"Respect for the Child"

• September 1, 2018
• Teresa Smith

Respect for the child

There are a few core principles followed in Montessori homes and classrooms around the world. One of the most important is a deep respect for the child. Dr. Maria Montessori saw the child as a whole person from the beginning. This means they deserve respect from the day they are born. It can be helpful to ask yourself, during every interaction with a child, “Is this respectful?”, “Is this how I, an adult, would expect to be treated?”

In a Montessori Environment, this ideal takes many forms. Read on for a few key examples.

• 1. Respect for the child's developing language. This means we listen to young children who may be “just babbling.” This is their way of communicating with us – a very human desire. The more we listen and respond, the more we understand and the more they are encouraged to strengthen those muscles needed for speaking. It also means that we do not interrupt them in their efforts to express themselves, nor do we speak for them.
   
• 2. Respect for the child's effort. Being a young child is all about practising. It is important to respect the time it takes to master a skill and the many repetitions needed before mastery occurs. This means that we do not interrupt when a child is focused on a task, no matter how mundane it may seem to us. We do not 'take over' or 'step in' unless the child asks for help. Then we give only a little bit of help and step back to allow the child to continue his effort.
   
• 3. Respect for the child's body. This means that, before the child is crawling or walking, we do not pick them up without first telling them they are about to be picked up. This gives them a moment to consent and it tells them that their body is their own. Once they are able to walk, we let them walk as much as possible because we know that they are developing the muscles and coordination necessary for balance on two feet. This idea extends to helping the child develop body awareness in toileting, giving them the proper names for all their body parts, always asking before we give them a hug, and respecting their answer.
   
• 4. Respect for the child's inner thoughts. We know that children understand far more than they can communicate. So, we show respect by not discussing them as though they are not present. We also respect their developing brains by offering high quality information and real-world experiences which will nourish them and feed their curiosity. Children have rich inner lives and they love to share their ideas. By providing them with space and time to think and daydream, we are showing that we respect their inner lives. If we're lucky, they will share their thoughts with us.
   

By showing respect for your young child, you are teaching them how to treat others and you are demonstrating that every person deserves respect. This lesson, learned so early in life, will follow them and will impact how they interact with everyone they meet.