Children are People Too

You might be wound too tight if you---

--you cringe when you see a child get on the plane--

I have been on both sides of this particular issue. We began traveling with our children from infancy. I have been on an airplane with unruly children. Well, children are people too and they need to get from place to place like the rest of us. On the other hand, parents have a responsibility to be prepared, and do their best to make the trip as pleasant for their child, and their fellow travelers.

Thinking back to the travels with my children, some 25 years ago, I do not recall the trips being very stressful for us or for the other passengers. My husband and I were well prepared for travel. The children had activities, snacks, gum, etc...to make the "down time" go by as quietly and enjoyably as possible. I am not looking for 'parent of the year' award. We just did the responsible thing all parents should do.

Our children went to restaurants, attended church, toured museums, and visited friends' homes. For the most part, they were well behaved; at least, we never got kicked out of a public place, and we were often invited back to friends' homes. If anything, the world is more child friendly now than it was 20 years ago. We didn't have those changing tables in public bathrooms, toys and computers in the children's area of the library, and fancy restaurants did not cater to children with highchairs.

I am all for being child friendly, look at my chosen profession. I am also a big fan of responsible parenting. In the fast-paced, instant gratification, over stimulating world we now live in with our children, I think responsible parenting is vitally important. Responsible parenting has and will always be vitally important.

Montessori

It is not hard to see how this topic applies to the Montessori community and the Montessori philosophy. Montessori parents, that is, people that choose a our schools for their children, are generally ahead of the curve, as far as parenting skills go. They want the best for their children and are usually, educated, involved, caring, and genuinely interested in doing the best job of parenting possible. They need our help and skill to support that effort.

The Montessori philosophy promotes raising and educating children to be full participants in life. They learn 'grace and manners' as part of the curriculum. We go beyond please and thank you; they learn to serve food to their friends, use words like 'excuse me' when wanting to ask a question, and the are able to stand still and wait to get attention and help from the teacher.

We are not trying to make the children 'obidient' as much as well adjusted human beings that can enjoy all aspects of life. Well behaved children get to do more and participate in more of what life has to offer. Adults and other children want to be around a child that has self control and an appreciation for what volume their voice needs to be in church compared to a playground. That is what we can accomplish in a caring and nurturing environment.