Toddler/Adolescent Similarities and Needs

Very useful notes!

Montessori Training

Toddler/Adolescent Similarities:

Ego centric -

• “I can do it myself.”
• “I already know [how to do] that.”
• “It’s all about me.”
• Seemingly insensitive at times, but can be incredibly empathetic
• Has a keen sense of fairness
• Feelings are easily hurt
• Plays hard. Works hard. Sleeps hard.

Toddler/Adolescent Needs:

• Reassurance
• Active listening
• Adequate nourishment – often
• Physical attention (hugs, pats on the back)
• Limits. (They will push the limits and want to know they are consistent.)
• A safe place where they can feel free to fall apart/lose control/have a tantrum or just be themselves.
• Freedom to explore new things/new friendships/new places, with the knowledge that there is a home “base”, a place of normalcy, to return to.
• Help making wise choices
• Positive role models
• Freedom to make and learn from their mistakes
• And most importantly, unconditional love and acceptance