Henry and the Banana

Kylie wrote the nicest post about our book collaboration yesterday (well, I'm not really sure which day it was, since the time difference between the United States and Australia is pretty discombobulating to me).

Then in her most recent post, she linked to a video of Henry peeling a banana. Coincidentally, I had just filmed a new video of him peeling a banana. His independence is growing every day. It's the sweetest thing to watch. 

I took Henry out to lunch for some Ethiopian food with colleagues today. One of my friend's said, "Henry seems so independent and comfortable." I explained that it's probably because we implement Montessori in the home. Another friend said, "It's probably because of who his parents are." 

But honestly, who we are as parents can't be separated from the Montessori method. The Montessori principles shape our overarching approach to life with Henry. We know that we should try not to do things for him that he can do for himself, and we know that involving him in the practical life activities of our home is very important at this age. Just today, he put his diapers in the pail, carried his snack plate of grapes and cheese cubes to his weaning table (well, he made it halfway there before stopping to eat a grape), he helped Matt carry the compost bucket, he put away Hoss's leash after our evening walk, and he fed Hoss. He seems to love doing these things. I think it helps him develop in all the right ways (fine-motor skills, coordination, problem-solving, critical thinking, gross motor skills), and I think it helps him feel important and useful. It feels like we're helping him build the strongest possible foundation of confidence and self-worth. I am so eager for him to start attending an AMI-credentialed Montessori school in August.

In the meantime, I need to order some kid-sized kitchen equipment, so I can start teaching Henry the skills in our book.

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