In keeping with our decision to implement the Montessori method, we are making great progress with 'weaning off the stroller'. To be honest, its more about weaning hubby and I off it than weaning Geekling off it. Most of the time he would much rather get from A to B under his own steam. We've been guilty of using it for our own convenience (and in some cases, sanity), particularly in getting him to and from daycare. But no more. Now we will only use the stroller if we are planning a big, long day out somewhere (such as a show or festival). It is an exercise in patience for mummy and daddy many times, walking at a child's pace (even though Geekling seldom walks, but runs as fast as his chubby legs will carry him) and stopping many times as his attention is caught by something other than the path ahead. It would be so easy to say "don't stop, we must hurry" or to scoop him up and carry him, but we truly want to encourage his interest in the world around him and natural curiosity.
Why does the Montessori method shun the use of prams and strollers?
Aside from the general principle of allowing a child to interact freely with their environment, Montessori methods prefer not to use strollers because a child does not learn skills like walking by being strapped into prams and carriers and high chairs most their day. They learn by being given the chance to attempt and practice these skills through being allowed to safely move freely. Yes, Geekling already knows how to walk, and run, but these skills are still stepping stones to further skills that he must be able to practice at every possible opportunity. Every day he is perfecting his balance, soon he will learn to jump, skip, hop and more. We do not want to hold him back for the sake of our convenience.
This does make shopping with him more difficult, with the exception of shopping at Bunnings where he can push a baby trolley around the store. He's getting quite good at steering them!
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