If you're like me, you might be at the beginning of your Montessori journey. The emphasis on respect, independence, and thoughtfully prepared spaces drew me in, but I feel like I am still figuring out how it all works day to day.

I’ve read The Montessori Toddler, I follow some Montessori Instagram accounts, and I’ve carefully arranged a few shelves and trays, but when it comes to real-life parenting moments, I still find myself asking if I am doing this right. 

To get some clarity, I sat down with Megan, a Montessori-trained teacher, to ask some common questions that come up for parents trying to bring Montessori into their homes. Whether you’re just starting out or need a little reassurance along the way, we hope her insights help you feel more grounded and confident.

Q: To start, what do I actually put on these empty shelves?

A: (Megan): You can start with what you have! There is no need to go out and start purchasing a ton of new toys or activities when you're starting out.

Q: How do you do shelves & activity trays with multiple siblings of different ages?

A: This can be tough. Depending on the ages and mobility of the children, there are a few things you can try. 
If safety is a concern:
   1. Keep the older child's activities at a higher level
   2. Use containers with lids to keep chokeables away from infant siblings
   3. Give a lesson to the older child about how to handle the younger child's materials. For example, you can orient your toddler to the baby's movement area. Show them how to touch the mobile and how to walk (slowly and around the mat) when the baby is playing. 

Personally, my children are close in age. I do not put anything out that they can't both use. 

Q: What should I do if my child isn’t interested in the materials I’ve set out?

A: First, know that this is very normal, and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. In Montessori, we prepare the environment based on careful observation, but sometimes it takes a little trial and error to find what truly meets your child’s developmental needs and interests in the moment.

If your child isn’t engaging with a material, pause and observe. What are they drawn to? How are they engaging with the material? A setup might not be as functional as we hoped, and needs a small adjustment. Maybe the material is too challenging, leading to frustration, or perhaps it’s too easy, which can result in misuse or boredom. That’s where observation becomes our most powerful tool. 

Q: Does your child have to go to a Montessori school in order for Montessori at home to be beneficial? 

A: Not at all. Montessori is not limited to the classroom. It is a philosophy of how we view and support children, and it can be incredibly powerful at home, even if your child attends a traditional school. Your home is your child’s first and most important environment. Even small changes, like slowing down your routines, involving your child in real-life tasks, or creating a predictable rhythm, can make a big difference.

Q: What do I do when my kids have friends over who don't know how to interact with the Montessori activities?

A: My advice for friends is to put shelf work away and just bring out the familiar and open-ended toys/activities (blocks, outdoor play, puzzles, crayons, play-dough--whatever you're comfortable with).

Q: Will setting things up so specifically limit my child’s creativity?

A: Not at all! Exploration is a huge part of Montessori. Our job is to orient the child to how to handle the material. They get to choose what they do with it (as long as it's respectful to the material and those around them). 

Q: Do you have ideas of how to store and organize out-of-rotation toys, crafts & books?

A: This process can be time-consuming to start, but it makes toy rotations much easier. You'll want to go through your child's things and get rid of anything that no longer serves them or your family -Ideas of how to store/organize out-of-rotation toys/crafts/books, 
anything broken, and anything with missing parts. Once that's done, I like to put activities into clear bags. All I have to do is take out a bag, put the contents on the shelf, and replace the previous activity into that bag. This way, all the pieces stay together, and I can see what I have. 

Q: How do I stay consistent when I feel overwhelmed or burned out?

A: Montessori doesn't demand perfection, instead, you're meant to observe, reflect, and respond with care. That includes caring for ourselves.

Consistency doesn’t mean doing everything the same way every day. In Montessori, consistency is about offering your child a sense of safety and predictability through clear boundaries, respectful communication, and a prepared environment. Even small efforts toward that can have a big impact.

When you’re burned out, it’s okay to simplify! Choose one or two things to focus on, like a calm morning rhythm or using respectful language, and let go of the rest for now. 

Q: What should I do if my child keeps rearranging the shelf or wants to put their own work out?

A: I might say, "Can I show you how to put this tray away? Okay, your turn!" It's okay for your shelves to be a little messy throughout the day. The goal is to make sure that a reset happens so they can access what they need and know where to find it! Maybe you clean up together before a nap/quiet time, or you reset at the end of the day. My point is, don't stress too much--this is your home, it will be lived in. The fewer toys and activities you have out, the easier it will be for you and your child to reset when it's time!

Q: Do I have to wait until they're not around to rearrange the shelves or get new items out for the rotation?

A: In an ideal Montessori environment, the adult prepares the space ahead of time without the child present. This helps set a clear, intentional invitation for how the materials are meant to be used, and can spark renewed interest when your child discovers the refreshed setup.

That said, many families don’t have the luxury of uninterrupted alone time, and that’s completely okay. If your child is around while you’re rotating materials or tidying the shelf, you can try to narrate what you’re doing in a calm, matter-of-fact way.

You can try: “I’m going to take this puzzle off the shelf and put this new one here instead.” This models care for the environment and can even spark conversations about materials they feel drawn to or might want to see on the shelves. 

The goal is to support independence within structure, not to create a perfect system. Use what works for your family rhythm.

If you're setting up your space in a way to invite self-motivated work, you'll want pieces that are accessible independently. Here are some ideas to make it work for your home and family!

• Bedroom accessibility: Creating a bedroom that they can access independently can empower them to care for themselves. This can include a Wardrobe or a Floor Bed. 
• Work Surfaces: A Large Table can create a dedicated space, while Chowki Tables offer a stackable, portable solution for smaller areas.
• Shelving: Keeps materials organized, visible, and accessible while reducing clutter.
• Practical Work: Ensure tools and surfaces are within reach. A Toddler Tower helps little ones join household tasks, or a Washing Station can provide a dedicated space.

Your home setup doesn't need to be permanent. Observe and adjust as needed. Most importantly, use what fits your family’s space, needs, and budget!

Have more questions or difficulties that you've run into? Let us know in the comments below!