Calm, Clear and Consistent

Your child is looking to you for boundaries, structure and limits.

Using the phrase “It’s time” eliminates any question or option for your child when you need them to accomplish a task. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“It’s time to use the bathroom.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“It’s time to get dressed.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“It’s time to go to bed.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Be clear and firm in your statement and follow through. Follow up with choices if needed.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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“Will you choose your shirt or will I?”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“Will you start with the right shoe or left?”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“Are you going to put your jacket on or your shoes first?”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“If you are unable to make the choice, I will make the choice for you.”

Further Reading from The Montessori Notebook:

A Montessori Approach to Discipline

Setting Limits Montessori Style

Dealing With Tantrums

And our favorite Book Recommendations here