Since M is starting a 5-day-a-week, 6 1/2 hour per day Montessori program in a couple weeks, I thought I might as well look into making our home (and my parenting) as similar to the school’s style as is reasonable. I’ve seen how much calmer, focused, and settled M is when she can be independent, so yesterday I worked on making small adjustments to our home that will enable her to feel more in control of her routine and environment.
M has been doing really well pouring her own bowls of cereal. She also eats a whole lot more when she does it herself! She is much more enthusiastic about tooth brushing, hair washing, and showering. She took her own shower yesterday, and washed her own hair, as a matter a fact. If only she would be willing to get dressed…
Mother of All Things 
Putting snacks in portioned containers that are accessible is smart. I should do that but I have to find a place Carter can get to but Dylan can’t yet. I can’t believe i’ve had to childproof my house.
I have a lock on the fridge and pantry. Maybe when he’s 4 he will be able to handle getting himself a snack!
I have a lock on the fridge but I open it to allow her to choose her snack from the bin or get out the milk or whatever.
I have a drawer of his dishes and encourage him to help get them out, put them in the sink, and put them away from the dishwasher. I agree with encouraging their independence at this age. It helps a ton! Wallace is working on the potty part. He can get his pants off by himself but needs help getting on the toilet. This week I have been working on teaching him to get his underpants and pants back on himself. I would love for him to be fully toilet independent minus butt wiping but he has a hard time because of his low tone.