May 2025: Slowing Down to Catch Up– Why Pacing Matters in Montessori Homes

In today’s busy world, family life can start to feel like a race. We wake up early, rush through breakfast, shuffle from school to activities, juggle work meetings, plan meals, and somehow try to squeeze in quality time with our children. The pace of modern life often doesn’t leave much room for slowness, and yet—slowness may be one of the most powerful tools we have for supporting our children.

At Montessori Makers at Home, we talk a lot about prepared environments, respectful relationships, and fostering independence. But underlying all of that is something much more subtle: pace.

In a Montessori setting, everything is intentionally slowed down to allow children to engage fully, deeply, and meaningfully. The child who pours water, folds a towel, or sweeps the floor is not simply completing a task—they’re practicing concentration, control of movement, sequencing, and pride in work. But these benefits only emerge when we allow time. When we resist the urge to rush. When we step back and give space for process.

Why Slow Matters

Slowness isn’t laziness. In fact, it’s essential for growth. Children need time to:

• Observe and absorb.

• Try and fail.

• Repeat and master.

• Ask questions and wonder.

• Resolve challenges without adult interference.

When we fill every moment or jump in too quickly, we rob them of these critical experiences. A slow pace signals to the child: You have time. Your process matters. You are capable.

What Slowing Down Looks Like at Home

You don’t need to overhaul your routine to embrace a Montessori pace. Here are small, powerful shifts you can try:

• Build in buffer time during transitions (leaving the house, getting dressed, cleaning up).

• Narrate calmly, not quickly. Model language that reflects presence: “I see you’re putting your shoes on. That buckle takes focus.”

• Limit multitasking when spending time with your child. Choose presence over productivity.

• Honor repetition. If your child wants to repeat a task, let them—even if it’s not efficient.

• Resist the rescue. Let them struggle (safely) with zippers, spills, and spills of emotion.

Slowing down doesn’t mean doing less—it means doing with more attention and intention.

Slowness Builds Connection

Slowness also makes room for relationship. When we slow our responses, we listen better. When we give time for feelings to unfold, we co-regulate instead of control. When we model patience, we cultivate it in our children. Our home becomes less about managing behavior and more about building trust.

Let the Child Set the Pace

Dr. Montessori believed that the child reveals their path when we observe closely and prepare wisely. That means adjusting our pace—not theirs. When we match their rhythm, we offer the greatest gift: respect for who they are, right now.

So next time you find yourself rushing to zip the coat, pack the bag, or finish the puzzle for them, pause. Breathe. Step back. Invite the moment in.

Because when we slow down, we don’t fall behind. We catch up—to our children, to ourselves, and to what truly matters.

Want more support on creating calmer, more connected routines at home? Our Montessori Coaching Packages are designed to help caregivers build confidence, understand behavior, and foster independence at every stage of development. Learn more here.

With gratitude,

Hannah