Painter Mommy

Fun stuff in the Everyday Life of a Busy Mom & Entrepreneur

Free Summer Activities for Kids

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Can you believe it’s already August? The new school year may be right around the corner, but there are still those last few weeks of summer to enjoy. As the summer progresses, you might find the kids start to get a little bored and restless around the house.

There are plenty of super fun summer activities you can do with your kids without breaking the bank. In fact, there are plenty of free activities you can do to keep the kids busy, and your wallet full!

 

Go Hiking

Hiking is a fun, free, and active way to spend time with your kids. Not only is it a great way to see the outdoors and get some fresh air, it’s also a great way to work some physical activity into your family’s routine. You can hike through community trails or routes near your home. Do some research online to find great walking trails near you.

 

Go For a Bike Ride

There really is nothing like riding bikes through the neighborhood. If you don’t have an ideal neighborhood for bike riding, take the kids to local parks or community trails for bike riding. Like hiking, this is another great way to work moderate exercise into your kids’ routine, and teach them to enjoy playing outside.

 

Hit Up a Public Pool

Even if you don’t have your own pool, you can still take the kids swimming pretty often. Take the kids to your nearest public pool (or better yet, beach!). Kids really do love to swim, and many community pools will have a free public swim where you can take your kids to enjoy a few hours of sun and swim.

 

Host a Backyard Olympics

This is a fun one – have your kids invite some of their friends over and host a backyard Olympics! Split the kids into teams and organize some fun events like: three-legged races, egg and spoon races, water balloon toss, and any other fun outdoor games you may think of. These olympics can take up a few hours and you can do them as frequently as you like.

 

Turn Your Living Room Into a Home Theater

Family movie nights are always great for night time, but movies are also a great way to spend a rainy day when the kids get a little stir crazy all cooped up in the house. Make it extra exciting by printing out movie ticket templates online and giving them to the kids. If you don’t have a printer, you can make your own homemade tickets.

Pop some popcorn and give the kids some snacks to make the experience super authentic. If your kids have play money, you can have them “pay” you for their tickets and snacks to sneakily practice some math skills while you’re at it!

 

Host a Book Club

Reading is always a fun way to pass the time, and helps your child’s mind develop. If your kids got a summer reading list at the end of the last school year, turn reading into a fun activity by hosting a book club! You can provide snacks and a list of fun reading questions about what they liked most about the book. Asking insightful questions will help your kids engage with the books.

Hit up your local library to get the books for free!

 

Color

Coloring isn’t just for little kids! The influx of adult coloring books has given way to plenty of free printable coloring pages for adults and children of all ages. You can print the pages for free and color to your heart’s content. Coloring is great for rainy days or when your children need to relax and calm down.

Bonus: If your kids are big Disney fans, check out the Disney Family page of free Disney crafts and printables! Disney updated this page with plenty of fun (and free!) printable and craft ideas for families.

 

Sponsored Post by Brittany McGourlay – Content Manager – freebies.com

 

Working Moms – 5 Tips for Balancing the Pressures of Work & Family

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Balancing your work life with being a mom can be overwhelming at best, and sometimes it can seem like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. However, being a great mother while holding down a job is possible – countless moms have done it before, and you can too. Here are 5 tips to reduce stress on yourself and make your life as a working mom easier:

Photo by Jurien Huggins on Unsplash

Investing In Proper Childcare

One of the most significant concerns of every mother is the safety of their children. Establishing a good childcare system comprising nannies, babysitters, and child care centres will help to ease the tension. Opt for daycare centres that are closer to your home or office, which will make it easier for you or your partner to rush there in case of any problems. Do your research thoroughly and choose a centre that is highly recommended by other parents, has employees with the necessary training and certifications, offers flexible hours, and is equipped with proper medical facilities.

 

Communicate With Your Employer

Many working mothers are scared to have an open discussion with their employers, with fear of ridicule, rejection, or losing their job stopping them from openly communicating their issues. However, to expertly manage both work and home pressures, it’s imperative to have an open channel of communication with your higher-ups. Many a time, the mother is the primary contact for nannies and daycare centres to call in case of emergencies, which means you may have to leave the office at a moment’s notice. Or, you may have to work from home or skip a day because your child has fallen ill suddenly. Talking about these issues with your employer is essential. Assure them that you will make up for the lost hours by either working during lunchtime or on weekends.

 

Tech For Good

We are living in a highly connected world where everything has gone digital. Take full advantage of all the technology available at our disposal. Ordering groceries online, getting food delivered, and using doorstep laundry services will free up your time for other pressing family issues. There are also numerous mobile apps that you can use to arrange babysitting services and even book doctor’s appointments.

 

Plan Beforehand

Sorting tasks for the next day after a tiring shift at work can be arduous, but taking that extra 20 minutes every night to organize your child’s clothing, plan meals, and schedule tasks and appointments for the next day can help ease up your mornings. This will ensure that you’re not hurried and frustrated when you step out to face the day.

 

Don’t Feel Guilty

Mother’s guilt is a universal phenomenon. Trying to adhere to antiquated societal expectations of how a mother should behave can invoke a sense of guilt in many women, who are often torn between wanting to spend more time with their kids and work commitments. Don’t give in to the pressure, and think about the positives of being a working mother. It makes you financially independent and boosts your family income while giving your kids a strong role model to look up to. Moreover, your children will always be your priority, and that knowledge itself should free you from any guilt.

Being a working mother is not easy, and now and then you may need to take a break to recuperate and rejuvenate. Most importantly, don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for making a tough job look effortless.

5 Ways to Make Moving Less Stressful

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You’ve finally found the right house in the right neighborhood with the right schools, and the best mall in the state right next door.  You navigated the mortgage minefields and managed to get a fairly decent interest rate on your loan without completely destroying your credit score.  The negotiations were tough, but you finally got the seller to agree to fix the heat pump and the compressor and knock 15% off the price because of the roof that hadn’t been changed in 22-years.  Now, you are ready to make the big move from apartment dweller to homeowner where instead of calling the landlord to fix the garbage disposal; you go to a big box store, buy an In-Sink-Erator and watch the YouTube how-to about 5 times before you finally call a plumber to install it.  But, at long last, it’s time to move in.

 

1. MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT

If you are moving locally, say within a 15-mile radius, you want to plan very carefully so that you get all of your ‘stuff’ out of one home, and into the other, within one day.  This is definitely doable – if – you plan your day carefully and intelligently.  This also means that all of the pre-packing of boxes, and labeling of said boxes, has been done beforehand.  That way, you’ll be able to estimate pretty accurately how long it will take to pack the moving van.  Unpacking it will take about one-third to one-half less time than packing because you aren’t mentally organizing the various objects to fit inside the truck.

But if your new home has narrow or complicated entryways and elevators to deal with – those impediments could increase unpacking time significantly.  That’s why it’s a good idea to actually visit your new home, with a representative of the moving company, if possible, days before the actual move, so that you can both survey your new home’s location and pre-plan for any impediments that might be there.

 

2. KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING

Another benefit of surveying your home before your moving day would be to take the time and effort during this scout day to discover the very best route between your old house and your new home.  That means driving the route at approximately the same time that your moving van will be doing so on your moving day so that you have some idea of what the traffic will be like.  For example, it might be wiser to use surface streets for part of the drive, instead of a freeway because a factory near that freeway changes shifts at the time your van will be traversing that part of your route.  Google Maps or Mapquest can be very helpful in your route planning because of their ability to help you change the route and offer alternatives.

 

3. PAINT BEFORE YOU MOVE IN

If scheduling allows, it is always a good idea to do repair, paint and remodeling tasks before you move into your new home.  Also, paint takes many hours to dry completely and the odors and chemical residues during the drying process can be nauseating.  But a good paint job is so important not only for the beauty of your home, but also for its durability.

If you are going to paint your home before your moving day, why not consult with a professional stylist to help coordinate your home’s colors to give it a coordinated look.  The money you spend on a designer could be more than made up for if you end up changing your mind and re-painting several rooms multiple times.

4. WATCH OUT FOR THE HIDDEN COSTS

Different moving companies use all sorts of different methods for determining the costs of your move.  Make sure you pin the company sales rep down on his/her estimate before your moving day commences.  It is always a good idea to get an Outline of Moving Costs from any moving company that you involve in the bidding process for your move.  You don’t want a big $urprise at the end of a day in which you have been going full-force for 12-to-14 hours and are, consequently, too tired and stressed to even consider haggling about prices.

 

5. BE PREPARED

In spite of all of your pre-planning, moving days, by their very nature, can be filled with unexpected disruptions.  We can all certainly apply Murphy’s Law to any enterprise, like a moving day, that utilizes so many people and consists of so many moving parts.  So, be prepared for the ‘wheels to come off’ some time during your moving day.  If you’ve anticipated this, and planned prudently, you’ll be able to handle that disquiet with composure and poise so that it doesn’t spoil your day and you can eventually get back on track.

Judy Lees is a super-connector with Photographers In Islamabad who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, Photography, branding and networking. He frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing, digital photography.

 

Make Your Roof Last As Long As Possible

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Because you likely can’t see it in its entirety without a ladder, you might not take as good care of your roof as you should, and that’s perfectly understandable. If you’re in the market for a new home, you might use a roofing check list before you buy or sell a property. With that in mind, know that it’s better to take steps to maintain the performance and appearance of your roof over the years to help it last.

Perform Regular Inspections

Just because you don’t have leaks in your ceiling or missing shingles blowing off your roof doesn’t necessarily mean that everything is in order. Have a roofing expert come out and take a close look at your roof at least once a year, especially before the winter season if you live in a place where it snows a lot. That way, you’ll be informed of minor issues that can come with a major cost the longer they go unattended.

 

Keep Up With Roofing Maintenance

Besides regular inspections, tending to roof maintenance is another vital step in helping your roof last as long as possible. Specifically, you’ll want to keep your roof’s surface free of any debris that might blow onto it, keep your gutters and downspouts clear and look for indications that water might be seeping its way through your roof and into your home.

 

Know What You Need to Do to Take Proper Care of Your Roof Type

Depending on what your roof is made of, there are certain care tips you’ll want to make sure you follow to take the best care of it. For example, regular maintenance is key to making an asphalt roof last, and having a metal roof installed by experienced professional boosts longevity. No matter what material your roof is made of, it’s always best that you opt for a reputable manufacturer and brands to avoid problems later on.

 

Keep Your Gutters Clean and Repaired

Going back to your gutters, it’s vital that they remain clear and clean. This is because clogged gutters don’t drain water well, which can lead to leaks and pest infestations. Poor drainage can negatively impact the foundation of your home, and a pest infestation is an unnecessary expense for you to bear. Another reason to focus on keeping your gutters clean at all times is to avoid ice dams in the winter. Standing water that’s allowed to freeze on your roof can work its way underneath your shingles and cause damage.

 

Be Proactive

Don’t wait until there’s a problem before you take action; instead, you’re better off being proactive. For instance, you can keep your roof in good condition and your energy bills low by making sure your attic is properly insulated so your HVAC unit isn’t working harder than necessary, and so you aren’t losing air through your roof. Proper ventilation is something else your roof needs to better ensure humidity doesn’t cause damage to your roof.

A little time, effort and research are all you need to take superior care of your roof, no matter if you plan on buying or selling a home in the near future. Be sure to keep these tips in mind now and in the years ahead.

Top 10 Essentials For The Modern Kitchen

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The ten essentials for the modern kitchen are important because they provide you with the things that are needed to cook well. You can cook anything that you want if you have all ten of these things, and it is very nice to have them in the drawer so that you can reach for them and get to cooking.

1. The Cleaver

The cleaver that you have in the kitchen helps you take bones off your cuts of meat, and it also helps you be certain that you have the meat cut easily. You can cut through these things without any trouble, and there are a lot of people who forgo the cleaver because they have never cut big portions of meat before.

 

2. The Peeler

You need a peeler so that you can get your vegetables and potatoes peeled. You also need to have your apples peeled when you are trying to have your apple pie look perfect. If it is very simple for you to cut anything when you have a peeler that is easy to hold and swipe across anything.

 

3. The Pizza Cutter

A pizza cutter is something that you can use on a lot more things than a pizza. This makes it much easier for you to have all your dough cut, to cut a pizza, or to just have the something that van cut in long strips.

 

4. The Chef’s Knife

Just one chef’s knife could be used to cut all the things that you want, and you will find that there are many people who want to use the knife so that they can cut out anything. You could slice anything, and you will find that the knife is easy to clean because it is more than long enough to handle just about anything.

 

5. The Towels

You actually need a lot of tea towels for the kitchen because they help you make certain that you have something to help with cooling cakes, with cleaning up, or to help pick up a pot. This makes it very easy for you to get all your work done if you have a few towels hanging around the kitchen.

 

6. The Serving Utensils

You need serving utensils for your kitchen so that you can make all your food easy to serve in helpings. It is very easy for people to use these utensils because they can help you serve your family or actually make the meals like mixing a salad.

 

7. The Mixing Bowls

You need a couple metal and glass mixing bowls so that you can mix up anything that you like. You will find that the bowls help you make salads or pull dishes together without any trouble.

 

8. The Measuring Cups

The measuring cups that you have in the house must have all the different measurements from the smallest all the way up to a cup.

 

9. The Mixer

A mixer helps you bake, and you could prepare a lot of dough and other things in the mixer so that you do not feel so out of place.

 

10. Mandoline Slicer

You might have asked yourself what is a mandoline slicer?, these slicers can do a lot for you, and they make the slices very thin for all your dishes.

Home Grown – 5 Secrets to Building a Successful Home Business

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Advances in technology have had profound impacts on virtually every aspect of our lives. The advent of the internet, e-commerce, cloud computing and numerous other developments has opened doors for enterprising people from all walks of life to explore new opportunities that would have been unthinkable even a generation ago. For modern women, the changes have been revolutionary. Traditionally faced with the options of family, career or struggling to juggle both, technology is facilitating a new breed of female entrepreneurs building successful businesses from their own homes. The benefits in terms of work-life balance can be extreme. However, operating a home business has its own set of challenges. Here are a few secrets to making it work:

Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash

The Right Impression

As convenient as it may be, working out of your garage or basement may not instill great confidence in potential clients or partners. It’s crucial to use the resources available to create an impression of stability and professionalism. Simple strategies like building an impressive website, utilizing a virtual office to present a prominent address, hold meetings and other business support services, developing stunning, eye-catching branding a logo are all strategies that can give you instant credibility.

 

Right on Time

One of the most lethal threats to any home business is the presence of distractions that eke away at your productivity. The TV is within easy reach; the laundry isn’t going to do itself, and dinner still needs to be cooked. There might be any number of potential excuses to stray from your desk and attend to that one task that you need to do. Make no mistake, your ability to resist these temptations can be the difference between success and failure. Block out designated work times and stick to them like glue while blocking all those other things out so you can maintain productivity.

 

Space Invaders

In addition to protecting your time, it’s crucial to create a space that is comfortable, positive and conducive to working efficiently. Choose a quiet, relatively out of the way part of the house to establish your base and ensure that the furniture, equipment and décor are appropriate to for your needs. A well-designed workspace can help you bring a professional approach and attitude with you every time you start to work.

 

Out and About

Notwithstanding all the above, being in the same place all day every day for both work and family commitments can drive any girl a little stir crazy. Sometimes a change of scenery is the perfect way to rediscover your focus. Most coffee shops have wireless internet these days, so grab your computer and head down there to work while sipping a latte. Wherever possible arrange business meetings to be held face to face at a 3rd location. Getting out of the house now and then can help refresh your mind, stay focused and contribute to better output over the long-term.

 

Digital Dreaming

A great idea or product will not be enough if people don’t know about it. Fortunately, online marketing techniques can be incredibly effective in presenting your business to a wide, yet targeted audience. A well thought out social media presence that communicates your core values, SEO and search marketing campaigns can all drive traffic to your website and potential clients to your door without the exorbitant costs of traditional marketing techniques.

Few things can be as satisfying as building a successful business. With all the resources at your disposal, you too can join the legion of moms doing amazing things in the business world from the comfort of their homes.

5 Amazing Tips to Choose the Best Dining Chairs to Add Grace to Your Dining Decor

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The dining room is the ideal place to enjoy your meal times and share memorable moments with both friends and family. Being a multi-functional room that hosts daily dinner time with your family, hosts regular Sunday dinner meetings with your extended family or hosts the ever-so-occasional special dinner parties, it’s important to decorate and make the place as beautiful as possible. It is crucial to make sure your dining room furniture matches your exceptional personal style to reflect your way of life, and ensure it is both functional and livable.

Among the most important components of a dining room is your chairs. You should make certain that chairs in your dining space are of the right height for the table, comfortable, and made of durable fabric. There are many questions you should ask yourself before getting the right chairs for your dining room. Luckily, the following tips will guide you to choosing the best dining chairs to add grace to your dining decor.

Buy easy to move chairs

You should consider choosing dining chairs that are easily movable around the house. Portable dining chairs can serve double duty as they can be used as extra seats in the living room when hosting guests. Furthermore, movable dining chairs enable easy change of your dining room design and appearance.

 

Consider mixing up the dining table chair designs

Acquiring dining chairs of different designs for the same room offers a complementary rather than a matching feeling. Mixing up the plan for your dining chairs provides a mismatched geometric setting brought about by painting the chairs in different colors or when decorated in the same fabric. If you are a fan of a particular style and material, say bucket seats, you should consider acquiring dining chairs that come with diverse backrest designs.

 

Settle for comfortable and high-quality fabric for your chairs

Comfort and quality are among the main factors to consider when choosing the best chairs to add to your dining room. Consider going for the best fabric that will offer high comfort levels to your guests. Having comfortable chairs in your dining room ensures you get the most value out of the products you have purchased.

Choose the best size for your chairs

The dining room is a busy place that requires clear and clean movement area. Selecting seats that are 18 inches in height provides the much-needed space as they can easily slide under the dining table. Your chairs should offer a minimum of 12 inches space between the dining chair surface and the tabletop to ensure comfortable seating while providing enough legroom.

 

Seek the services of professional interior designers

Professional interior designers and home decor experts will advise you on the best dining chairs to go for. Their experience in decoration will be vital in helping you choose the best chairs to add the much-needed grace in your dining room. Furthermore, you may consider exploring websites such as the Modern Dining Chairs for Sale at Modern Digs, which offer dining chair for sale.

DIY Tips: Master a Classic Milk Paint Finish

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When it comes to discussing milk paint, it seems that many people are misled about what milk paint is, as they seem to think that it is the same as chalk paint. But the reality is that while chalk paint is certainly fun to use, milk paint is something totally different from chalk paint and it provides a totally different finish in comparison to chalk paint.

Upscale finish

Though it is possible to distress milk paint to achieve a finish that looks shabby and chalky, you will most assuredly realize the difference between the paints once you work with them. The outcome is that you can achieve a finish that is much more upscale and modern when you use milk paint. For example, you can create a look that is weathered or restored, which is highly fashionable these days.
 

No primer required

The good news is that no primer is required when you paint raw wood with milk paint. When you apply the milk paint, you will notice that it has the appearance of wood stain or ink if the color is dark. The paint will be semi-watery and will have a high level of pigmentation. You will love the intensity and vibrancy.
 

Dries quickly and provides a nice stain appearance

This paint dries rather quickly. It is not uncommon for it to be dry in fifteen minutes. You will enjoy the stain look it provides for wood once it is dry. This paint is unique by its own right and definitely does not resemble chalk paint when it dries.
 

Good coverage and no brush strokes

Milk paint seems like paint that is thinned out with water and the good news is that you do not need a lot for good coverage. And you are going to be so impressed that your brush strokes will not be visible when the paint dries.
 

Remove dry paint with wet cloth

You can paint two layers of paint, one on top of another. The fun thing is that when the paint is dry, you can gently rub a slightly wet cloth to remove a bit of paint to provide a distressed type of finish that you are looking for. Other paints must be wet for removal when trying to achieve a distressed look. This process with milk paint, therefore, is fun and intriguing.

As a result, you have much better control when being able to distress with a damp cloth instead of using sand paper or steel wool, which are required with other types of paint, including chalk paint. You will achieve a more subtle and blended finish with this type of distressed technique, which makes your projects look polished and professional.
 

Start your own project

Maybe it is time for you to try some milk paint on a lovely old table or dresser that you want to breathe new life into to match your updated décor. You will surely have so much fun with the wide variety of color combinations that are available.

So when you are thinking about DIY for spring, milk paint truly is a new painting technique that is great to try. Realmilkpaint.com has all the supplies you will need. The quality of the milk paint is impeccable.

Sweltering Style – Switching Up Your Patio For Summer Vibes

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After the colder winter and the associated hibernation, many of us welcome the return to warmer climate through extended stays in outdoor entertaining areas.

If your home’s outdoor space is in need of a bit of a spruce-up, the following ideas may help you create a space which is ripe for summer enjoyment, right in the nick of time.

Gimme Shelter

Although the warmth of summer sun can be pleasant and relaxing, the full heat of Australian summer can also be both dangerous and uncomfortable. If you’re looking to get the more use and enjoyment from your outdoor entertaining area, it can be a good idea to install adequate shade and sun protection.

Outdoor blinds are an ideal way to block out direct light and to control the temperature and glare of an area. They’re also available in a wide range of designs and colours, meaning that you can find a solution for your patio which will enhance the area while providing you with much needed comfort.

Another excellent solution is shadecloth. Shadecloth can be directly installed to overhead wooden beams to partially block out overhead light and dim the area, without completely shading the space.

For a tailored and comfortable solution, combining methods of sun protection is a great way to ensure you get the most from your space.

 

Light It Up

Outdoor lighting is another key consideration if you’re in the process of revamping your outdoor entertainment area for summer. With longer evenings and warm nights, the temptation to entertain and remain outdoors grows, and so it becomes necessary to provide a source of outdoor lighting.

Solar lights provide a cheap and environmentally friendly way to illuminate your social occasions. They can be installed in a number of ways, including lanterns, spotlights and fairy lights – meaning that you can light the area in a way which suits your space and your occasion.

LED lights are another low cost alternative and are able to be installed to a level of brightness which suits your needs.

Consider providing a lightsource which will deter bugs and pests, such as a bug zapper or a citronella candle. These light sources can keep you comfortable throughout the mosquito prone months.

 

Taste The Outdoors

If you’re spending more time outdoors socially, it makes sense that you may be considering outdoor cooking facilities. The barbeque is a much loved and time tested outdoor cooking apparatus, and can be used in summer with great gusto.

For a high-quality change, consider installing a wood fired oven or an outdoor cooker to really create a foodie heaven. A wood fired oven can make more than delicious pizza. It can also cook cakes and roast meats and vegetables. An outdoor cooker is like an indoor stove – without the restriction of walls. These are great for preparing high dexterity and high heat dishes such as curries, stir fries and deep fried dishes.

Outdoor cooking solutions provide you with an extra way to cook at all times of year – even in the cooler months. You might find them particularly handy when cooking particularly pungent or less welcomed foods (eg; cabbage soup or kimchi).

 

Pump Up The Volume

Speakers. Music. Action! An outdoor entertaining area isn’t complete without a little bit of entertainment. An easy way to integrate some fun into your outdoor area is through the installation of speakers or a sound system.

Clever positioning of speakers will allow you to enjoy music outdoors without incurring the anger or wrath of any neighbours. It will also allow you to enjoy streamed indoor content or radio broadcasts without the need for a clunky, static-filled boombox.

Setting up your outdoor entertaining area for summer as easy as preparing in advance. Get your climate and shade sorted, figure out your cooking methodologies and choose a playlist. Then it’s time to get the party started!

What are the benefits of using Montessori materials?

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Montessori education became very popular during the past few years. A child’s intellectual development will influence who he will become as an adult. It is highly important to promote high self-esteem, positive relationships with other people, value systems and so on. Today, traditional education does not cover such things because it is based on transmitting and recreating blocks of information. Traditional education tends to focus more on the theoretical part of learning rather than the practical one. Thus, personality and preferences are formed in the very same mold, which will later lead to transforming children in similar adults, with almost the same preferences and ideals. This is the main difference between Montessori and traditional education. In the case of Montessori, children are given more freedom. The journey to becoming an adult is complex and attention must be paid to the entire process of developing both mentally and spiritually.

Montessori education offers children ideal environments for each stage development they are in. Using specific Montessori supplies allows children to act according to their personality and choose what seems attractive for them only. Children are not forced to engage themselves in activities they do not enjoy. Montessori education encourages reaching the maximum potential of every child, letting them use each side of their personality with the sole purpose of intellectually developing themselves. When talking about traditional education, the activity is mostly directed by a teacher. As for Montessori, activity is not guided, but independent. This way, kids have the opportunity to discover everything all by themselves, by using Montessori toys.

Each aspect that’s included in the educational curriculum used in Montessori is somehow encouraging creativity and analytical thinking. Children will choose the activities they are attracted to because of the skills they possess. Compared to traditional education, Montessori allows forming groups of differently aged children. They can choose any activity available, regardless of their age and develop their skills at their own pace. The materials used in Montessori are colorful and eye-catching, making children want to try them. Puzzles, toys that include geometrical shapes, logic games – these are all Montessori materials that boost the independence of a child’s thinking. There is no need for a professor to correct the children, as they are learning by themselves, looking for solutions until they finally manage to find them.

Because kids are interacting with the surroundings, including both the materials used and the other participants, individually developing social and intellectual skills is natural, and not forced, as in the case of traditional learning. Through self-motivation and self-correction, children become more aware of their freedom, of their capabilities and their sensorial input-output. Breaking complicating learning into these small steps used in Montessori education helps the child gain confidence. There is no concept of right and wrong, being replaced by trial and error. The freedom of how much time kids choose to spend for one task, the attention they offer to certain details and the state of deep concentration they experience are results of the possibility to choose for themselves.

Author Bio:

Rana Tarakji is an entrepreneur and a contributing writer at One SEO, a digital marketing agency, who lives in Beirut, Lebanon. Rana Tarakji is passionate about digital marketing, startups, helping entrepreneurs grow, and empowering them to live their dreams. She has worked as a marketer, a technology co-founder and business developer, and a writer.

 

 

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