There are many ways to approach parenting and education. In this second installment of our series, we catch up with demi—a Certified Montessori Teacher, Childcare Worker, and mother of two—to discover simple ways to set up your home environment so your child can build independence and gain that proud "I did it myself!" confidence.
Meet demi
- Role: Certified Montessori Teacher / Childcare Worker / Home Organization Educator
- Background: Founder of Osaka Montessori Classroom (for ages 1–6). Shares practical "At-Home Montessori" parenting tips on Instagram. Mother of two boys (born in 2017 & 2022).
- Credentials: Certified Montessori Teacher (Diploma from North American Montessori Center, 3–6 years), Licensed Childcare & Japanese Language Teacher.
Q: How is "At-Home Montessori" different from a Montessori school?
demi: In a Montessori classroom, children’s daily activities are called "work." Just as adults work to live, children’s "work" is to develop and grow themselves. Classrooms have specialized learning materials, experienced teachers, and mixed-age peers.
Recreating a full classroom at home is practically impossible—and that's totally okay! "At-Home Montessori" is about adapting the core philosophy to everyday life.
Home is where real life happens: getting dressed in the morning, setting the table, cleaning up spills. In Montessori education, mastering these daily life skills is the absolute foundation for child development.
It is always faster for parents to do things ourselves, but when we prepare the environment and patiently guide children to try, fail, and succeed, they build independence. Plus, mastering daily physical tasks actually supports brain development, motor skills, and logical thinking later on!
Q: What is the most important mindset for practicing Montessori at home?
demi: Cherishing everyday life over buying expensive learning materials.
For children aged 0 to 6, their unspoken motto is: "Help me do it by myself!" They naturally want to do everything adults do (even when they're not quite ready, leading to those famous "I do it!" tantrums!).
To support this natural urge to grow:
- Demonstrate everyday chores and routines first.
- Let them choose what they want to try.
- Allow them to concentrate and repeat without interrupting.
- Let them decide when they are finished.
By patiently watching over them—mistakes and all—and adjusting the environment to help them succeed on their own, both their mind and body thrive.
Q: What kind of children's furniture do you recommend from a Montessori perspective?
demi: Right-sized furniture tailored to a child’s body is crucial because children are strongly influenced by their surroundings.
I actually use the Norsta Bookshelf at home! Front-facing bookshelves are wonderful because children can easily see the covers and choose books independently.
The height is perfect for 1 to 2-year-olds to reach on their own, and it feels sturdy and safe without tipping over. The bottom shelf also has enough clearance to hold heavy picture books and encyclopedias, making it super practical for almost all our books.
Key Takeaway
yamatoya's storage furniture is thoughtfully designed with low, accessible heights that encourage children to take out and put away items on their own.
Whether you want to fully practice Montessori or simply help your child feel the joy of "I did it!", setting up a child-friendly environment with yamatoya furniture is a wonderful place to start!
