Why is Her Bed on the Floor?

Do I think my daughter is an animal? Nope.

Why is her bed on the floor? Short version: Maria Montessori was right.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I was homeschooled for a good bit of my childhood, and loved it. Before homeschooling “age”, my parents implemented Montessori methods such as big beds on the floor and more freedom and independent thinking at and earlier age. This mode of learning bode quite well for me and my siblings in terms of greater independence and love of learning later in life.

My personal experience, combined with extensive research on numerous educational techniques formed my decision to implement Montessori methods.

Since Lili is only 11 months old, (12 months by the time I post this!) there is not a lot of structure to her learning environment. From the time she was able to roll around, I let her explore the entire room and never made anything off limits, I simply removed dangerous objects from her reach. I never wanted to alter my living environment to scream “I HAVE A KID!” so I kept everything the same in the living room and added a few books, a bouncy chair I took from room to room, and an activity mat with a mirror. Once she started to crawl, those things went away except for the books. Our main play area is in the basement, and is mostly full of old bottles and boxes, with a few gifted noise-making toys. Much to my delight, she is drawn to opening and closing cabinets and drawers, stacking blocks, putting things in and out of boxes, and carrying around bottles. She absolutely prefers the more simple objects. Montessori is not big on pretend play because realistic play is more appealing. I see the value in this, but at this age, I do not want Lili using the stove so I do have a play kitchen and workbench that she uses quite often with real materials. I plop her on the counter to help me bake and cook (stove off) and she enjoys stirring and adding blueberries to everything! In the kitchen, she now sits at her own table (next to the adult table) and loves the added independence.

Her room is the most important aspect right now, in my opinion. It is a place of calm and very child oriented. With the anticipation of a new baby in several months, I wanted to get Lili out of her crib to set up the nursery. I started with a toddler bed that was too tall for her to safely get in and out of on her own. So I put the mattress on the floor and found that it was simply too small. I then dismantled the twin daybed in her room and put that mattress on the floor. I did a trial run nap that day and she loved it! I then put her shelves long ways so she had more access, added a dressing area with a brush and lotion in front of a mirror. I also hung art closer to her level and made a very cozy reading nook. I put up a few hooks on which I hang a jacket and towel. (Pictures are at the end of the post)

The other big change we have made is our diaper changing routine. Around 10 months old, she began to wail every time I would put her on her back for a diaper change. I decided at 11 months to start trying to change her standing up, in the bathroom (where pee and poop should be). I was very hesitant at first, but gave it a shot and we both loved it! No more hands in her poop, no more tears, and she gets to work on her balance. Just to get the routine started early, I place her on the potty before putting on a clean diaper. I do not expect to potty train her this early, but I would like her to associate diaper with potty. No one else changes her standing up yet…perhaps out of the same hesitation I had initially, but soon it will be the next best thing!

She is a wonderful creature full of curiosity and ingenuity. I want to foster that as much as possible and I am always a big proponent of parenting methods that are laid back, child driven, and founded on the basis of organization and order!