A Little Foreword
Welcome to the first entry of this new series! If you know me a little, you have probably heard me talk about saving memories of all sorts and trying to keep track of all the special moments with my little one(s). Well, I figured I may as well follow my own advice by creating a monthly journal with the highlights of each month. I specifically thought I’d focus on these aspects: our adventures (however big or small), on child development, and reflections on parenting.
The aim of this blog series? To hold myself accountable to take note, at least once a week of these moments and thoughts, and re-create a habit of regular journaling. So, after having started “The Audio Diary“, comes this monthly journal series, and hopefully it will encourage me to keep a more detailed private journal for myself again as well.
Our Adventures
Bruges Winter Glow
This month we went to Bruges and followed the Light Experience Trail organised during Wintergloed (Winter Glow). It’s a 3km walk through the city and this year the light installations were created around the theme of “Fire & Ice”. I had James wrapped up in the sling against me, and Arthur had taken a nap in the car during the drive and then sat on his dad’s shoulders. Needless to say that this activty was a big hit. Arthur loved all of it, and some installations were interactive! We went in the beginning of the month, and just the other day he was talking about it still! This is definitely an activity we’ll repeat in the future.
S for Snow… and Scooter!
This month we’ve also had snow, which Arthur was extremely excited about! That said he also discovered that behind the beauty of frosted leaves and the crunching grass under hi feet, there is also the slippery aspect of ice that he hadn’t expected… So he also became very cautious.
Arthur has also tried out a scooter in our local sports store and enjoyed it so much he wanted to bring it home. We agreed that’s we wait for a later date to get one. When we returned a week or so later, the expression on his face both read happiness and something close to “I don’t deserve this, is this really happening?”. That evening he was rolling it around the appartment, and he told me “I’m happy”, with a big smile.
Reflections of a Parent
In Montessori we talk about the four planes of development, and how the first and third planes have a lot in common. I truly feel like I’m seeing this these past 2 weeks. Arthur is clearly trying to find his way socially, assert himself and learn to respect certain limits and boundaries. While this may not be something that teenagers will like to hear, toddlers are a little like them in many regards (on a different level, of course). While I knew this in theory, I have been experiencing it for real, now.
When I look back at the month I really see we’ve had beautiful moments and the tougher ones really have been a learning curve. I’ve also realised that there’s parenting in theory, and then there’s parenting in real life. Sometimes they align well, sometimes you have to get creative, and be *really* patient.
I’ve also become increasingly aware of generational patterns that resurface. So I continue to do the work and have compassion for myself and my toddler. And I have noticed the work pays off.
I have seen again and again that even when he’s at his most upset, he listens to everything I say and remembers it. This is a reminder to be kind and loving. Words are extremely powerful. Sometimes it is better to say nothing than to say something that will hurt. Even more so when it is to a little one who looks for you for guidance, protection and love.
Concluding Thoughts
I hope you enjoy this new blog series. I’m looking forward to it for sure! Next month is going to be full of adventures and I can’t wait to share all about it! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @littlemontessoribears, where you’ll surely get a peek into what we’ll be up to (hint: we’re going on a big trip! Eeek!)!
Would you like more out of this blog series? I’m inviting you to join “The Audio Diary“, a private podcast, in which you can have an exclusive look, week-by-week for an entire year, into how a Montessori expert and mother navigates creating intentional spaces for baby, integrating Maria Montessori’s philosophy, while experiencing normal parenting challenges.
