The Montessori Toddler

Toddlerhood can look intense from the outside—and feel even more intense from the inside. This summary follows Simone Davies’ Montessori-inspired approach to understanding toddlers not as “difficult,” but as young children learning how to be human, without full access yet to impulse control, emotional regulation, or the words to explain what they need.

Across the chapters, the focus stays practical and supportive: how to see behavior differently, how Montessori principles work in everyday life, how to set up a home that invites independence, and how to handle challenging moments—especially tantrums—with calm guidance and clear limits. The heart of the message is simple: the adult leads with steadiness, the child learns through hands-on experience, and both can grow together, one small moment at a time.

• Parents and caregivers of children ages 1 to 3 who want a calmer, more respectful way to handle tantrums, impulsivity, and everyday power struggles
• Adults curious about Montessori principles and how to apply them at home without turning life into a strict “school” environment
• Caregivers who want practical guidance while also needing reassurance that they’re not failing—this stage is hard, and support matters

Simone Davies is a Montessori educator and parenting author known for translating Montessori principles into practical tools for family life, especially during the toddler years. Her work emphasizes respectful communication, prepared environments, and supportive boundaries that help children build independence and emotional skills over time.