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Montessori Dad — Respectful Parenting & Fatherhood

Montessori Dad — Respectful Parenting & Fatherhood

77 episodes — Page 1 of 2

S3 Ep 75The Exhaustion of the "Good Parent": Honesty, Emotional Labor, and the Prepared Adult

In this entry of Montessori Dad, I’m sitting with a specific kind of fatigue, the exhaustion that surfaces not from parenting itself, but from the labor of pretending we aren’t exhausted.Through a Montessori lens, we often talk about the prepared environment, but we rarely discuss the prepared adult as someone who is allowed to have limits. This is a meditation on the “mirror” our children hold up to us, reflecting the parts of our own inner child that learned to perform “being okay” even when we weren’t.This is a reflection on parenting while tired, loving without the weight of perfection, and offering ourselves the same compassion we offer our children. It’s about the shift from parental performance to authentic presence.In This Episode:* The Cost of the Mask: Why “performing” stability is more draining than the chaos itself.* The Prepared Adult: Redefining the Montessori concept as someone who honors their own human capacity.* Childhood as a Mirror: How our children reveal our own unmet needs and inner child triggers.* Emotional Labor in Parenting: Navigating the “invisible work” of staying regulated.* Compassion as a Practice: Learning to grow alongside our children, not just for them.Come along for a Montessori parenting journey with J.D. HEREIf this episode sparked a memory, a question about the craft, or a story you’d rather speak than type, come sit at our table. You can leave a voice note for the studio at:https://www.speakpipe.com/FragileMoments Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 30, 202614 min

S3 Ep 74What Happens When We Stop Rushing Our Children?

What happens to our children—and ourselves—when we stop rushing the clock and start trusting the process?In this entry, I reflect on the “threshold” of parenting: that difficult, quiet moment where we choose to step back and let a child be. Through a Montessori lens, we explore how a slow afternoon spent collecting rocks or building imaginary worlds isn’t “empty” time, it is the most profound form of growth.This is a meditation on moving from a manager of tasks to a steward of wonder. It’s an invitation to every parent practicing respectful parenting who wants to trade the pressure of production for the alchemy of presence.The Thread of This Conversation:* The Prepared Environment: Why a slow pace is a required tool.* Meaningful Work: How deep engagement fosters independence and calm.* The Discipline of Silence: The art of not interrupting a focused child.* Stewardship: Navigating the “spaces between” in modern fatherhood.Come along for a Montessori parenting journey with J.D. HEREIf this episode sparked a memory, a question about the craft, or a story you’d rather speak than type, come sit at our table. You can leave a voice note for the studio at:https://www.speakpipe.com/FragileMoments Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 16, 202613 min

How to Build Resilience: The Lesson of the Unfinished Game

How do we help our children navigate disappointment without "fixing" it? We explore building resilience in children through the lens of a game that didn't finish.In this entry, I sit with a small moment that carries a surprisingly heavy lesson. After a simple game at the kitchen table ends in disappointment, I watch my five-year-old decide he doesn’t want to keep playing. There’s no outburst, no blame—just the quiet weight of losing and not knowing what to do with it yet.Through a Montessori lens, this episode reflects on emotional development and the tension between efficiency and empowerment. We move beyond "toughening kids up" to discuss the practice of co-regulation—staying with our children while something hard takes shape. By learning to lose slowly, safely, and in relationship, we help our children develop a growth mindset and a resilient sense of self. This is a reflection on when to step in, when to step back, and how Montessori at home is as much about the parent's internal work as it is the child's environment.In This Episode:The Weight of Losing: Understanding the "quiet" side of disappointment in toddler development.Co-Regulation vs. Correction: Why staying present matters more than fixing the mood.Building Resilience in Children: How "not finishing the game" can be a foundational lesson in self-regulation.Efficiency vs. Empowerment: The cost of rushing a child through a difficult emotion.Come along for a Montessori parenting journey with J.D. HERE---If this episode sparked a memory, a question about the craft, or a story you’d rather speak than type, come sit at our table. You can leave a voice note for the studio or explore our resources for creators at:https://www.speakpipe.com/FragileMoments Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 2, 202613 min

Parenting Through Grief: Honoring a Child's Pace

How do we explain the unexplainable to our children? In this entry, J.D. reflects on parenting through grief following the loss of his father. Watching his three and five-year-old children navigate the "Space Between Us," he explores the concept of developmental readiness and the importance of respecting a child’s pace as they process loss. It’s a quiet study in restraint, honesty, and the art of standing in the gap between an adult's understanding and a child's forming heart.Come along for a Montessori parenting journey with J.D. HERE---Continue the ConversationThis show is a production of Fragile Moments, a storytelling studio dedicated to the craft of presence. We believe the best stories don't just end when the audio stops; they breathe and create space for your own.If this episode sparked a memory, a question about the craft, or a story you’d rather speak than type, come sit at our table. You can leave a voice note for the studio or explore our resources for creators at:https://www.speakpipe.com/FragileMomentsI listen to every note personally during my Friday stewardship hours. No pressure to be polished, just be human. Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 16, 20269 min

How to Stay Close Without Clinging

Right now, our children’s worlds are small, and we are at the center of them. Through a journal entry to his five-year-old son, J.D. examines the weight of intentional parenting and the fleeting nature of this season. We move beyond the physical prepared environment to discuss the internal work of presence and attention. This is a reflection on staying close without clinging and honoring the deep pull of family connection while we still can.Come along for a Montessori parenting journey with J.D. HERE---Continue the ConversationThis show is a production of Fragile Moments, a storytelling studio dedicated to the craft of presence. We believe the best stories don't just end when the audio stops; they breathe and create space for your own.If this episode sparked a memory, a question about the craft, or a story you’d rather speak than type, come sit at our table. You can leave a voice note for the studio or explore our resources for creators at:https://www.speakpipe.com/FragileMomentsI listen to every note personally during my Friday stewardship hours. No pressure to be polished, just be human. Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 2, 202610 min

Season 3 — The Montessori Dad

A quieter season begins.The Montessori Dad returns this February with a new season of reflections on presence, patience, and parenting as an inner practice.Season 3 continues the journal-style format — intimate, grounded, and unscripted — exploring the emotional work of fatherhood, the rhythms of home, and the slow shaping of both parent and child.Produced by Not Today Media. New episodes begin February. Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 12, 20260 min

Growing Through the Quiet Storm - Entry #64

Even the smallest storms—frustration, sadness, disappointment—can become opportunities for connection and growth. For the final entry of Season 2, I journal a tender moment of emotional expression, showing how presence and patience help children build emotional strength.Through reflection, I share Montessori-inspired insights on emotional literacy, naming feelings, and holding space during challenging moments. This episode reminds us that growth often happens beneath the surface, during the quiet storms of childhood.Reflective Question:When your child experiences frustration or disappointment, how can you offer presence and calm guidance, allowing growth to take root naturally?Find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 20, 202518 min

Learning From Setbacks - Entry #63

Mistakes are opportunities waiting to be noticed. In this episode, I journal a moment when a block tower collapses, and we explore how calm presence and gentle guidance turn setbacks into growth.Montessori parenting teaches us to normalize mistakes, celebrate the process, and model reflective responses. Listeners are invited to see setbacks not as failures, but as quiet lessons in resilience, creativity, and emotional courage.Reflective Question:Where in your child’s day might a small setback be a chance to practice resilience? How can you respond calmly and supportively?Find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 13, 202517 min

Leaning Into Discomfort - Entry #62

Growth often comes dressed as discomfort. This week, I journal about a moment when my child struggles to tie their shoes, and the subtle lesson that emerges when we allow children to face challenges on their own.Through Montessori-informed reflection, we explore the power of letting children experience manageable frustration, and how stepping back encourages perseverance, problem-solving, and confidence.Reflective Question:What small challenge can you allow your child to experience this week, without stepping in too soon?Find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 6, 202516 min

Recognizing the Hidden Strengths - Entry #61

Sometimes the most remarkable growth happens quietly. In this week’s episode, I reflect on the subtle moments when children show resilience and independence—the patient stacking of blocks, the careful pouring of water, the quiet focus on a small task.Through my journal entry to my children, we explore the beauty of unseen courage, and how Montessori principles remind us to honor the inner life of our children. This episode invites parents to step back, observe, and recognize the hidden strengths in their child’s daily life.Reflective Question:Where do you notice quiet courage and self-reliance in your child this week? How can you honor it without interrupting?Find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 29, 202513 min

Nurturing the Roots of Connection - Entry #60

So much of family life is built on the small, ordinary rituals—morning routines, bedtime stories, the little rhythms that seem almost invisible. Yet within them is something powerful: roots.In this episode of Montessori Dad, I write to my children about how these daily rituals—pouring cereal, brushing teeth, sharing a bedtime book—are quietly weaving a foundation of belonging. Through the Montessori lens, we’ll reflect on how rhythm and routine nurture a child’s sense of safety and freedom.Connection isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes it’s about the steady beat of small, ordinary acts repeated with love.Roots first. Growth second. Always in that order.Find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 22, 202513 min

The Courage to Begin Again - Entry #59

There are days when parenting doesn’t go the way we hope. We lose our patience, we rush, we miss the moment. And afterward, we carry the weight of regret.But what if mistakes aren’t the end of the story? What if they’re an invitation to begin again?In this episode, I share a journal entry to my children about the times I’ve stumbled, and the gift they give me each time they allow me to return. Together, we’ll explore how Montessori’s view of mistakes—as opportunities, not failures—can shift the way we parent and the way we see ourselves.Because the courage to begin again doesn’t just restore connection—it teaches our children resilience, grace, and the truth that love is always bigger than our mistakes.A reminder: repair isn’t weakness. It’s strength.Find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 15, 202511 min

Planting Seeds of Patience - Entry #58

This journal entry invites us to see our children's natural rhythms not as obstacles to efficiency, but as teachers showing us a more soulful way of being present.What You'll Discover:* Why Montessori viewed patience as active love rather than passive waiting* How to create space for children's independence without abandoning them to struggle alone* The profound message we send when we choose presence over productivity* A father's honest reflections on learning to trust his children's timingFor Your Heart: This episode runs about 12 minutes, perfect for your morning walk or evening unwind. Let it remind you that the most important growth happens in its own time, and that your loving presence is often the richest soil for your child's becoming.Reflection Invitation: Where in your day might you practice the sacred art of waiting? What would change if you trusted your child's timing just a little more? Share your thoughts, this community grows through our shared wisdom and gentle encouragement.Find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 8, 20257 min

Journal Entry #57 - Listening to the Quiet Within

As the seasons begin to shift, so too do we. September invites us to pause, to turn inward, and to notice the quiet places we often rush past.In this episode, I share a journal entry written to my children about the gift of silence—how the moments in between their laughter, their play, and their questions can teach us more than constant motion ever could. Montessori reminds us that silence isn’t emptiness—it’s presence.Together, we’ll reflect on:* How children thrive in stillness and concentration* Why parents often feel the urge to “fill the silence”* Gentle ways to notice and honor the quiet spaces in your own home* The surprising freedom that emerges when we listen, instead of rushThis is the start of our September theme: The Journey Inward: Preparing for a Season of Growth. And it begins right here—with the courage to simply be still.Because sometimes, the quiet within us is the loudest guide of all.Drop a comment here or find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 1, 20255 min

Journal Entry #56 - Finding Freedom Within Routine

Routines aren’t cages. When held with softness, they’re invitations to safety—and from safety, freedom grows.In this reflective entry, JD shares a letter to his children about the surprising liberation that lives inside daily rhythms. What began as an attempt to create order turned into something far more meaningful: an anchor. A source of calm. A framework that allows his kids to move through their day with confidence, creativity, and trust.For parents navigating the tug-of-war between flexibility and consistency, this episode offers both affirmation and a nudge.There is freedom in predictability—when it’s shaped with care.Inside this episode:* How rhythm creates emotional safety for kids* Why freedom thrives best within warm, predictable structure* Questions to help you rethink your own daily routines🌱 Let this one be your soft reset—an invitation to trust the steady beat of a well-loved day.Drop a comment here or find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Aug 25, 20256 min

Journal Entry #55 - The Beauty of Practical Life Skills

There’s a quiet power in pouring water, folding laundry, or sweeping the floor. Not just for us—but for our kids too.In this journal-style episode, J.D. writes directly to his children, reflecting on the slow, meaningful work of learning practical life skills. These everyday tasks are often overlooked or rushed, but in the Montessori world (and in this father’s heart), they’re honored as sacred ground.Through tender storytelling and grounded insight, JD explores how letting kids participate in daily life—with real tools, real responsibility, and real purpose—teaches more than coordination. It builds self-trust. It fosters belonging. It whispers, “You matter here.”This one is for every parent who’s ever felt torn between getting it done fast and letting it be done slow and real.Inside this episode:* Why practical life tasks are emotionally nourishing (not just functional)* How participation fosters confidence, care, and connection* The reminder that slowness is not a flaw—it's a feature of learning✨ Journal entry meets gentle coaching in this short and soulful reflection.Drop a comment here or find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Aug 18, 20256 min

Journal Entry #54 - Grace, Courtesy, and the Kindness My Kids Are Watching For

In this episode, I write a personal letter to my kids about the quiet power of grace and courtesy—the small acts of kindness and respect that often go unnoticed but shape who we are and who our children become. It’s not about perfect manners or rote phrases; it’s about embodying kindness through how we move, speak, and show up every day, especially when it’s hard.Drawing from Montessori philosophy, we explore how children learn far more from the soft example we set than from any words or instructions. I share moments of real-life reflection—when I forget to say thank you or interrupt, and how those moments become lessons for all of us in presence, humility, and respect.This episode invites you to join me in embracing the beautiful, imperfect journey of living grace and courtesy—not just teaching it, but truly being it—for our children and ourselves.What you’ll hear:* A heartfelt journal entry written directly to my kids* Montessori insights on grace and courtesy as foundational life skills* The importance of modeling kindness through everyday actions* Gentle guidance on cultivating respect and softness at home* A listener prompt to practice small acts of grace in your own family lifePull up a seat, and let’s explore how softness in fatherhood creates strength for our children—and for ourselves.Join me on this journey toward gentle, thoughtful parenting. The table is yours.Drop a comment here or find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Aug 11, 20254 min

Journal Entry #53 - Movement Is Learning, Not Just Play

In this episode, I write a letter to my kids about the deep connection between movement and learning. More than just fun or energy release, movement is a fundamental way children explore their world, develop coordination, and build independence. Through Montessori’s lens, we see how every step, climb, and reach is a meaningful part of growing.I share moments of watching my kids move through their day—the way their bodies carry their curiosity and their confidence—and how I’m learning to honor that natural rhythm instead of rushing or interrupting. It’s an invitation to parents and caregivers to slow down, observe, and support movement as a vital part of development.In this episode, you’ll hear:* A heartfelt journal entry addressed to my children* Reflections on how movement connects to brain development and emotional regulation* Montessori philosophy on the prepared environment and supporting natural movement* Gentle guidance on resisting the urge to control or restrict active play* A listener prompt encouraging mindful observation of your child’s movement todayPull up a chair, and let’s celebrate movement as a powerful, beautiful way of learning—not just play.Drop a comment here or find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Aug 4, 20254 min

Journal Entry #52 - The Way You Ask Questions Teaches Me Everything

In this episode, a simple question from a child, “Why are construction trucks yellow?” becomes a profound lesson in curiosity, humility, and connection.By choosing honesty over authority, this dad models a Montessori-inspired approach to parenting that honors wonder and co-discovery.More than just answering questions, it’s about creating a space where not knowing is safe and curiosity thrives.This episode taps into a larger cultural shift where fathers are embracing softness and vulnerability as true strength.What You’ll Hear:* An intimate journal entry capturing a real moment of curiosity* Reflections on how Montessori principles teach us to follow the child’s lead* Insights on the evolving role of fathers as learners and companions rather than experts* A gentle invitation to sit with uncertainty and explore questions togetherWhy This Episode Matters:Modern fatherhood is redefining strength — moving away from knowing all the answers to being present in the unknown.This episode offers a gentle reminder that vulnerability, curiosity, and shared discovery are powerful tools for connection and growth.Connect & Reflect:Have you ever felt pressure to be the “Answer Giver” in your family? What might happen if you let that go — just for a moment?Drop a comment here or find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your journal HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Jul 28, 20257 min

Journal Entry #51 - You Don’t Have to Be Happy All the Time

This episode explores a tender moment when a scraped knee became a doorway into a deeper lesson: you don’t have to be happy all the time.Through Montessori eyes, we learn the power of sitting with discomfort, honoring big feelings, and resisting the urge to fix too fast.More than just parenting advice, this episode joins a larger cultural conversation about how modern dads are redefining strength — moving from stoicism to softness, from silence to presence.What You’ll Hear:* An intimate journal entry witnessing a child’s small hurt* A reflection on the emotional patience Montessori parenting encourages* Insights on how modern fathers are embracing vulnerability as a form of strength* An invitation to slow down and hold space for discomfort — in your kids and yourselfWhy This Episode Matters:As more fathers reject outdated notions of masculinity, this episode offers encouragement and permission to be emotionally present and gentle.Parenting isn’t about rushing toward the fix; it’s about being steady, humble, and soft — qualities that nurture not just children, but entire families and communities.Connect & Reflect:Have you noticed the pressure to “make it better” quickly? How might slowing down to just be with your child change the dynamic?Drop a comment here or find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Jul 21, 20257 min

Journal Entry #50 - Why Uninterrupted Work Is a Gift for All of Us

I write a letter to my kids about a moment I almost interrupted…them lost in a world of Legos. It wasn’t just play; it was deep focus, flow, and creativity unfolding quietly in front of me.This letter explores Montessori’s idea of uninterrupted work, the importance of protecting those moments when children dive deep, so their concentration can build and blossom. It’s also a reflection on how often we adults break our own flow, and what it might look like to protect that sacred space for ourselves, too.What you’ll hear:* A heartfelt journal entry about witnessing my kids building Legos in deep focus* Reflections on Montessori’s respect for concentration and presence* Thoughts on resisting the urge to interrupt and instead protect the child’s flow* A gentle invitation to nurture quiet work in your own home and lifeWhy this episode matters:In a world buzzing with distraction, uninterrupted work is revolutionary.This episode reminds us that presence — for our kids and ourselves — is a gift worth protecting, and that softness in fatherhood means honoring those quiet moments with respect and love.Connect & Reflect:If you’ve had a moment lately where you let go and something beautiful unfolded I’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment here or find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad.This space is a slow build, a journal we’re writing together.We’ll keep stitching the fragile back together — one story at a time.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Jul 14, 20255 min

Journal Entry #49 - I’m Learning to Trust Your Inner Guide

In this weeks journal entry, I write a letter to my kids about something I almost missed: the quiet confidence with which they moved through their day, trying, failing, trying again. No ask for help. No need for guidance. Just deep trust in their own process.This is about learning to step back. To observe instead of direct. To listen instead of fix. And to trust that our children are led by something strong and sure, an inner guide that doesn’t need constant correction.As parents, especially fathers, we’re often told our value lies in control, in being the fixer, in having the answers. But Montessori offers a different kind of strength, one rooted in softness, in presence, and in the radical act of letting go.What you’ll hear:* A single, flowing journal entry written to my kids about trust and letting go* A reflection on the Montessori principle of observing without interference* Gentle thoughts on how emotional control and trust are deeply connected* A quiet invitation to slow down and honor your child’s processWhy this episode matters:Sometimes our kids don’t need our help, they need our belief.Montessori asks us to see the child as whole, capable, and innately wise. This episode is a soft invitation to practice that belief, not just with our kids, but with ourselves.Connect & Reflect:If you’ve had a moment lately where you let go and something beautiful unfolded I’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment here or find me on Threads or IG @realmontessoridad. This space is a slow build, a journal we’re writing together.We’ll keep stitching the fragile back together — one story at a time.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Jul 7, 20255 min

Journal Entry #48 - Today I Watched You Build Patience

This weeks journal entry, I reflect on a quiet, ordinary moment — watching my children stack wooden blocks with calm and care. It’s in these small, slow spaces that I’m reminded of what Montessori teaches us: to respect our children’s process, to trust their timing, and to meet them where they are — not where we wish they were.Patience isn’t just something we give to our kids. It’s something we grow inside ourselves, over and over again. And in that practice, there’s a softness — one that feels more like strength than anything I’ve ever known.What you’ll hear:* A heartfelt letter to my kids about learning patience side-by-side* Reflections on Montessori’s deep respect for the child’s natural rhythm* Honest thoughts on the tension between our adult urgency and a child’s slower pace* A gentle prompt for noticing where patience might already be showing up in your lifeWhy this episode matters:Parenting often asks us to move faster, fix quicker, and hold it all together. But Montessori parenting — and fatherhood done with softness — invites a different kind of strength: the kind that shows up slowly, quietly, and with open hands. This episode is a space to breathe, reflect, and return to what really matters.Connect & Reflect:I’d love to hear how you’re practicing patience in your home — or how your kids are teaching it to you in unexpected ways. Feel free to reply here or share your thoughts on Instagram. Let’s keep building something softer, together.We’ll keep stitching the fragile back together — one story at a time.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 30, 20254 min

Journal Entry #47 - Modeling, Not Managing: The Role of the Adult in a Child’s Emotional World

In this weeks entry, we’re looking at the emotional world of children—not through the lens of control, but through the lens of connection.So often, we think our job is to manage our kids’ emotions: to fix the crying, calm the tantrums, or talk them out of being upset. But what if our real role is to model emotional regulation, not micromanage their experience?This is about what it means to be real, not perfect. It’s about being witnessed as a feeling person in front of your children and letting them learn from how you move through frustration, repair, or vulnerability.If you’ve ever felt like you’re “supposed to” be the calm one at all times, this episode invites you to take a breath and remember: they don’t need you to be flawless. They just need you to be human.What We Talk About:* Why trying to “fix” feelings can backfire* The power of emotional modeling in real-time* Apologizing as a form of parenting* How our own emotional discomfort shapes the way we show up* Why our messiness matters more than we think Favorite Line from the Episode:“You don’t need me to be perfect. You need me to be real.”Join the Montessori Dad Community:Want to keep the conversation going?Join us over on Substack and sign up for the Montessori Dad newsletter. You’ll get weekly reflections on parenting, emotional intelligence, and Montessori-inspired connection—plus a space to connect with other thoughtful parents.Subscribe here to get new episodes, journal prompts, and behind-the-scenes thoughts delivered straight to your inbox.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HEREComment on this episode HERESupport the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 23, 20254 min

Journal Entry #46 - The Quiet Power of Play: Letting Go of Over-Scheduling

In this journal-style reflection, I explore what it means to truly trust in play—not as a break from learning, but as the learning itself.So often, we find ourselves packing every minute of our kids’ days with structured activities, worried they’ll fall behind or miss out. But what if the very thing we’re skipping—the unscheduled, open-ended, magical nothing time—is actually where the most important development happens?This episode is a letter to my kids, and to any parent who needs the reminder that doing less can sometimes give our children so much more. More space to grow, to imagine, to lead themselves—and to just be.What’s Inside:* Why play is emotional and cognitive work* The hidden cost of over-scheduling* Why boredom isn’t a problem—it’s a portal* How to build trust in your child’s internal rhythm* A gentle reflection for anyone feeling the pressure to do more Favorite Quote from the Episode:“They are the quiet work you do to grow strong inside. They are the practice fields for creativity, resilience, and emotional strength.”Join the Montessori Dad CommunityWant to connect with other thoughtful parents and keep these conversations going?👉 Subscribe to the newsletter and become part of our growing Substack community.You'll get weekly parenting reflections through a Montessori lens, Q&As, and journaling prompts delivered straight to your inbox.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Start your own journal HEREComment on this episode HERESupport the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 16, 20255 min

Journal Entry #45 - The Sock Situation: Life Skills, Tiny Shoes, and Big Lessons

In this episode, I share a moment that started with a simple sock and turned into something much deeper—a lesson in patience, trust, and what it really means to raise capable kids.When our children try to do something hard—like get dressed, make their own breakfast, or zip up their coat—we often rush in. Not because we don’t believe in them, but because we’re tired, running late, or worried they’ll get upset.But what if those “inconvenient” moments are actually the ones that matter most?This journal-style reflection is for every parent who’s ever wanted to jump in, fix it, do it faster—but is learning (like me) to slow down, let go, and trust the process.💡 In This Episode:* Why life skills aren’t just about chores* What our kids are really asking for when they say “I want to do it myself”* The emotional power of letting kids struggle a little (with support)* How our responses shape their self-belief more than we think* Why socks can sometimes be soul work 😅Got a parenting moment that surprised you?Something tiny that ended up meaning a whole lot?📬 I’d love to hear it.Send me a message @realmontessoridad on Instagram, or email me at [email protected] if this episode resonated with you, please share it with another parent who’s in the thick of it. Every download, review, and message helps this community grow.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter HEREStart your own journal HEREComment on this episode HERESupport the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 9, 20256 min

Journal Entry #44 - The Day of 27 Whys

What do birds sitting on wires, squirrels without hats, and early-morning curiosity have in common?They all showed up before 9am.In this episode, I reflect on a real-life, journal-style morning where my child asked 27 “why” questions before breakfast—and how I nearly missed the moment by trying to survive it instead of engaging with it.This isn’t just a story about being a tired parent (though, yes, there’s plenty of that). It’s a story about the beauty and brilliance of a child’s mind in full question-asking mode—and what it means for us, as adults, to slow down and meet it with presence instead of shutting it down.In This Episode, I Talk About:* Why “Why?” questions can feel so overwhelming—and why they matter so much* The subtle harm of saying “just because” too often* How small moments of connection shape long-term trust* What it really means to see the world through a child’s eyes* The magic of flipping the question back: “What do you think?”Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter HEREStart your own journal HEREComment on this episode HERESupport the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 2, 20259 min

Interview: Let Them Pour the Milk - Ian Standard

Ian Standard, a new dad and someone who really understands the emotional intelligence side of life skills and why those small moments of independence aren’t just about tasks, but about trust, resilience, and building a strong inner voice in our kids.My guest this month is: Ian StandardSay hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter HEREStart your own journal HEREComment on this episode HERESupport the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

May 26, 202540 min

Journal Entry #43

This week we’re talking about daily routines like pouring milk, folding towels, loading the dishwasher, and why those small, often frustrating moments are actually where emotional development and confidence get built. And yeah, we'll talk about how to hand over control without the whole house burning down in the process.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter HEREStart your own journal HEREComment on this episode HERESupport the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

May 19, 20251h 7m

Journal Entry #42

This weeks journal entry is a bit of a pause button. We’re talking about what it really means to slow down—not just for our kids’ sake, but for our own. And what might happen if we stop dragging them through our timelines, and start walking with them at theirs.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter HEREStart your own journal HERELeave a comment about the episode on Substack HERESupport the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

May 12, 20251h 7m

Journal Entry #41

Regulating emotions can be a challenge. Have you ever seen what it looks like when someone tries to though? I did, and it was my 4yo son.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter HEREStart your own journal HERELeave a comment about the episode on Substack HERESupport the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

May 5, 20258 min

Interview: Mothering Without A Mother - Alyssa Carlene

Alyssa Carlene chose the path of healing. Not for a neat ending, but for a beginning. She became the mother she never had piece by piece, breath by breath. My guest this month is: Alyssa CarleneSay hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Sign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠Show Sponsors:* BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/fragilemoments for 10% off your first month of online therapy.* WHOOP: join.whoop.com/storyteller for a FREE WHOOP 4.0 and one month FREE.* HUEL: for $20 off your first order of complete nutrition from HUEL CLICK HERE* JOT: to save up to $40 on your first JOT coffee order CLICK HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 28, 202538 min

Journal Entry #40

Little humans, big emotions. What does that look like when a 2yo breaks a 4yo’s heart by denying a before bedtime hug?Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter HEREStart your own journal HERELeave a comment about the episode on Substack HERESupport the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 21, 202516 min

Journal Entry #39

Experience the world through a child’s eye they say.Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter HEREStart your own journal HERELeave a comment about the episode on Substack HERESupport the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 14, 202510 min

Journal Entry #38

Celebrating my birthday is different when you’re kiddo actually knows how to count.Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter HEREStart your own journal HERELeave a comment about the episode on Substack HERESupport the show by signing up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 7, 20257 min

Interview: A State Of Being Whelmed - Rhalyn David

For much of my life, I was brought up in an environment where the phrase “follow the child” is the guiding principle.My guest this month is: Rhalyn DavidSay hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Follow the show and review us on Apple PodcastsSign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠Show Sponsors:* BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/fragilemoments for 10% off your first month of online therapy.* WHOOP: join.whoop.com/storyteller for a FREE WHOOP 4.0 and one month FREE.* HUEL: for $20 off your first order of complete nutrition from HUEL CLICK HERE* JOT: to save up to $40 on your first JOT coffee order CLICK HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 31, 202553 min

Journal Entry #37

This week I discuss the fear of losing connection with my children as they grow upThanks for pushing play on another journal entry.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, HEREStart your own journal HEREFollow the show and review us on Apple PodcastsSign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 24, 202512 min

Journal Entry #36

This week I explore the meaning of a parenting quote I stumbled across that hit me deep.Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, HEREStart your own journal HEREFollow the show and review us on Apple PodcastsSign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 17, 202510 min

Journal Entry #35

My kids ask if they can keep me forever, if I can be their friend, and what my favorite character in Star Wars is.Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Follow the show and review us on Apple PodcastsSign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 10, 202514 min

Interview: The Value of Calm Parenting - Kirk Martin

Yelling doesn't teach; it creates a cycle of negativity.My guest this week is: Kirk MartinSay hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Follow the show and review us on Apple PodcastsSign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠Show Sponsors:* BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/fragilemoments for 10% off your first month of online therapy.* WHOOP: join.whoop.com/storyteller for a FREE WHOOP 4.0 and one month FREE.* HUEL: for $20 off your first order of complete nutrition from HUEL CLICK HERE* JOT: to save up to $40 on your first JOT coffee order CLICK HERE This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 3, 202554 min

Journal Entry #34

I often forget what it must be like to see things for the first time. My kids like to remind me of that on a regular basis and this week they’ve done that at the dinner table. Thanks for pushing play on another journal entry.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Follow the show and review us on Apple PodcastsSign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 17, 20258 min

Interview: Dear Men (And All Ya'll) - Steph McFarland

How do we define masculinity and why should be viewing it differently? My guest this week is: Steph McFarlandSay hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Follow the show and review us on Apple PodcastsSign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠Show Sponsor:* BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/fragilemoments⁠ for 10% off your first month.* WHOOP: join.whoop.com/storyteller for a FREE WHOOP 4.0 and one month FREE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 3, 202535 min

Journal Entry #33

First journal entry for the new season and for this episode we’re talking about those profound and existential questions from a toddler.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Follow the show and review us on Apple PodcastsSign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠Show Sponsor:* BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/fragilemoments⁠ for 10% off your first month.* WHOOP: join.whoop.com/storyteller for a FREE WHOOP 4.0 and one month FREE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Feb 3, 202515 min

Season 2 Trailer

New journal entries and interviews begin February 3.Say hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Follow the show and review us on Apple PodcastsSign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠Show Sponsor:* BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/fragilemoments⁠ for 10% off your first month.* WHOOP: join.whoop.com/storyteller for a FREE WHOOP 4.0 and one month FREE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 23, 20257 min

Entry 32: Choosing Compassion and Grace - Sam Morris

In the realm of parenting, it is natural to experience a range of emotions, both positive and negative. While it is common to feel love, joy, and pride, there are times when frustration, anger, and fear can arise. However, when it comes to responding to our children's behaviors, choosing compassion and grace over fear and anger is of paramount importance.My guest this week is: Sam MorrisSay hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Follow the show and review us on Apple PodcastsSign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠Show Sponsor:* BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/fragilemoments⁠ for 10% off your first month.* WHOOP: join.whoop.com/storyteller for a FREE WHOOP 4.0 and one month FREE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 30, 202448 min

Entry 31: The Challenges of Co-Parenting - Anonymous

When a couple with children decides to separate or divorce, one of the most important considerations is how to co-parent effectively. Co-parenting can be a challenging endeavor, but it is essential for the well-being of the children involved.My guest this week is: Diary For My BelovedSay hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Follow the show and review us on Apple PodcastsSign up for the Fragile Moments Community to join a supportive group of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠Show Sponsor:* BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/fragilemoments⁠ for 10% off your first month.* WHOOP: join.whoop.com/storyteller for a FREE WHOOP 4.0 and one month FREE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 16, 202449 min

Entry 30: What Does Staying Fit As A Parent Really Mean? - Patricia Siegel

There are many parts of us that we have to rethink and reevaluate when we become parents. Our health in all it’s many forms is one though that often seems to take a backseat, when really our health should be the first thing on our minds.My guest this week is: Patricia SiegelSay hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://lnkfi.re/NjBFOG⁠Sign up for the Storyteller Society to join a supportive community of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠Join our ⁠Discord⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠Show Sponsor:* BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/fragilemoments⁠ for 10% off your first month.* WHOOP: join.whoop.com/storyteller for a FREE WHOOP 4.0 and one month FREE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 2, 202445 min

Entry 29: Crafting Loves Legacy - Matthew Wilson

In this episode, Matt Wilson, a 29-year-old from Abbeville, Louisiana, shares his unique journey from working in the oil field to writing a children's book. Matt discusses his upbringing in a large, loving but unconventional Cajun family, his diverse career path, and the inspiration behind his book. Despite not being a parent himself, Matt emphasizes the importance of imparting positive values and mindfulness to the next generation. He dedicates his book to his mother, who taught him about unconditional love and intentional decision-making, aiming to create a lasting legacy that can guide children in their formative years. My guest this week is: Matthew WilsonSay hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://lnkfi.re/NjBFOG⁠Sign up for the Storyteller Society to join a supportive community of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠Join our ⁠Discord⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠Show Sponsor:* BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/fragilemoments⁠ for 10% off your first month.* WHOOP: join.whoop.com/storyteller for a FREE WHOOP 4.0 and one month FREE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 18, 202436 min

Entry #28: The Stigma of Lost Pregnancies - Lindsey Paulson

Losing a pregnancy is a devastating experience that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, there is still a significant stigma surrounding lost pregnancies, which can make it difficult for individuals and families to cope with their grief.My guest this week is: Lindsey PaulsonWatch the video version of this episode HERESay hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://lnkfi.re/NjBFOG⁠Sign up for the Storyteller Society to join a supportive community of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠Join our ⁠Discord⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠Show Sponsor:* BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/fragilemoments⁠ for 10% off your first month.* WHOOP: join.whoop.com/storyteller for a FREE WHOOP 4.0 and one month FREE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 4, 202446 min

Entry 27: Unraveling Generational Ties - Jennifer McGinley

In the journey of parenting, we often find ourselves reflecting on our own upbringing and considering how we want to raise our children. While some may choose to follow in the footsteps of their parents, others may opt to break the cycle and parent differently. This decision can be influenced by various factors, such as personal experiences, societal changes, and a desire to provide our children with a better and more nurturing environment..My guest this week is: Jennifer McGinleyWatch the video version of this episode HERESay hello on ⁠Instagram.⁠Sign up for our occasional newsletter, ⁠The Montessori Dad⁠Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://lnkfi.re/NjBFOG⁠Sign up for the Storyteller Society to join a supportive community of listeners and more. ⁠Learn more and sign up here.⁠Join our ⁠Discord⁠We also make ⁠What's Your Story?⁠ and ⁠Come Back To Earth.⁠Check out ⁠our online shop.⁠Episode transcripts are posted on ⁠our website.⁠Show Sponsor:* BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/fragilemoments⁠ for 10% off your first month.* WHOOP: join.whoop.com/storyteller for a FREE WHOOP 4.0 and one month FREE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to Montessori Dad at montessoridad.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 21, 202443 min