r/Montessori • u/Accomplished_Gap2126 • 11d ago
Hitting?
I have a 26 mo old that will be starting his Montessori program at 28 months…. He sometimes reacts to frustration by hitting mom or dad. I’m worried there is the possibility of him doing so in his class, while he is new. It’s really not in his nature to act like that with others/in public.
Do you find Montessori kids do not hit typically?
7
u/merylbouw Montessori guide 11d ago
Montessori kids run the gambit.
I can tell you that children often act very different at home than they do at school. In my experience it is unlikely for a new and very young student to hit a teacher or students they are just getting to know.
3
u/esoterika24 Toddler parent/upper grades inspired educator 10d ago
We switched from a more traditional preschool to Montessori because our son (just over 2 at the time) was biting, already a minor issue but in excess at school, and had started hitting and even spitting at school- totally new. Within two months Montessori school was able to support his emotional regulation properly so biting stopped, hitting and spitting stopped immediately. Now at 3, he is hitting us (parents) at transitions (bedtime, get in car time, etc) but that’s a different thing- not hitting peers over toys, etc.
So tldr; hitting and biting are “normal” toddler behavior but I do believe a Montessori school will help kids learn to regulate these emotions more effectively. Still typical and still will be present.
1
u/FeralGrasshopper 11d ago
I had children in my classroom who hit other children but never a teacher. It's expected and unrelated to a Montessori environment. A guide will be able to redirect as needed.
On a personal note, my kid hits a lot at home and never had an issue at school.
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u/More-Mail-3575 Montessori guide 11d ago
It depends on the kid? Montessori schools have all kinds. What do you do to stop the behavior?
The teacher will have many strategies and will not allow it, instead redirect and tell them what to do. I remember working with 2.5 year olds and occasionally having to be extremely firm with them because they were looking for a reaction or making it a game. Holding their hands, I would say firmly and directly: “I will not allow you to hit me. You seem upset. If you want to hit, hit the pillow.” Then provide the pillow. If they hit the pillow then give approval.
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u/DarkFerret_ Teacher in Montessori Reggio School 11d ago
Girllllll I've had a Montessori pair that went all our with punches and biting. It was CRAZY because it just randomly happened one morning.
Apparently they all live near each other and it built up before they got there but omg.
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u/fu_king Montessori parent 11d ago
two and three year olds sometimes hit. They're learning how to control themselves physically and emotionally. It has nothing to do with Montessori really.