Baan Dek

Spotlight Every Day Begins New

Spotlights

Olivia Hood is the calm, reflective voice behind Every Day Begins New. She provides lots of lovely ideas for integrating small moments of independence in the midst of busyness. This parent from Australia provides a kind reminder on her blog, Twitter, and Instagram to be present, that simple is just fine, that you’re doing a good job.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Your background, your interests, your dreams?

My husband Chris and I have two children, a 4.5 year old girl and a 2.5 year old boy and we currently live in Queensland Australia.

My work and study background is in Natural Health and Education but these days I am a stay-at-home mum. I love to read, write and research and spend quality time with my family.

Q: Now that the hardest question is out of the way: What’s your favorite color?

I am drawn to Earth tone colours for their peaceful and calming effect.

Q: Do you have a favorite book? How about a film?

I don’t have a favourite book or movie at the moment, but I enjoy reading Non-Fiction books on various topics. I will watch the odd movie but I prefer watching Documentaries especially Nature ones.

montessori spotlight every day begins new

 

Q: When you close your eyes late at night, and imagine waking up and starting a new adventure: what is that adventure?

Family world travel would be great and even better if there was no time or finance constraints.

Q: What first appealed to you about Montessori?

The prepared Environment; an environment that encourages independence. An environment that is child-sized, simplistic, orderly, beautiful, calm and peaceful.

Q: What advice do you have for new Montessori adults?

Find like-minded people. It can be overwhelming If you have no one to support you on your journey. I found connecting with others online as well as some of the Parents and Teachers at my Children’s School made a huge difference.

montessori spotlight every day begins new

Q: Did you have a “Montessori Moment?”

It’s hard to think of one specific moment when there have been so many moments over the years that has confirmed that Montessori is for us as a family.

Q: What’s your favorite Montessori quote?

There are so many of her Quotes that I love, but I do really love these two:
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind”
“The human hand allows the mind to reveal itself”

Q: What inspired you to share your Montessori story on your blog?

Sharing our Montessori Journey has been one way of connecting with other like minded people. It’s a great way to share information, encourage, support and inspire each other.

Baan Dek

Q: What advice do you have for new parents trying to incorporate Montessori at home?

Keep it simple and start slow with just one thing at a time. Instead of focusing on Materials and Toys, focus more on how you can support your child’s independence (Care of Self) at home and allow them to help around the house (Practical Life).

Q: What do you think is the best introduction to Montessori?

If one is able to book in for a Montessori School tour and do a classroom observation would be a great first Introduction. If this option is not available to you, I found the following two books very helpful when I wanted to know more about the Practical aspect of Montessori at home: Montessori From the Start (0-3 years) by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen The Joyful Child (0-3 years) by Susan Mayclin Stephenson

montessori spotlight every day begins new

Q: What continues to inspire you about Montessori?

Seeing how my children interact in a Montessori school environment, with their friends and their teachers has been very special. My eldest attends a Montessori Preschool week days and my youngest attends a Montessori toddler class with me once a week.

Q: Where do you see Montessori in the next 100 years?

I often hear comments made by other parents interested in Montessori that there is either a lack of Montessori schools in their area or if there is a school near by the school fees are too expensive for it to be an option. Also that many of the school’s programs are only available until the end of Primary School (no High School option). I do hope that there are changes to these areas of concern for the better.

Written by:

Baan Dek

Inquire Now

Schedule a time to meet

Montessori Zine

Subscribe to our bi-monthly digital Montessori zine. Every other week, you will receive a brief, curated email with links to popular and trending interviews, commentaries, spotlights, quotes and photos.