About Montessori Mom

Hello, and welcome! My name is Irene, and I'm so glad you've found your way here. Montessori Mom is a labor of love — a place I created to share the beauty, wisdom, and practicality of the Montessori method with parents, grandparents, and caregivers who want to bring this extraordinary approach into their homes.

My Journey to Montessori

My story with Montessori began many years ago when I traveled to London to pursue my certification in Montessori education. At the time, I knew very little about what I was stepping into — only that something about this philosophy called to me deeply. What I discovered there changed the entire trajectory of my life.

I had the extraordinary privilege of training under Phoebe Child, a remarkable educator who had studied directly with Dr. Maria Montessori herself. Imagine that — sitting in a classroom learning from a woman who had walked alongside the very founder of this movement. Phoebe carried with her not just the theory and the curriculum, but the spirit of Dr. Montessori's vision. She taught us to observe the child with reverence, to trust in the child's inner teacher, and to prepare environments that nurture independence, curiosity, and joy.

Through Phoebe's teaching, I felt a living connection to Maria Montessori's original work. It wasn't something dusty or academic — it was vibrant, urgent, and profoundly human. Phoebe had a way of bringing every lesson to life with stories from her own time with Dr. Montessori, and those stories became a guiding light for me throughout my career. I carry that lineage with great gratitude, and I feel a responsibility to pass it forward to the next generation of parents and educators.

From the Classroom to the Home

After completing my training, I spent years working in Montessori classrooms, watching children blossom in prepared environments. But over time, I noticed something important: parents were hungry for guidance. They could see the transformation happening in the classroom, and they wanted to understand how to continue supporting their children at home. Many felt unsure of where to start or worried they might "do it wrong."

That's exactly why I created Montessori Mom. I wanted to build a bridge between the classroom and the home — to reassure parents that you don't need a teaching degree or a perfectly curated schoolroom to bring Montessori principles into your daily life. You simply need an open heart, a willingness to observe your child, and a few well-chosen materials to get started.

Materials I Recommend

Speaking of materials, one question I hear constantly is: "What should I buy first?" I always suggest starting with simple, purposeful tools that invite exploration. A wonderful first choice is a Montessori sorting toy, which helps young children develop their sense of order, refine fine motor skills, and begin classifying the world around them.

Another material I love recommending is a set of color tablets, inspired by the classic Montessori sensorial material.

What You'll Find Here

On this site, I share lesson ideas, practical tips, explanations of Montessori philosophy, and personal reflections drawn from decades of experience. Whether you're a seasoned Montessori parent or completely new to this approach, I want you to feel welcomed and supported.

The Montessori method is not about perfection — it's about respect. Respect for the child, respect for the learning process, and respect for yourself as a parent doing your very best.

Thank you for being here. I'm honored to walk this path with you.

With warmth and encouragement,
Irene