Newborns

Mysterious force within a child

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Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social -Problem. The secret of childhood (pp. 29-36). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)

Thoughts after reading Part I: 6 The spiritual embryo: The incarnation

“The very fact that a child is not subject to fixed and predetermined guiding instincts is an indication of its innate liberty and freedom of action.” (p.31, para. 2)

Montessori looks at education at the importance of psychic development.  She explains a “mysterious force” which drives moves the body, helping the baby grow in many developmental areas.   Because of the special way in which human children develop, it is essential to provide them with an environment that will nurture their spirit as well as their physical development.

After my second daughter was born I was working at a Montessori school and was began studying Montessori Philosophy.  I tried to incorporate what I was learning into my parenting. Both of my children benefitted from being able to explore their environment in a less restrictive way. The result for my youngest daughter was toilet training at a very young age, as well as walking very early. Both children became very independent and enjoyed doing a lot of things for themselves.  Allowing them freedom to explore nurtured their spirit. This trait is still very present in both of their characters today.

Providing more than the necessities

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Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social -Problem. The secret of childhood (pp. 26-28). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)

Thoughts after reading PART I: 5. The natural instincts

“(O)ver and above the delicate care that is lavished upon the physical welfare of a newborn child, attention should be paid to its psychic needs as well.” (p.29, para. 3)

This chapter reminds the reader, that animals in nature show great care in the protection and welfare of our animals.  Their motives are instinctive.   I have the same desire to care and protect for my children.  Yet there is another important aspect, beyond physical care, that is important: spiritual or psychic needs.  It can be easy to get attached to scheduled feedings and diaper changes, but  as parents we are meant to truly nurture our children, passing on our love and wisdom. Providing just the basics without “love” and can be harmful to a child.

I loved singing to my babies.  Each child I cradled in arms and sang endless lullabies.  I will never forget my daughter, only months old, cooing along with me with the sweetest voice.  I tell her today, when she was young I gave her singing lessons.

I even wrote a special lullaby for each of my daughters.  This was an expression of love that I gave to them. Even though they are approaching their teenage years, they still want me to sing them their song.  I believe that singing to them nurtured their spirit from a very young age and today it connects them to feelings of comfort and safety they felt as babies.

 

 

A reflection on the treatment of newborns

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Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social -Problem. The secret of childhood (pp. 21-25). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)

Thoughts after reading PART I: 4. The Newborn

“A newborn child should not  simply be shielded from harm, but measures should also be taken to provide for psychic adjustment to the world about it.” (p. 23, para. 4)

As parents we do what we have learned from our own parents and our cultural surrounding.  Although we are rooted in expectations of our communities and families, should we at least consider whether or not our actions truly benefit the child?  At a minimum we should at least entertain the notion that although we try our best and may be doing what society deems as the best for our child, there may be a better way.

Montessori makes a great point when comparing the treatment of the mother, who has given birth, with the treatment of the baby.  The infant has just gone through a tremendous journey, entering an entirely new environment.  It is true the mother has endured a tremendous ordeal; however, it is incomparable in many respects.  Montessori reminds how animals warm their babies with their own bodies, giving of their own heat to the child instead of wrapping them in clothing which can be restrictive and unnatural compared to the womb-like environment from which they came.  The process of using a midwife for my second child was a much different experience and I believe that both of us benefited from a more natural approach to childbirth.