Tips To Ease Separation Anxiety
Alison Petersen • August 27, 2024

The start to a new school year is an exciting, yet stressful time for parents and children. The anticipation of the first day, adjusting to routines, learning expectations and being in a new place all day can be stress inducing for many children. Both parents and children deserve a positive start to the day. Parents need to trust that their child is in the right place.


Before you approach your new school day mornings, start here:

  1. Help your child anticipate change
  2. Give a quick goodbye


Help your child anticipate change.

First, about a week before starting a new school, take your child to the school to visit. Give your child the opportunity to explore the classroom, walk the hallways and play on the playground. It's important they make connections and associate their new learning environment with positivity and possibility.


Give a quick goodbye.

If your child begins to cry as you try to leave the school, you will always feel that you cannot leave the school until he stops crying. Every parent feels this tug, and every teacher is empathetic to that, but that will never happen. Your child will never stop crying if you are still there. They will only stop crying after you have left, which means your presence only prolongs their tears.

Therefore, you must choose positive emotions for both you and your child. Communicate with your body language that school is a safe place and that you are happy your child is there. So often, the most anxiety comes from a self-fulfilling prophecy on behalf of the parent. Then, the child feels Mom’s worry and thinks to himself, “If Mom is scared of leaving me here, there must be something wrong with this place!” Do not let your child pick up these nervous cues from you.

And remain consistent every single day. Your child is trying to understand the way the world works. He’s wondering all the time, How does this work? What do people do? This is why routine makes so much sense to him and why he begins to crave it as such. He can anticipate what comes next, and that pleases him.

This is also why changing a routine — even in any small way that seems insignificant to you — can be very upsetting to a child. Sneaking in one more hug or one more kiss or a lingering goodbye because you want that will only disrupt your child’s routine and become a setback for the both of you. Maintain a quick goodbye.

Doing things the same way every single time gives your child the deep sense of security he needs to thrive. If your family is experiencing separation anxiety, don’t fight it or be frustrated by it. Lean into the consistency of routine, and trust the results.


When choosing a school for your child you've made the decision to trust the faculty and administration. You have told your child "You're in the right place." It's important each day they feel they are in the right place and have a sense of belonging. And, you should feel that way, too. Because your child does belong, and your child is going to do great.




summer

Summer Activities for Montessori Children

By Alison Petersen • June 12, 2025
As parents of Montessori students, it is important to find the balance between the freedom and bliss of summer without losing the routines and knowledge for which you and your child worked so hard during the school year. The following are a few suggestions from the educators at Pincushion Hill Montessori School. Schedules: We encourage you to ease up on your children’s schedules and routines during the summer months. Bedtimes and waking times can be moved around so you can enjoy the relaxation offered by the summer months. We do encourage you to start easing back into your school year schedule a few weeks before school starts up again in the fall. Journaling: Help your children select a blank book or journal. Encourage them to record something in this book every day during the summer. This helps with literacy skills and creative writing. It also has the potential to serve as a keepsake your children will cherish for years to come. As summer sets in and siblings begin to squabble, redirecting your Montessori children toward journaling their feelings can also aid with conflict resolution. A summer journal can become an annual tradition for your family. Family Visits: It’s great family bonding time exploring local resources and places of interest. Historic homes, farms, zoos, walking trails and many other interesting opportunities that are close to home can be fun and educational adventures. Take small field trips throughout the summer and include your child in the planning. Around the House: Include your children in your daily household activities. If they aren’t doing so already, summer is the perfect time to encourage their assistance with planning meals for the week, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. Gardening: Tending to (or starting) a family garden at your home is a great idea. This will continue the education they receive at TMA, yield delicious rewards, and encourage growth in the craft of sustainability. Cooking: Involve your child in home cooking ingredients and recipes. This will foster learning, and make them more independent in years to come. Reading: Start a family book club by suggesting one or two book titles that they have not read. If some members of your family too young to read, end every evening by taking turns reading a book aloud. The anticipation of knowing what will happen next will keep everyone coming back for more. Family Games: Put together a scavenger hunt for your children. This can be a great option for a rainy day, but on a sunny day you can include biology and botany related clues outdoors. The hunt can be fun and educational in origin, testing your children’s knowledge or research skills. Ask: For specific academic skills that may need work or refreshing over the summer, do not hesitate to ask your child’s Montessori teacher, or your child himself. Identify what could be practiced, and create an easy routine that makes practice time enjoyable and fun. Pincushion Hill Montessori School is a school that enriches and educates children using the Montessori Method focused on academic subjects like math, language, science, sensorial and practical life. The private, year-round school was founded in 1962 and accepts children from 18 months old up to six years old. Students at the school are exposed to Montessori-style teaching approaches, including individual learning according to each child’s style and pace, multi-age classrooms that allow children to advance when they are ready, and a nurturing of students’ natural curiosity. 

Why Is a Parent School Partnership So Important in Montessori?

By Alison Petersen • April 24, 2025
Montessori education is not just about the classroom; it extends to the home environment and relies heavily on collaboration between parents and teachers to create a harmonious and effective learning experience for the child. Here are several reasons why a parent-school partnership is so important in Montessori education: Consistency in Approach One of the fundamental principles of Montessori education is consistency in the approach to child development. When parents and teachers work together, they can ensure that the child receives consistent guidance, expectations, and values both at home and in the classroom. This consistency promotes a sense of security and stability for the child, making it easier for them to adapt to the Montessori method. Understanding and Support Parents who are actively involved in their child's Montessori education gain a deeper understanding of the method and its principles. This understanding enables them to provide better support at home, reinforcing the concepts and values learned in the classroom. When parents and teachers share a common understanding of the child's development, they can work together to address any challenges or specific needs that may arise. Reinforcing Independence Montessori education places a strong emphasis on fostering independence in children. When parents and teachers collaborate, they can reinforce this independence by encouraging the child to take ownership of their learning and daily routines. Parents can create a Montessori-friendly environment at home, while teachers can provide guidance on age-appropriate tasks and activities. Individualized Learning Montessori classrooms prioritize individualized learning experiences tailored to each child's unique needs and interests. When parents are actively involved, they can provide valuable insights into their child's personality, learning style, and preferences. This information helps teachers design personalized learning plans that maximize the child's potential. Extended Learning Opportunities Learning doesn't stop when the child leaves the classroom. Parents can continue the Montessori experience at home by engagning in activities that align with Montessori principles. This extension of learning beyond school hours enhances the child's educational journey and reinforces the importance of learning as a lifelong endeavor. Children thrive when home and school work in harmony!