According to the Montessori method, a crucial aspect of child-rearing is the development of independence from an early age. Practical skills in childhood naturally develop through play, imitation of parental examples, and other means.
In the article “Introduction to Montessori Practical Life”, we already discussed the concept of mirror neurons. These neurons are essential for learning, imitation, and empathy. A child observes what parents, caregivers, and other important figures do and tends to repeat these actions. For instance, when a mother is putting clothes into the wardrobe, the child tries to do the same, watching how it is done and imitating the process. Mirror neurons work hand in hand with a child's curiosity and desire to explore everything around them. This is the cause of the famous "I can do it myself" mentality. It is precisely at this moment when a child wants to do something on their own, even if not very gracefully or perfectly, and not in the way parents might envision, that it’s still important to allow them to try.
Initially, self-care skills and other practical abilities are just developing. Over time, the child becomes more confident and will improve daily. For example, the ability to independently fold clothes onto shelves or hang them in the wardrobe is something they can learn from a young age, just as learning to choose an appropriate outfit based on the weather or mood.
How can you help a child develop self-care skills?
Independence and self-sufficiency depend heavily on the environment in which a child grows and develops. By creating a stimulating space where all the items are at the child’s height, they can act just like adults. That means a preschooler can fold their clothes on shelves, tidy toys into boxes, make their own bed, and more. These simple tasks boost the child’s self-esteem, making them feel more confident at home, at preschool, in school, and during interactions with peers.
What is a Montessori wardrobe, and how does it help boys and girls become more independent?
A Montessori-style wardrobe is designed at the child's height and is made from eco-friendly materials that are safe for health. It has no sharp corners, making it a child-friendly piece of furniture. Montessori wardrobes are often open, which is especially helpful for younger children. This allows them to easily view their clothes on shelves and hangers and choose what they want to wear. Among the various closet designs, you’ll find many interesting options:
- Charming and magical Wardrobe for girls, distinguished by stylish, minimalist designs, open constructions for easy viewing, compact sizes, and optimal height.
- Universal dress up wardrobes for kids that fit any child's room. Wardrobes like the Montessori Closet, open Toddler Wardrobe, or the stylish Kids Rack will be a wonderful addition to a child’s room at home or in preschool.
- Combined wardrobes with both shelves and hangers offering even more convenience for children's rooms. In designs like the Montessori Dresser, shelves feature helpful cut-outs. These cut-outs in the shape of different clothing items help children understand where each type of clothing should be stored. This helps them fold their clothes properly and find items without needing assistance.
These and other Montessori wardrobes help children feel confident and capable when selecting clothes or returning items to the correct hangers and shelves.
These wardrobes usually have a minimalist design, with open shelves, hanging spaces, and compartments suitable for small hands. The layout promotes order and simplicity, making it easier for children to maintain cleanliness in their space. This arrangement not only simplifies learning to dress but also instills organizational habits from an early age.
Advantages of Montessori-style wardrobes
- Natural materials. Choosing a dress up wardrobe for kids from WoodandHearts means opting for furniture made from premium birch plywood and natural wood. These wardrobes are built to last and are safe for health.
- Stylish, minimalist design tailored to children’s needs: When browsing kids' closet ideas, you will notice that the furniture is designed to the average toddler’s height. Rounded corners, cut-out hints, and other features focus on learning to dress and organizing one’s belongings on shelves.
- Each of the kid's closet ideas beautifully complements other Montessori furniture. This allows you to easily create an ideal space in the child’s room, conducive to exploration, learning, and the development of self-care skills.
- Furthermore, by using Montessori wardrobes, children become more confident, learn to make choices, organize their space, and experiment with interesting outfits and clothing details. Ultimately, even actions like hanging clothes on hangers or folding clothes onto shelves help children develop their motor skills and practical life skills.
That’s why it’s essential that children have not just any wardrobe but one they can use right now, not later. By actively participating in everyday life, children gain an entire set of important knowledge and skills.
How to make a child’s wardrobe even more functional?
We recommend combining several Montessori furniture pieces to offer expanded functionality. For example, complement your kids' closet ideas with a stool or bench. Consider offering the child a Montessori step stool: it’s a convenient chair-ladder that lets children reach higher shelves and sit comfortably while putting on socks or shoes. A Bench (look at one with a clothing rack in a set) is another great idea since it can be used not only in the child’s room but also in creating a dressing area in the living room. In a preschool, such benches and racks can form an entire wardrobe room where children can leave outerwear and change into indoor shoes. Here are a few more ideas and additions for a functional children’s room interior:
- If you offer an open Montessori wardrobe, use small baskets or containers to store socks, shoes, or accessories. This makes storage more convenient and tidy, as many small items can create visual clutter. Putting all the little items in boxes and drawers allows you to place them on open shelves without affecting the room’s appearance. This also helps children learn to keep their space organized.
- Adding a mirror, ideally full-length, is also a great idea so the child can see themselves completely. A mirror helps children assess their appearance and admire themselves (children love looking at their reflections, which is part of self-awareness).
- Of course, you’ll need Hangers for the wardrobe. This makes it easier to organize the closet. Hanging clothes are easier to find when needed, and they stay neat no matter the circumstances.
A Montessori wardrobe is not just about a piece of furniture but a tool that fosters independence and self-organization from a young age. By integrating such wardrobes into a child’s room, you’re helping them develop essential life skills, such as learning to dress, organizing their clothes, and gaining confidence in their abilities. With the right dress up wardrobe for kids, you can create a nurturing environment where children thrive in their self-sufficiency.