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Classroom: To Parents, On Pick-Up

Dear Parent,

I know you love and know your child better than anyone.  However, when you pick her up from Montessori school, remember this:

The Montessori classroom is her space, and you can respect this by waiting for her to emerge with her belongings.  You are teaching your daughter that you honor boundaries and, in an adult world, she has her own place. 

When she emerges from the classroom holding her coat rather than wearing it, wait for her to put it on instead of doing it for her.  You are teaching your daughter to be independent and helping her build confidence in herself and her skills.

When she shows you a picture she made, try to frame your response in interest rather than praise.  "Can you tell me what this is?" or "I see you used lots of colors," rather than "I love it" or "You're so good at coloring." You are teaching your daughter to value her work and the process of creating it, rather than to seek external reward. 

If there's a note in your child's folder that she damaged something and needs to repair it, don't do it for her.  You are teaching your daughter that she is a member of a community and needs to be responsible for community things.

Even when you're busy, don't come into school on your phone.  Be present with your child.  You are teaching your daughter that she is important and worthy of your attention and time.    

Respectfully,
A Montessori Assistant
 
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