The Reverence of Raising a Future Hero
How Observing and Trusting Your Child Can Shape Tomorrow’s World
Dear Guardians of Tomorrow's Heroes,
Imagine holding the potential for the future in your hands. That’s the incredible role we have as parents and educators. Every child is a seed of possibility, capable of growing into tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and heroes.
I think of Robby, a child who entered my third-grade classroom shivering with anxiety. Two years in elementary school had left him feeling defeated—he hadn’t yet learned to read, and the weight of those unmet expectations sat heavily on his small shoulders.
I assured Robby that we’d take it slow, starting from where he left off and working at his own pace. No hurry, no comparisons. As I spoke, I saw the tension leave his body. For the first time, he felt seen and supported.
Robby hated formal learning, so I reinvented his experience. Instead of assignments, I offered games. My classroom was stocked with matchbox cars, magnetic letters, and board games—tools that Robby could choose from freely. I assigned him his own shelf, filled with items that intrigued him, and soon he was excited to come to school. Day by day, as he played, he learned.
Listening to Robby’s fears and preferences transformed not only his attitude but also my approach to teaching. Robby showed me how to be a better teacher. He led the way, and I followed with faith and observation.
Twin Sparks of Inspiration
Guiding Words from Maria Montessori
“Perhaps a great future leader or a great genius is with us, and (their) power will come from the power of the child (they are) today. This is the vision which we must have.”
Inspirational Echoes from the World
“To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.” — Marilyn vos Savant
Parenting Pearls
Gem #1: Harness Reverence for Your Future Hero
Your child is a future hero. Isn’t that concept awe-inspiring? As a parent, you hold the power to shape tomorrow’s world by nurturing the character of your child today.
To help your child reach their full potential, start with faith. Every child is wired to grow, to strive for independence, and to develop into the person they were meant to be. Our role is to trust in that process and support it wholeheartedly.
As Maria Montessori put it:
“The first step is self-preparation of the imagination, for the (adult) has to visualize a child who is not yet there, materially speaking, and must have faith in the child who will reveal (themselves) through work.”
Gem #2: Be a Scientific Observer
Maria Montessori began her career in education not as a teacher but as a scientific observer. When she was assigned to care for the so-called “idiot children” at the University of Rome, she didn’t rely on preconceived notions. Instead, she observed.
Through meticulous observation, she discovered that these children were not defective—they were bored. They craved stimulation and knowledge.
She created materials that encouraged exploration, like puzzles and tools for cleaning, which matched their developmental stages. These children taught her how they wanted to learn and revealed their natural tendencies for discovery and independence.
This was the genesis of the Montessori Method: a teaching approach shaped by observing children, not by imposing an adult’s curriculum. Letting children lead the way, based on their needs and interests, is a principle that applies just as powerfully in the home as it does in the classroom.
Gem #3: Be the Custodian of Your Home
As a parent, your role isn’t to control your child but to shape the environment where they grow. A true educator provides an inviting, well-prepared space that encourages curiosity, exploration, and discovery.
This isn’t always easy—believe me, I know. Juggling a career while managing a home with curious toddlers is no small feat. But I’ve found that controlling the environment (rather than the child) is the key to preserving your sanity and fostering their independence.
For younger children, this might mean rotating toys, keeping fragile objects out of reach, or creating a designated play space. For older children, it’s about teaching them to take responsibility for their environment by tidying up after play and managing their belongings.
More details on this later, but the essence is simple: a well-prepared environment nurtures learning and independence, allowing your child to thrive.
Reflect and Respond: Your Turn to Shine
Think of a time when you had to place your faith in your child. How did it feel to trust their process?
How might you act as a "scientific observer" in your child’s life? What can you learn by watching how they interact with their world?
What changes can you make in your home to create an environment that inspires exploration and independence?
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.