“I can do it myself!”

It’s a phrase many parents hear as their children grow—and in Montessori, that desire for independence is encouraged.

Independence doesn’t mean children have to do everything alone. It means giving them age-appropriate opportunities to try, make choices, solve small problems, and participate in everyday life.

The good news is that you don’t need a Montessori classroom at home to encourage these skills. Small changes to your family’s daily routine can make a big difference.

1. Make Everyday Items Easy to Reach

One simple way to encourage independence is to create spaces your child can use without always needing an adult’s help.

Consider placing a few everyday items at your child’s level, such as:

• A low hook for their backpack or jacket

• A small basket for shoes

• A step stool near the sink

• A low shelf for toys or books

• Child-sized cups, plates, or utensils

When children can safely reach what they need, they have more opportunities to take responsibility for themselves.

2. Let Them Help With Real Tasks

Children often want to participate in the same activities they see adults doing.

Instead of always saying, “I’ll do it,” give your child a small job they can manage.

Depending on their age, they might help:

• Put clothes in the laundry basket

• Set napkins on the table

• Water a plant

• Put toys away

• Wipe up a small spill

• Carry their plate to the kitchen

These may seem like simple chores, but to a young child, they are opportunities to develop coordination, responsibility, and confidence.

3. Give Simple Choices

Independence also means learning how to make decisions.

Instead of offering unlimited choices, give your child two appropriate options.

For example:

“Would you like the blue shirt or the green shirt?”

“Would you like an apple or a banana?”

This allows children to practice decision-making while parents still provide clear boundaries.

4. Give Them Time to Try

It can be tempting to step in when your child struggles with a zipper, spills something, or takes a long time to put on their shoes.

When it’s safe to do so, give them a little extra time.

Trying, making mistakes, and trying again are important parts of learning. Children build confidence when they discover, “I figured it out!”

You can always offer guidance when they truly need help.

5. Create Simple Routines

Predictable routines help children understand what they are responsible for each day.

A morning routine might include getting dressed, putting pajamas away, brushing teeth, and putting on shoes.

At bedtime, children might put toys away, choose a book, place dirty clothes in a basket, and get ready for bed.

As these routines become familiar, children may begin completing more steps with less assistance.

Independence Takes Practice

Encouraging independence doesn’t happen overnight. Some days your child may want to do everything themselves, while other days they may need more help—and that’s okay.

The goal is to continue giving children opportunities to participate, practice, and grow.

In Montessori, we believe children are capable of much more than we sometimes realize. By creating an environment that allows them to safely try things for themselves, we help build confidence, responsibility, and important life skills.

See Montessori Independence in Action

Want to see how Montessori encourages independence throughout the school day?

At Kids Village Montessori, children are given age-appropriate opportunities to learn, explore, make choices, and develop practical life skills in a supportive environment.

Schedule a tour today and discover how Montessori can help your child grow in confidence and independence.