Thankful Thoughts
Cultivating Gratitude Through Montessori Moments
Dear Montessori Family,
Yesterday, we celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving, a day filled with the cozy chaos of cooking with my daughters. They danced and sang (perhaps a tad too loudly) while they garnished the ham and transformed the appetizers into edible masterpieces. Their eagerness to master the art of my super-succulent turkey and spiced ham was truly heartwarming.
My young ladies also took charge of setting the table, infusing it with elegance using lace and flowers, perfectly complementing our autumn-themed decor. Both my athletes swiftly came to my aid whenever I needed help reaching high shelves or lifting heavy items. Their presence was a comforting embrace.
Oh, the joys of seeing the fruits of parenting!
In this city, where my biological family is far away, I've nurtured a large clan over the years, many from our Montessori community. Their daughters, now in their early thirties, still join us, making our gatherings even more special.
Acknowledging that some friends faced health challenges or work commitments, I gave the mothers a well-deserved break and invited our daughters to contribute to the menu. It was a beautiful way to honor their skills and celebrate togetherness.
And celebrate we did! The dishes they brought were nothing short of delightful: gluten-free, dairy-free stuffing, spicy smashed potatoes, air-fried Brussels sprouts, and baked butternut squash with goat cheese. We topped it all off with pumpkin cookies and a quinoa chocolate cake.
The true spirit of Thanksgiving was palpable in our home, filling my heart with immense gratitude.
Twin Sparks of Inspiration
· Guiding Words from Maria Montessori
"I have observed for myself the exuberance, the generosity with which the nature of the child responds to scientific education. This observation left me thoughtful and filled with awe; and I became a faithful follower of the child’s spirit. ”
· Inspirational Echoes from the World
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all the others.” -Cicero
Gem #1: Thankfulness for Small Victories
Our Montessori children weren’t always little angels. Each had their trials—tantrums, defiance, insecurities. We persevered, nurturing their academic and social blossoming with the support of our strong community.
I recall one daughter, notorious for dodging chores with ninja-like stealth. Whenever I asked her to set the table or take out the recycling, she'd vanish, only to be found playing with neighbors. "I was capable, Mommy," she later confessed. "I just didn’t like doing it."
Seeing her now joyfully setting the table to the tune of Taylor Swift fills me with pride.
Gem #2: Children’s Generosity in Their Love of Learning
Children possess a natural wonder for learning, from table manners to the names of geometric shapes. Maria Montessori marveled at the child’s capacity to absorb knowledge like the sweetest fruit.
This generous spirit in learning is something I’m deeply grateful for—it enriches them and us.
Gem #3: Gratitude for Growth
Let’s pause to appreciate the quiet moments that enrich our daily lives—the intense focus of a child on a puzzle or their determination in tying their shoes.
I vividly remember my three-year-old proudly reciting the Seven Continents at dinner, a testament to the rich environment Montessori education offers.
What small moments make you thankful?
Reflect and Respond: Your Turn to Shine
This Thanksgiving, as we reflect on the growth and learning our children display, let's also nurture our gratitude. Share with us what you and your child are most thankful for this season.
Let’s grow a garden of gratitude together!
Together in your journey,
Susie
Susie Antonia, is the author of The Montessori Advantage. She is an educator with rich experiences from Canada, England, and the Philippines, who believes children are our future heroes. With decades steeped in the Montessori teaching method, she offers a wealth of practical parenting tips and heartwarming stories from the classroom.
Whether you're a parent navigating the maze of modern upbringing or an educator seeking a kindred spirit, you've found your tribe. Join Susie for an enriching experience that's as educational as it is inspiring.