Here are some helpful tips when it comes to making the most out of playtime with your growing child:

1. Respect their developmental needs, and know every child needs different things and grows at different paces.

2. Observe sensitive periods and interests. In Montessori, we say, follow the child, and they will guide you. Observe and follow their lead.

3. Allow for independence and respect their desires. The environment should encourage their autonomy, and everything at their level should be safe and readily available for them to use.

4.Toy rotation, remove toys that are no longer of interest and reintroduce them a couple of weeks later.

5. For their emotional intelligence, and allow for frustration (the growth mindset); things will be difficult but encourage them to keep trying.

6. Lastly, in Montessori, we respect the child's boy. We always ask or tell them what we are doing before doing it. This is important throughout life (do you want someone touching you without asking or telling you first?)