The toddler years are an enchanted time. Two- to 3-year-olds go through a period of rapid language, motor, social, and emotional development. It’s also a period in which they start to demand independence and push limits. This period may be thrilling, yet alarming, for parents and caregivers. But when you have the Montessori method to help you navigate those muddy waters, it gets a little easier to nurture your toddler’s innate curiosity in a way that will serve their development in the long run and build confidence and joy as well.
At Montessori Trove, we know these early years set the stage for a lifetime of learning. We aim to empower families to create spaces for toddlers to thrive with tools and toys that allow them to meet their developmental needs where they are.
Enter Your Toddler’s World: Understanding Them
At 24 to 36 months, toddlers are absorbing everything around them. Their language skills are flourishing, they start to comprehend and follow simple commands, and they commonly love to sort, stack, and pretend play. By age 24, toddlers may be able to name familiar objects, show an interest in other children and perform simple activities like washing hands or putting things away, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
These developmental milestones align perfectly with the values found in Montessori. Dr Maria Montessori was one of the first to allow children freedom of choice in a safe, prepared environment. It also means providing them with a choice (within their age range), allowing them to be a part of daily routines as well as extended opportunities for hands-on investigation and trial-and-error learning.
Respecting Independence
If you’ve ever heard your toddler yell “I do it myself!”, you know they’re chomping at the bit to take charge of their world. That need for independence is not just normal — it’s vital to their psychological development. Instead of resisting it, Montessori parenting embraces it.
You can help foster independence in small, everyday ways:
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Dangle two outfits in front of them and let them decide.
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Provide child-sized tools so that they can assist in the kitchen.
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Give them extra time to put on their shoes or brush their teeth.
These little things reinforce confidence and demonstrate to your child that their efforts matter. Sometimes the process takes even longer or is a little messier, but how you get there matters just as much as where you end up.
How To Set Up A Montessori-Friendly Space In Your Home
You shouldn’t feel like you need to convert your whole house into a classroom to practice Montessori at home. Some simple and conscious transitions can make a big difference:
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Keep shelves low so your toddler has access to toys and books on their own.
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Have a little stool handy in the kitchen or the bathroom to help them reach counters or sinks.
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Set yourself up a quiet reading corner with gentle lighting and a handful of inviting books.
At this age, it’s also beneficial to keep toys simple and open-ended. Use something like a wooden stacking toy or a basket of natural sensory items which invites so much more creativity and focus than something that flashes lights and sounds can. Sensory toys that engage touch, sight, and sound can best promote cognitive development and emotional regulation, according to Verywell Family.
Consistency and Routine
Montessori stresses the need for routine and predictability, which are particularly soothing for toddlers. Establishing what to expect minimizes tantrums and invites cooperation. Keep things consistent by:
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Routine mealtimes and bedtimes
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Establishing a simple workday rhythm (times for playing, snacking, going outside, quiet time, etc.)
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Gentle reminders and cues during transitions
You could also involve your toddler in making routines. For instance, involve them in packing their bag for daycare or deciding which story to read before going to bed.
Supporting Emotional Growth
At that age, emotions can be large — and even overwhelming. One minute they’re laughing, the next they’re breaking down over the color of their cup. All this is part of learning how to deal with feelings.
Montessori invites adults to model calm behavior and to name emotions in clear language: “I see you’re feeling frustrated because your block tower fell down.” This allows toddlers to make sense of their feelings and to articulate how they feel.
If you have a toddler, giving her space to calm herself down and also offering physical comfort (such as a hug, or just sitting together quietly) can also be quite grounding.
Montessori Toys That Support Development During Toddlerhood
When selecting toys for toddlers, go for simple, purposeful and open-ended. Some Montessori-appropriate toys for this age range are:
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Puzzles for fine motor skills—wood with knobs
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Stacking blocks and nesting cups
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“Real-life” cooking play with toddler-safe Montessori kitchen tools
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Zippers, buttons, and latches on Busy board
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Items for pretend play, such as toy brooms, watering cans or baby dolls
These toys also help develop skills such as problem solving, hand-eye coordination, concentration and responsibility. Even more significantly, they help your child feel capable and successful.
Limiting Screen Time
Screens are practically everywhere in our lives today. But for toddlers, real-life scenarios still reign as the great educators. The Montessori method advises minimal use of devices, particularly for children under the age of 3. Instead, focus on activities that involve movement, nature, art and real connection.
Bask in the great outdoors gathering leaves, invite them to assist with basic chores, or create a water play station. These hands-on experiences matter so much more to brain development than passive screen time. You can check our blog on The impact of screen time on Kids and how parents can make a difference.
Being a Parent with Patience and Purpose
No one gets it completely right every day — and that’s O.K. What really matters is showing up with intention, love, and curiosity. Montessori isn’t about producing the “perfect” child, it’s about being a helper to the unique individual your child is already becoming.
When in doubt, just remember that your presence is the best gift you can give. No fancy materials or perfect routine required. The very best thing you can offer your toddler is your time, your patience, and your commitment to learning and growing with them.
Conclusion
Toddlers are busy little beings on a mission: to discover who they are and how the world works. A Montessori-inspired approach enables you to gift them the guidance they need but at their own pace. If you flood them with stability and provide meaning through diverse toys and activities and treat them with respect, you have the recipe for a future with limitless confidence and the love of learning.
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