Parenting is tough these days; it can feel even harder when you're doing it alone. That's why we're here - this is Shelf Help, where Montessori and parenting meet. Join Nicole Kavanaugh, Amy Dorsch, and friends to chat about Montessori, kids, mom life, and all the joy in between.
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Do you have a spouse who voted for a different candidate? An uncle or sibling you dread seeing at Thanksgiving? A lifelong friend with whom you just can't see eye to eye? As political divisiveness reaches a fever pitch in the Trump era, psychotherapist Jeanne Safer takes on the uncivil war between Republicans, Democrats, and every indie party in between in the new podcast, I Love You But I Hate Your Politics. On the show, Dr. Safer will show family and friends how to ensure their loving rel ...
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Move This World with Sara: Conversations in Social Emotional Learning explores the challenges, ruptures, struggles, achievements and dreams that your favorite business leaders, athletes, actors, comedians and their families have faced, and how they leaned on their social emotional skills - or lack thereof - to move forward. Weekly episodes are hosted by Sara Potler LaHayne, the Founder & CEO of Move This World, the nation’s leading PreK-12 multimedia social emotional learning curriculum, and ...
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Finding Center After a Break - Season 4 Episode 8
20:18
20:18
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The new year is here and for a lot of us that means a time of reset after a break from our regular routines. In this this week's episode, Nicole explores a couple of ways that she likes to reset her home and get back to Montessori roots following a time of disruption.By Nicole Kavanaugh
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Fighting the Urge to Say No - Season 4 Ep 7
44:42
44:42
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Have you ever felt a gut urge to just say "no" to your child without really stopping to think about why? In this episode, Nicole and Amy explore those feelings, what they mean for us for adults, and how to balance that need for control with our child's need to explore. Why do our children need to explore? How can we make that exploration possible w…
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Parenting Neurodivergent Children - Season 4 Episode 6
1:13:21
1:13:21
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As parents to multiple neurodivergent children, Nicole and Morgan discuss how parenting with Montessori influences neurodivergent kids. We discuss a shift in our expectations toward our children, how we advocate for our children in schools, with therapists, or doctors. We finish by answering some listener questions about how we deal with specific s…
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Using Montessori Materials at Home - Season 4 Episode 5
57:17
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Montessori classrooms are filled with beautiful materials to engage children and spark learning opportunities. But, if your children are going to school, do you really need to own these materials at home? In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss some of the reasons you might consider owning Montessori materials and which to bring home. We als…
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Sports in Our Montessori Homes - Season 4 Episode 4
47:07
47:07
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How do sports and Montessori mix? How to we reconcile the competitive nature of some children's sports with our desire to respect our children's developmental needs? How do we give our children new experiences and avoid over scheduling? In this much asked for episode, Nicole and Amy dive into their experiences with children's sports - the good and …
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Montessori Toddler Mornings - Season 4 Episode 3
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Come along with us through our Montessori morning with our toddlers. Montessori morning routines look like activities, materials, outings, and the work of the adult all mixed together. This week Nicole and Amy focus on what it looks like in their Montessori homes to guide their toddlers. From school drop offs, to phone calls, and shelf work, get an…
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Touching the Elementary Imagination - Season 4 Episode 2
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41:11
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We know that young children learn through concrete experiences, but what about as they move into the second plane of development? In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy deep dive into the importance of the imagination, reading a quote directly from Maria Montessori. We discuss how to spark the imagination to ignite a child's interests in the elemen…
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We're Back to School! - Season 4 Episode 1
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47:05
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We're back for season 4 of Shelf Help! Nicole and Amy are starting off this new season of our Montessori parenting podcast with some tips for a successful back to school. As Montessori parents, they share ways to help your children before school, tips on how to come home peacefully, and tips for you in dropping kids off at school for the first time…
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Montessori Parenting True and False - Season 3 Episode 21
50:09
50:09
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Artificial Intellegence technology is starting to influence many different areas of our lives. But what does AI think of Montessori?! And how much can AI get right?! In this week's Montessori parenting podcast, Nicole and Amy challenge AI in a true and false game. Listen to see how much we agree and disagree with AI created Montessori statements. S…
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Supporting Children Through Big Transitions - Season 3 Episode 20
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Amy is back with her BIG news and so in this week's episode we are talking about how to support children as we navigate big life changes. Whether it's a move, the end of a school year, or some other change, here are some practical tips for helping manage feelings, responsibilities, and logistics of a big life transition for your child. From the imp…
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It is normal for toddlers to have a lot of feelings. Sometimes they experience extreme joy, and other times it's frustration, anger, and sadness. In this Montessori parenting podcast, Amy and Nicole talk specifically about toddler tantrums. As the prepared adult, we need to respond to tantrums with respect and love. In this episode, we discuss how …
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Our Outdoor Favorites - Season 3 Episode 18
24:22
24:22
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For Nicole and Amy, spring is here and so is nicer weather. So they are getting outside with their Montessori kids as much as possible. In this week's mini-episode, Nicole and Amy share their top three favorite outdoor activities. These Montessori friendly choices are fun for kids of all ages and can be done in a variety of spaces to work for your …
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100 Episodes and a Q&A - Season 3 Episode 17
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It is our 100th episode of our Montessori parenting podcast! We want to thank all of you that have been with us over these last three years and celebrate with a listener Q&A! In this episode Nicole and Amy answer a variety of your Montessori parenting questions. We chat about everything from toddler mealtimes to swearing and our thoughts on the Mon…
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Lets Play Montessori This or That - Season 3 Episode 16
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54:39
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Lets play a game: Montessori this or that! On this week's Montessori parenting podcast, Nicole and Amy make some choices! Do we pick a weaning cup or a child's knife? A little kitchen or the adult height? A wooden rainbow or unit blocks? A Nugget or a Pikler Triangle? Come listen and find out some hot takes on some popular Montessori friendly topic…
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Love, Trust, and Development - Season 3 Episode 15
39:54
39:54
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Maria Montessori calls on parents to trust their children with their own development. But, in practice, that is really hard to do, especially with how much we love our children. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy unpack a Montessori quote about love, fault-finding, trust, and redirection. We talk about some of our success with trust and some of…
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Big Projects and Planning with Elementary-Aged Children - Season 3 Ep 14
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Elementary-aged children have big plans and big ideas! It is the work of the second plane child to act on these ideas and as Montessori parents we need to scaffold their success. In this week's episode Nicole and Amy share some of their joy and frustration in supporting their second plane, upper elementary kids when those big ideas come up at the l…
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Growing Together as Parents/a Q&A with Morgan - Season 3 Ep 13
50:40
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In this week's episode, Nicole is chatting with her husband, Morgan, about Montessori parenting. As parents we share how we believe Montessori has influenced our parenting styles, our relationships, and how we have grown together alongside our children. This week, we answer some listener questions and talk about everything from children's sports, t…
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The Invisible Labor of Montessori Parenting - Season 3 Ep 12
39:07
39:07
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There are so many things to think about, decide, and hold in our heads as a parent. This week Nicole and Amy are shedding some light on the invisible labor of being a Montessori parent. We explore some general examples along with some Montessori specific examples of this work. We also discuss how this mental load effects us and how we balance this …
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Using a Montessori floor bed with an infant is one unique feature to Montessori parenting. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy deep dive into Montessori floor beds. We discuss Dr. Montessori's own words about floor beds and our own "whys" for using floor beds. Plus we'll share some practical tips on how to use a floor bed or transition to a floo…
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Using Montessori at Home with Flexibility - Season 3 Episode 10
37:38
37:38
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We love being Montessori parents, but that doesn't mean our views on certain Montessori topics, materials, or "rules" hasn't changed over time. There's no one way that Montessori at home needs to look. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy explore how we have been flexible in some areas of our Montessori parenting and our Montessori homes, how we …
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Honoring the Secret of Your Child - Season 3 Episode 9
49:01
49:01
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Parents love their children intensely and that love often leads us to question our children's behavior, intentions, and interests. This week, Nicole and Amy discuss a Montessori quote about probing a child for their "secret." As Montessori parents, we explore some of the secrets that children hold - from babies through elementary years - and how we…
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When Parenting is Boring - Season 3 Episode 8
35:58
35:58
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Often we think about parenting as joyful, busy, and interesting but the truth is that parenting can be just down right boring. On this week's episode, Nicole and Amy are talking about the boredom that they sometimes feel as Montessori parents. We shed light on this important topic and discuss some of the reasons why prepared adults might feel bored…
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Reflecting on Our Montessori Year - Season 3 Episode 7
26:45
26:45
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In our last episode for 2022, Nicole and Amy reflect on 2022 and their unique relationships with using Montessori at home. We share how Montessori has supported, changed, and challenged us this year. Plus, a look at how we hope to move forward into 2023. Happy New Year and we will be back in January. Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2…
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Preparing the Environment for a Holiday - Season 3 Episode 6
43:38
43:38
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Come make a Waldorf star with us while we chat about preparing our homes for the holidays! In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy are sharing practical ways that they prepare their homes for practical life work, extra toys, new experiences, and all the busyness that happens around the holidays. Holidays looks different for everyone, but with a litt…
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Learning About Bodies - Season 3 Episode 5
34:08
34:08
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This episode contains the anatomical names of human bodies and a discussion about sexual education. In this week's episode we continue our conversation on body learning with our children. We discuss how we approach sex, pregnancy, and other aspects of body learning in our Montessori homes. From birth we are using real language, concrete examples to…
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Teaching consent and bodily autonomy is extremely important to keep our children safe. In this episode, Nicole and Amy discuss how we, as Montessori parents, approach consent from birth and how that changes as our children grow older. Our discussions include how we approach grandparents, strangers, and why it is so important to lean into the uncomf…
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How We Choose Holiday Gifts - Season 3 Episode 3
1:00:13
1:00:13
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It's officially the holiday season! With the upcoming holidays, Nicole and Amy are sharing their processes for thinking about gifts in their Montessori homes. We discuss how we observe our children, determine what types of materials might fit their needs and interests, and share some secrets to creating our own gift lists. Plus, we share some fun r…
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In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss how chores look in their Montessori homes, particularly in the second plane of development. With a focus on connection, empathy, and consistent expectations we can invite our children to participate practically in our home lives. We include practical tips on how our children to learn how to participate…
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After a sudden break in our Montessori parenting podcast after a life altering summer, Amy and Nicole are back! In this week's episode we are reintroducing ourselves. Come learn about Nicole and Amy and catch up on their lives over the last few months. We are very excited to be back and to share all about Montessori parenting with you! Show Notes: …
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Sara Potler LaHayne: Reflections on a Season of Brave Conversations
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Move This World Founder & CEO Sara Potler LaHayne reflects on conversations with past guests, and how what they've shared connects to both her personal and professional past, present, and future.By Move This World Audio Network
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Montessori Parenting when Everyone Is Sick - Season 2 Ep 24
38:34
38:34
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Amy and Nicole have been dealing with sick children the last few weeks. In this week's episode, we talk about how we approach sick children as Montessori parents. This conversation includes how we relax our parenting expectations, how we prepare our child's environment, and how we give medication when children struggle to take it. Show Notes: https…
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Nicole Phelps & Allison Schmitt: Diving into Resilience
43:19
43:19
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Move This World Founder & CEO Sara Potler LaHayne sits down with Nicole Phelps, mental health advocate and wife of famed Olympian Michael Phelps, and ten-time Olympic medalist Allison Schmitt. They discuss the importance of resilience, and how making personal struggles public became a way of helping others.…
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Being the Child's Advocate in Social Spaces - Season 2 Episode 23
49:16
49:16
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It can be a challenge to navigate social spaces with children. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy talk about all the ways that they advocate for this children in public. Whether the interaction is with between two children, between our children and another adult, or even ourselves and another child we talk about some of the Montessori inspired …
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Jim Kavanaugh & Joe Koenig: On Business and Friendship
39:56
39:56
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Move This World Founder & CEO Sara Potler LaHayne sits down with World Wide Technology CEO Jim Kavanaugh, and its President, Joe Koenig. The two former college roommates talk of how, contrary to popular belief, working with close friends can help us not only personally, but professionally.By Move This World Audio Network
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Sara Hahn & Ellie Foster: A Tapestry of Feelings
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33:43
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Move This World Founder & CEO Sara Potler LaHayne sits down with Sara Hahn and Ellie Foster, Directors of Education for the Kevin Love Fund. They discuss the importance of vulnerability, and undoing the hierarchy of feelings that society has created.By Move This World Audio Network
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Move This World Founder & CEO Sara Potler LaHayne sits down with award-winning advertising CEO, Jill Nykoliation. They discuss the porous nature of our bodies as well as our minds, and how a constant transfer of emotional energy affects us personally and professionally.By Move This World Audio Network
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In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy answer listener's Montessori questions. This episode includes a lot of different topics including tummy time, cursive learning, phones and screens and routines. There's a little bit of something for everyone here! Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2022/06/listenerpodcastQA.html…
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Mark Bertolini: Tragedy to Transformation
35:00
35:00
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Move This World Founder & CEO Sara Potler LaHayne sits down with former Aetna CEO and Chairman, Mark Bertolini, and his wife Mari Arnaud. They discuss how Mark’s own path towards mindfulness was the inspiration for a company-wide transformation, affecting an entire industry and countless lives along the way.…
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Following the Child in Public - Season 2 Episode 21
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Children are meant to exist in the world - not just their homes. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss how they prepare themselves and their environments to take their children into public. We review our mindsets, the limits we set, and how we allow for respectful freedom outside of our homes in both adult and child centered spaces. Show N…
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Ben Higgins: Sitting in Stillness and Speaking in Truth
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39:34
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Move This World Founder & CEO Sara Potler LaHayne sits down with author, entrepreneur, and former Bachelor on ABC's The Bachelor, Ben Higgins. Ben talks candidly about his struggles with addiction, building a community of support, and his continuous journey towards being his authentic self.By Move This World Audio Network
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Move This World Founder & CEO Sara Potler LaHayne sits down with bestselling author and therapist Marisa Peer. They discussed how Marisa challenges the mental health profession with her revolutionary techniques, the power of the mind / body connection, and the joy of being “flawesome."By Move This World Audio Network
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Making Plans for Summer - Season 2 Episode 20
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31:51
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For many parents, summer break is here. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy break down some of their summer routines, schedules and plans for their Montessori families. We include a little insight into how we balance scheduled outings, free play, and academic learning during the summer. Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2022/05/summ…
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Move This World Founder & CEO Sara Potler LaHayne sits down with NFL superstar Eric Decker and his friend and manager Matthew Musacchio. However, instead of talking touchdowns and AFC Championships, they discuss the power of pause, the challenges of raising children while having demanding schedules, and remaining authentic in the public eye.…
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Welcome to Season 4 of Move This World with Sara
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This season on Move This World with Sara, Host and Move This World Founder & CEO Sara LaHayne speaks with celebrity guests like retired NFL Super Bowl player Eric Decker, CEO Jim Kavanaugh, world-renowned Rapid Transformational Therapy trainer Marisa Peer, former CEO of Aetna Mark Bertolini, and star of ABC's The Bachelor Ben Higgins about the rela…
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Siblings and Shared Bedroom - Season 2 Episode 19
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In this week's episode we continue our mini-series on Montessori siblings by chatting about shared bedroom spaces and routines. Nicole and Amy discuss their routines around sleeping and shared bedrooms, bedtime, and what they include in their shared bedroom spaces. They also address safety and how to keep kids safe when sharing rooms. Show Notes: h…
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Sibling Relationships from Birth - Season 2 Episode 18
32:10
32:10
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Welcoming a new baby is such an exciting time for you and for your older children. There are lots of feelings - both happy and negative - when a new baby comes into your home. In this episode, Nicole and Amy share their experiences with cultivating a relationship between babies and their older siblings including some practical tips to teach gentlen…
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Navigating Sibling Relationships - Season 2 Episode 17
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36:02
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It can be so beautiful watching your children develop relationships with one another as they grow. However, it's not always a peaceful process. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy discuss how Montessori influences their parenting decisions when it comes to sibling conflict, and challenges. We discuss how we strike a balance between giving them s…
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Caregiving Routines for Babies - Season 2 Episode 16
32:35
32:35
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If we let them, caregiving routines with babies can be approached as a chore for the parent. Instead as Montessori parents, we want to make caregiving routines a point of connection between us and our children. In this episode, Nicole and Amy discuss their caregiving routines and how this looks in real life with distractions and other kids. Show No…
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Having Hard Conversations with Children - Season 2 Episode 15
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30:37
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There is a lot of turmoil and uncertainty around the world. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy share their experiences of having difficult conversations with their children including conversations around war. Show Notes: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2022/03/hardconversationswithchildren.html…
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A Montessori Child Q&A - Season 2 Episode 14
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33:23
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Amy and Nicole have eight children between them. In this week's episode, four of their children - Henry, Charlotte, Nora, and Gus - join the podcast to answer questions about being Montessori kids. They talk about screen time, how they feel about traditional schools, favorite things to do at home and school, and much more! Show Notes: https://www.t…
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