“A child’s love is by nature simple. He loves in order that he may receive impressions which will furnish him with means of growth.” (p.103-104, para. 6)

Thoughts after reading PART 1: 17. The Intelligence of Love

When you love someone or something, you pay particular attention to the details. Your child pays a lot of attention to you and notices everything.  When they go to bed at night they want you to linger with them, they will miss you if you are not there.  When you are working, they want to be with you.  When you run an errand, they want to come with.  They love you and want to be with you.  It really is a simple truth.  As a parent you are your child’s love.  In this context, how can a parent not relish the opportunity to spend time with their child.  As they grow older they will find new loves.  Perhaps music, sports, or science will attract them in such a way that they will want to spend their time caught up with a new attraction.

In an inspiring environment, such as a Montessori classroom, a child is attracted to the many activities and discoveries that await them.  The teacher will introduce them to work, that will invoke a new love. As a Montessori teacher, I sought to spark a child’s curiosity and give him tools that he needed to find the answers to his curiosity.  I wanted to child to discover a love for learning.

Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social -Problem. The secret of childhood (pp. 103-107). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)