The Secret of Childhood Chapter Discussion

Parental influence

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Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social -Problem. The secret of childhood (pp. 7-12). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)

Thoughts after reading PART I: 1. The Era of the Child

“It is the spirit of the child that can determine the course of human progress and lead it perhaps even to a higher form of civilization.” (p. 7 para 3)

Parents have a huge influence on their children’s life, especially in terms of their mental health.  Scars from childhood are not easily cured.  Traumatic experiences may be suppressed, but not entirely forgotten.

I try to be aware of how I treat my children.  Like all parents, I make mistakes. I attempt to validate my children’s experiences by acknowledging my errors and communicating with them as best as I can.  I also try to allow them room to create and express themselves.

Maria dives into the subject matter, evaluating the subconscious mind and discussing the difficulty involved in “curing” adults with mental illness. Most issues stem from childhood conflicts with parents or other adults.  Children who are treated with respectfully and allowed the joy of spontaneity  have a much better chance of becoming psychologically healthy adults.

Humanity depends on the child!

/ Cosmicnissa / Leave a comment

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Montessori, M., & Costelloe, M. J. (1972). Introduction, Childhood: A Social Problem. The secret of childhood (pp. 1-5). New York: Ballantine Books. (Original work published 1966)

Thoughts after reading INTRODUCTION: CHILDHOOD: A SOCIAL PROBLEM

“(C)hildhood constitutes the most important element in an adult’s life, for it is in his early years that a man is made.” (p. 4, para 4)

What is life like for our children today? How do we subject our children to our adult world?  How do they fit into our society? What kind of adults will our children become?  How will the future of our world evolve in their hands?

As an adult, it is easy to get caught up in your own activities.  When I am stressed because of finances or my own hectic schedule, it is harder for me to find the time to spend with my own children.  Recently, I made adjustments in my life to be able to enjoy my time with them more.  It remains a challenge not to add more onto my plate, because my own ambitions continually grow.

I want my children to feel like they belong in our home, and that their needs, emotional and physical, are met. So much of who my children become will be dependent of their childhood experiences.

Maria had a vision involving the importance of the child.  She did not see the “improved status” of children during her time to be enough. Ultimately the whole fate of humanity depends on the child!