As a working mother, the demands of balancing family, work, and personal life can feel overwhelming at times. When it comes to my son, I want nothing more than to create an environment where he feels safe, inspired, and capable of learning at his own pace. That’s why I decided to set up a Montessori playroom at home. But, like many things in life, this journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. If you’re a mother considering the Montessori approach and wondering how to bring it to life in your own home while balancing your busy schedule, I hope my experiences and lessons learned will offer some guidance.
What Is a Montessori Playroom?
Before diving into the process, I want to briefly explain what a Montessori playroom is. Rooted in the educational philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, a Montessori playroom is designed to encourage independence, creativity, and hands-on learning. The space is carefully curated to be child-friendly and child-sized, offering opportunities for exploration and self-directed activities. In a Montessori playroom, you’ll find open shelves with accessible toys, natural materials, and an emphasis on order and simplicity.
Now, if you’re wondering, “How can I possibly make this work in my home with my busy schedule?” you’re not alone. This process has required a mix of time management, patience, and a bit of trial and error. Here’s how I set up our Montessori playroom, all while navigating the challenges of being a working mother.
Time Management: Finding Moments Between Work and Family
The first hurdle I faced was finding the time to actually create the playroom. With a full-time job, a household to manage, and a little one who needs constant attention, it seemed like an impossible task. However, I quickly realized that, like anything in life, the key was breaking the project into small, manageable steps.
Rather than setting aside one full day to work on the playroom, I dedicated small pockets of time during the week. Even if it was just 15 minutes while my son napped or after work when I had a bit of energy left, I used those moments to tackle one piece of the project. For instance, on one day, I focused on decluttering and sorting through toys. On another, I took the time to research Montessori-inspired storage solutions that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Tip: You don’t have to do it all at once. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and work on one small task at a time. The process will feel less overwhelming, and before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful space for your child.
Overcoming the Guilt of Not Being Perfect
As mothers, we often put so much pressure on ourselves to create perfect environments for our children. When I first started setting up the Montessori playroom, I felt a wave of guilt creeping in. I wanted it to be just right—after all, I was shaping my son’s environment, his learning space! But as I worked on the project, I realized something: perfection is not the goal. In fact, the Montessori method is all about embracing imperfection, fostering independence, and allowing children to learn from their mistakes.
At first, I thought I needed everything to look Pinterest-perfect, with wooden toys neatly arranged in aesthetically pleasing order. But life with a toddler doesn’t always allow for that level of tidiness. As I embraced the messiness of motherhood, I found that a Montessori-inspired playroom can be functional without being flawless.
I also came to understand that the most important thing isn’t the décor or organization—it’s creating a space where my son feels respected and can explore freely. He needs to be able to interact with his environment, make choices, and even experience frustration as he figures things out on his own.
Tip: Let go of the idea of perfection. Create a space that works for your family and know that your child is learning and growing through the process, not the final result.
Self-Care: Taking Care of Myself While Setting Up the Playroom
In the whirlwind of setting up the playroom, I quickly realized that I also needed to prioritize my own well-being. It was easy to focus all my energy on creating the perfect space for my son, but if I didn’t take care of myself, I would run out of steam. As working mothers, we often put our children’s needs above our own, but self-care is just as important for us to be able to show up as the best version of ourselves.
I began setting aside time each week for activities that helped me recharge. Sometimes it was as simple as taking a 20-minute walk in the fresh air after work or reading a few chapters of a book before bed. These small acts of self-care gave me the energy to keep going, not just with the playroom but in all aspects of life.
Tip: Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your mental and physical health is essential for being the best mom, partner, and professional you can be.
Creating the Montessori Playroom: What I Learned
With the right mindset and a little self-compassion, I started making real progress in setting up the playroom. Here are the key things I learned along the way:
1. Simplicity is Key
The Montessori method encourages simplicity, and I found that it was vital to apply this principle to the playroom. I focused on choosing a few high-quality, open-ended toys rather than overwhelming my son with an overabundance of options. This allowed him to focus on one activity at a time and gave him the freedom to explore at his own pace. I chose toys that could be used in multiple ways—wooden blocks, puzzles, sensory bins—and placed them on low shelves where he could easily access them.
2. Child-Sized Furniture
Creating a Montessori playroom meant making the space accessible to my son. I invested in child-sized furniture—a little table and chairs, a low bookshelf, and soft rugs. These items allowed him to feel empowered and in control of his environment. It also helped him develop fine motor skills as he navigated the space.
3. Incorporating Nature
In the Montessori philosophy, nature plays a big role. I incorporated natural materials like wooden toys, cotton rugs, and soft linen cushions to create a warm, inviting environment. I also added a small indoor plant to the room, which my son loves to water and take care of. This connection to nature not only enriched his sensory experiences but also taught him responsibility in a playful way.
4. Routine and Order
One of the core principles of Montessori is fostering a sense of order. I created a routine for playtime and made sure that the playroom was always tidy and organized. We always put the toys back in their designated spots, which gave my son a sense of structure and helped him develop responsibility for his own space.
Tip: You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a Montessori playroom. Simple changes like rotating toys and keeping the space organized will make a big impact on your child’s development.
Balancing Work and Family: The Real Challenge
While I’ve made progress with the playroom, I know the real challenge lies in maintaining balance. There are days when I feel like I’m running on empty—juggling meetings, deadlines, and the never-ending list of household chores. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But through trial and error, I’ve learned to give myself grace. Some days, the playroom may not be as tidy as I’d like, and that’s okay. What matters is that my son has a space where he can learn and grow, and I am doing the best I can.
I’ve also learned to ask for help. Whether it’s my husband taking on more responsibilities at home or reaching out to a family member for support, it’s okay to lean on others when needed. The playroom is a joint effort, and it’s important to share the load, so I don’t burn out.
Conclusion: You Are Doing Your Best
Setting up a Montessori playroom has been a rewarding and eye-opening experience for me as a working mother. It’s a reminder that we can create meaningful spaces for our children, even amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It may not always be easy, and it certainly won’t always be perfect, but as long as we are doing our best, that is enough.
To all the mothers out there feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, remember: you are enough. You are doing a fantastic job. No matter how your playroom looks, no matter how many times the toys get scattered across the floor, know that you are providing your child with the love, care, and opportunities they need to thrive.
You’re not in this alone—together, we are raising the next generation, one small step at a time.
I’m Zara Michell
