.
4. Summary of Contents
The book is structured around helping parents understand and implement Montessori principles with toddlers at home:
- Understanding the Montessori Toddler
- Describes toddlers as curious, self-directed, and capable of meaningful work.
- Emphasises the importance of respecting the child’s pace and autonomy.
- Setting Up a Montessori Home
- Guides parents through adapting the home environment with child-accessible shelves, natural materials, and orderliness.
- Daily Routines and Transitions
- Offers Montessori-friendly approaches to mealtimes, dressing, toileting, and sleep.
- Discipline and Emotional Coaching
- Replaces punishment with positive guidance, clear boundaries, and empathetic correction.
- Teaches parents to observe behaviour without judgement and to help children name and regulate their emotions.
- Fostering Concentration and Independence
- Encourages giving toddlers uninterrupted time and real tools for real tasks — from food prep to cleaning.
- Activities and Development
- Suggests age-appropriate materials that nurture fine motor skills, problem-solving, language, and creativity.
The book is visually compelling, with diagrams, curated photographs, and minimalist design, reflecting Montessori’s aesthetic values.
5. Critical Evaluation
a. Coherence and Argumentation
Davies presents a consistent and coherent application of Montessori ideas to toddler care. Each chapter builds upon the core value of respecting the child as an active agent, rather than a passive recipient of adult control.
b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution
While not academically novel, the book is original in its modern, parent-friendly application of a historically educational method. It distils classic pedagogy into practical strategies for the 21st-century home.
c. Evidence, Sources, and Method
Based on Montessori pedagogy and developmental psychology, the book aligns with research on intrinsic motivation, autonomy-supportive parenting, and executive function. Though not heavily footnoted, its advice is pedagogically grounded.
d. Style and Accessibility
Written in a gentle, affirming tone, the book combines aesthetic appeal, clarity, and compassion. It is particularly well-suited for visually oriented readers or those drawn to minimalist parenting philosophies.
e. Limitations and Critiques
Some readers may find the approach idealistic or difficult to implement in fast-paced, urban, or resource-limited households. Additionally, Montessori’s emphasis on independence may require parental retraining to avoid over-involvement.
6. Comparative Context
This book aligns well with:
- Janet Lansbury – Elevating Child Care
- Sarah Ockwell-Smith – The Gentle Parenting Book
- Kim John Payne – Simplicity Parenting
Unlike traditional parenting guides, Davies provides philosophy-based rather than behaviour-based solutions. Compared to original Montessori texts, this version is more relatable, visually rich, and modernised.
7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance
The book is valuable in early childhood education, parenting philosophy, child psychology, and home learning design. It supports current trends in respectful parenting, child-led learning, and emotional literacy.
8. Reflection or Practical Application
Readers commonly report that the book transforms daily conflict into cooperative problem-solving, and that toddlers become more peaceful, responsible, and self-assured. Many parents experience a mindset shift from controlling to observing.
9. Conclusion
The Montessori Toddler offers a nurturing, developmentally respectful alternative to authoritarian or chaotic parenting styles. Davies equips caregivers with the tools and mindset to raise toddlers with calm confidence, curiosity, and mutual respect.
Recommended for: Parents of toddlers, early childhood educators, home-schooling families, and Montessori enthusiasts.
10. Other Works by the Same Author
- The Montessori Baby (co-authored with Junnifa Uzodike)
- The Montessori Child (forthcoming)
- Host of The Montessori Notebook podcast and blog
11. Similar Books by Other Authors
- Janet Lansbury – Elevating Child Care
- Sarah Ockwell-Smith – The Gentle Parenting Book
- Kim John Payne – Simplicity Parenting
- Deborah Carlisle Solomon – Baby Knows Best
12. References (only if external works are cited)
- Montessori, M. (1949) The Absorbent Mind
- Lillard, A.S. (2005) Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius
- Gopnik, A. (2009) The Philosophical Baby