Shelf Help

This week's episode is our first in our new mini summer series where we are diving into smaller topics. Today's episode is all about reading with older children, specifically reading chapter books. Nicole and Amy share some of their favorite chapter book recommendations and more about why they still choose to read aloud even to their older children.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/06/FavoriteChapterBooksforKids.html

Montessori parenting is so full of joy and wonder. In this week's episode, Amy and Nicole are sharing some of their personal highlights and "ah-ha" moments of bringing Montessori into their homes. We hope this helps you take some time to reflect on the ways that Montessori has brought joy into your parenting. Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/06/MontessoriParentingHighlightsPodcast.html

As Montessori parents we need to balance our child's freedom of movement with safety. We always want to make sure our children are safe and able to explore their environments. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy offer tips on how to balance safety, our own expectations, and our Montessori environment, particularly with babies and toddlers. We dive into sleep spaces, multiple age spaces, and adult spaces.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/06/MontessoriBabySafetyPodcast.html

In a Montessori environment manners are approached differently than in many traditional spaces. In Montessori grace and courtesy lessons are used to give children the keys to unspoken social rules. In this week's episode we address how to give grace and courtesy lessons, what to do when challenges arise, and how to engage older children in these important lessons.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/05/MontessoriGraceCourtesyLessons.html

In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about ten Montessori terms you should know when using Montessori at home. These Montessori fundamentals are important to understanding how children learn and develop. Nicole and Amy give examples of how to apply these terms in your Montessori home and how they influence Montessori parents. Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/05/MontessoriTermsToKnow.html

This week, Nicole and Amy are tired from dealing with sleep regressions. So they play a quick game of Montessori true and false answering listener questions and assumptions. In this episode, they address whether Montessori is just for the rich, if it's right for every child, whether they want more babies, and more!  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/05/IsMontessoriForEveryChild.html

RIE®️ is a respectful childcare method created by Magda Gerber. With it's emphasis on intentional caregiving and predictable environments RIE®️ is beautiful. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss RIE®️ and how its principles are similar and different to Montessori for infants and toddlers. We share our experiences with RIE®️, which parts speak most to us, and which parts we find challenging.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/05/MontessoriRIEbabiestoddlerspodcast.html

Montessori bedrooms can look and feel a lot of different ways depending on a family's space. In this episode, we talk about how they have used Montessori to create their children's sleeping spaces. They explore the qualities that are important to find in Montessori bedrooms. Finally, they address some of the challenges of creating a bedroom space including sharing rooms and what toys to have in the bedroom.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/04/shelf-help-ep-49-montessori-bedrooms.html 

This week we return to the topic of screen time and answer some listener questions about how we approach certain screen time scenarios. Questions included how we approach sports, restaurants and traveling. Again, we stress that every family will make decisions that feel right for their own individual families and children.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/04/montessoriscreentimeqa.html

Tiny babies can interact with their environment in so many interesting ways. The Montessori mobiles offer a variety of interesting experiences for babies to explore in developmentally appropriate ways. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about their experiences with Montessori mobiles. We address a variety of mobiles, when to introduce them, and how we use them.  Show Notes here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/04/shelf-help-ep47-montessori-baby-mobiles.html

Screen time can be a hot button issue for many parents. This week, Nicole and Amy approach screen time from a Montessori perspective. We discuss some Montessori principles that influence our choices to limit screen time with our families. We share how much screen time we allow and what television shows we show our children.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/03/shelf-help-ep-46-how-we-approach-screen.html 

As the world slowly reopens, many of us are looking forward to seeing family and friends again. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss how they approach family members and friends who may not be into or know about Montessori. How do we open up these parenting conversations in these cases? This episode includes a discussion on how we approach grandparents, cousins, screen time, and playdates.  Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/03/shelf-help-ep-45-when-grandparents-and.html

In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about raising intuitive eaters and developing a healthy relationship to food. We talk about how we balance offering choice, providing structure, and trust when it comes to eating. We share some of the challenges our families have faced and some of the ways we are scaffolding our kids to success.  Show Notes here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/03/shelf-help-ep-44-food-struggles-and.html

Themed shelves for every holiday? Weekly shelf rotations? Open ended toys? In this week's episode Nicole and Amy discuss toy rotations in their Montessori homes. We talk about how we approach toy rotations, themed work, and our rotation rhythms. From our own observations, to actually choosing toys, we talk about everything toy rotations.  Show Notes here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/02/shelf-help-ep-43-little-shelf-rotation.html 

Deciding on a school can be difficult choice for many families. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about what they look for when deciding on a Montessori school for their children. They examine some of the "must haves" and some of the things that would give them pause about specific schools. They also have an honest discussion on the pros and cons of public verses private Montessori schools. Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/02/shelf-help-ep-42-choosing-montessori.html 

In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy address breastfeeding and weaning. From those early newborn days through toddlerhood, Montessori parents can enjoy a breastfeeding relationship with their children. We discuss how to create an environment to support that relationship, and how to respectfully stop nursing when the time comes.  Show Notes here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/02/shelf-help-ep-41-montessori-and.html

Amy is back with her new baby Frances! In this week's episode, we catch up with Amy to see how she and her family are adjusting to their new baby. This week we talk about using Montessori from birth and how that can be different in many ways from mainstream parenting. Nicole and Amy discuss Montessori newborn basics including care routines, playtime, and helping siblings to adjust.  Show Notes here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/02/shelf-help-ep-40-fourth-trimester.html 

With Amy still on maternity leave we have another question and answer session! We talk about a variety of topics including the Montessori approach to chore charts, to baby routines, and baby gates. Nicole and Amy also have a long discussion about toddler independence, separation anxiety and what to do when toddler's say "no!" Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/01/shelf-help-ep-39-q-part-2.html 

Amy's baby has been born and she is officially on maternity leave. Today we have part 1 of a pre-recorded question and answer session where we answer a variety of Montessori questions submitted on our Instagrams. We talk about everything from Montessori with older kids, play spaces for 1-year-olds, and how to approach kids that aren't interested in independent work.  Show notes found here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/01/shelf-help-ep-38-baby-is-here-lets-q.html 

With Amy on maternity leave, Nicole welcomes her husband Morgan to Shelf Help. They discuss how they started using Montessori and his role within their home. He shares his favorite and least favorite parts of Montessori at home. We also discuss how to get on the same page with Montessori with your parenting partner and answer listener questions about dads and Montessori.    Find Show Notes here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2021/01/shelf-help-ep-37-being-parenting-team.html

In the last episode for 2020, Nicole and Amy chat about their birth stories. As Amy's due date approaches, we reminisce about our previous pregnancies, and birth experiences. From hospital births with interventions, to pain free unmedicated labor, we talk about how our babies were born and the first times we met each of our children. (CW: Miscarriage)

The Montessori approach to potty learning looks a lot different than a traditional "potty training" method. In this week's episode Nicole and Amy introduce the concept of potty learning and talk about what that process looks like for their families. We discuss everything from toilet awareness with infants to transitioning to undies and what happens when there is an accident.  Show Notes found here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/12/shelf-help-ep-35-introduction-to.html

Holiday celebrations look different for every family. As Montessori families we are looking for ways to include our children in our celebrations in active and meaningful ways. In today's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss their Christmas traditions and how they include their children in the celebrations. From secular to religious ideas, we discuss how we will celebrate this holiday season. Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/11/shelf-help-ep-34-christmas.html

There is a lot of pressure for young children to freely share toys and navigate social situations on their own. As Montessori parents, Nicole and Amy don't make their children share and instead let their children use toys for as long as they want. In this week's episode, we discuss how we approach sharing, waiting, and the emotions that come from learning to relate to other people. Show Notes Here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/11/shelf-help-ep-33-why-we-dont-make-our.html

The Montessori math curriculum is one incredible part of a Montessori education. From concrete to abstraction, children use hands on mathematical materials to learn the ins and outs of mathematics. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy dive into the world of Montessori math explaining a little about how it works, why it works, and how we support our children's mathematical minds at home.  Find show notes here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/11/shelf-help-ep-32-beauty-of-montessori.html

Nicole and Amy are back from fall break to talk about the holidays! In this week's episode, we are catching up and sharing how we approach Santa in our homes. While every Montessori family will find their own rhythm when it comes celebrations. We also address the Tooth Fairy and Easter Bunny. Honest Santa discussion starts at 23 minutes. Show Notes found here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/11/shelf-ep-31-our-approaches-toward-santa.html

Nicole and Amy are celebrating 30 episodes of Shelf Help this week with a question and answer session. We are answering a bunch of questions about budgets, getting spouses on board with Montessori, sound games, and so much more.  Find Show Notes Here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/10/shelf-help-ep-30-your-questions-answered.html Shelf Help will return from fall break on October 26.

Amy is feeling really pregnant lately, so this episode, we check in about how she is preparing for baby. From the perfect age gaps between children to baby must haves, Nicole and Amy discuss the things you need and don't need for baby. This discussion includes our Montessori thoughts on baby bath tubs, socks, sleep sacks, and more traditional "must haves."  Find show notes here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/10/shelf-help-ep-29-preparing-your-baby.html

Sometimes it's important as a parent to let go of a little control and say yes to your kids. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about the power of saying yes as Montessori parents. We explore the benefits, challenges, and opportunities that come along with really and deeply following your child.  Show Notes can be found here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/09/shelf-help-ep-28-being-yes-parent.html

How do open ended toys fit into a Montessori home? What is the deal with pretend play? What kinds of open-ended toys are best? What should you look for when considering adding open ended toys? In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy answer these questions and dive into the world of pretend play and open-ended toys.  Show Notes found here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/09/shelf-help-ep-27-montessori-and-open.html

Toddlers are so different from babies, and their environment needs to change to meet their needs. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about the transition into toddlerhood and children's changing needs as they turn 1-year-old. From gross motor needs, to practical life and toys, we explore everything you need to know for your young toddler.  Show Notes Here: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/09/shelf-help-ep-26-transitioning-to.html

It can be a huge challenge to balance work and parenting. Parents can feel so much guilt being pulled between their children and their work. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss working motherhood. We address how we balance work, children, housework and relationships in our Montessori home. And, share our experiences with working both inside and outside our homes.   Find show notes here: http://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/09/shelf-help-ep-25-balancing-parenting.html

A capsule wardrobe is a small and intentional wardrobe for each member of your family which can align well with Montessori parenting. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss why they have decided to use capsule wardrobes with their children. They give tips on how they create their capsules, including how laundry works, and the number of options they need.  Find Show Notes here: http://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/08/shelf-help-ep-24-using-capsule-wardrobe.html

An important part of parenting is dealing with big feelings and emotions from your children, especially around limit setting. In this week’s episode, Nicole and Amy discuss limit setting in Montessori environments and how they gently and respectfully respond to big feelings and limit testing in their homes.They give some examples of how to respond to tantrums, hitting, and sass around limits.  Find Show Notes here: http://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/08/shelf-help-ep-23-handling-big-emotions.html 

Birthdays are a wonderful way to celebrate your child but can come with some stress over gifts. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss how they approach birthdays in their Montessori families. This episode includes a discussion on how we approach gift giving with friends and extended families.  Show Notes are here: http://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/08/shelf-help-ep-22-birthday-celebrations.html

Montessori parents often take a different approach to the books that we choose for our homes. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy look at the qualities of Montessori friendly books and how they approach reading to their children at different ages. We dive into why we delay fantasy, including a brief discussion on Santa. Show Notes here: http://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/07/shelf-help-ep-21-montessori-library.html

Parents all around the world are trying to figure out how Covid-19 will effect their lives as school starts this fall. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss their plans for school and life this fall as their schools decide whether or not to open. We share our feelings, our plans, and some tips for homeschooling.  Find show notes here: http://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/07/shelf-help-ep-20-whats-going-to-happen.html 

Let's talk about siblings! From welcoming a new baby to managing conflict, having multiple children can be a challenge. This week, Amy and Nicole talk about their experiences with sibling relationships. We share our experiences with welcoming new babies, dealing with biting and conflict, and nurturing relationships between siblings in a Montessori home.  Find show notes here: http://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/07/shelf-help-ep-19-building-sibling.html

Let’s talk storage solutions — behind many Montessori spaces is a well organized storage system! From books and toys to art supplies and clothing, Nicole and Amy are sharing their favorite storage and rotation solutions. Here are some tips on what has worked and what hasn’t in their Montessori homes.   Show Notes can be found here: http://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2020/06/shelf-help-ep-18-getting-organized.html   Shelf Help will return July 13 after a quick break.

Amy has a huge surprise! In today's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about pregnancy and preparing for a baby in a Montessori home. From movement areas, to baby essentials and the importance of floor time, we discuss getting started with Montessori from birth.  *find show notes on TheKavanaughReport.com*

As a Montessori parent we might feel a lot of pressure to be perfect all of the time. In today's episode, Nicole and Amy break down this myth and talk about the times where they struggle to keep calm and respond with grace. We talk about strategies we use with our children, with our environment, and with ourselves to find calm. Plus, a look at what to do after you lose your cool. 

Black lives matter. In this episode, Nicole and Amy address the recent murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests. As Montessori parents we strive to be anti-racist and we share and answer some questions that parents can use for themselves to get started on that journey. 

The outdoor prepared environment is just as important as being important as being indoors. There are abundant opportunities to follow your child and learn a variety of skills. With a summer of play right around the corner Nicole and Amy discuss outdoor play with their Montessori families. From pools to nature, to bikes, gardening, and loose parts, in this episode we talk about how we are keeping busy outside this summer. 

What does bedtime look like in a Montessori family? The answer will vary for everyone as families follow their individual children and their own sleep needs. In this week’s episode Nicole and Amy answer one of your most commonly asked questions and share their bedtime routines and experiences with sleep. We chat about everything from balancing independence, to what we’re reading before bed and how we make it work with multiple kids.

Games are a fun way to connect with your child and teach new concepts. But, games are also a great way for children to practice a variety of social-emotional skills. From patience, and turn-taking to wining and losing, games gently introduce these concepts to children. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about some of their favorite Montessori friendly games and how and when they introduce games in their families. 

The bond between a pet and a child can be very beautiful to witness. In a Montessori home, animals provide opportunities to practice social, emotional, and practical life skills. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss the benefits and challenges of having pets and children. We also discuss how we've helped our  children deal with the death of a beloved family pet. 

Children are born with strong desire to move freely. In Montessori, freedom of movement is respected from birth both at home and in the classroom. In this week's episode Nicole and Amy are chatting about natural gross motor development and how our choices as parents influence our child's ability to move. In particular, we discuss how our clothing choices can help or hinder our children throughout their childhood. We'll get into the do's and don'ts of natural gross motor movement from birth.   

*This episode was recorded before Covid-19 and shelter-in-place orders so we mention being out in our communities.*  Introducing food to your baby can be a fun new adventure for both you and your child. In Montessori we call this process weaning. In today's episode Amy and Nicole discuss their experiences with weaning and preparing their homes for introducing solids. Plus we dive into why and how we use a weaning table for starting solids with babies and young toddlers.   

As a Montessori parent, the language you use with your children matters. Ultimately the decisions you make will effect everything from how your children learn to read, to how comfortable they coming to you as they grow up. In today's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about their do's and don'ts for language development as Montessori parents. This includes why the ABC song is out but swear words are in! Plus, Amy has an exciting announcement.

Montessori is an aid to life and can be used from birth through adulthood as a framework for education and parenting. In today's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about Montessori parenting with children in the second plane of development - from ages 6 to 12. We also have our first guests - Charlotte and Henry - our second plane children to talk about what it's like to live in a Montessori home and go to a Montessori elementary school. Join us for an honest look at the beauty and challenges of the second plane of development.  *Please note that this episode was recorded prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Like many families around the world, Amy and Nicole are busy trying to balance their new roles as homeschooling and distance learning families with their regular lives as Montessori parents. With children out of school, we are learning new rhythms and facing new challenges - including trying to find some silence! In today's episode, we share some Montessori ideas to balance it all. Plus, lots of great, easy to incorporate ideas for keeping your kids from babies to big kids busy and happy at home.