Monday, January 9, 2012

To Do List

There are so many things on my "To Do List"!  One of the items is to pay more attention to this blog of mine.  I used to post descriptions and insight. Now I post mostly photos. I used to post weekly sometimes even daily.  Now I'm lucky if I post once a month! It's not that I don't enjoy blogging, because I DO.  It's just there never seems to be time any more to "do it right" you know what I mean?  And, if I'm being completely honest, I have to tell you all something.  I used to think I was typing to strangers, sharing with people I would most likely never cross paths with.  I used to believe I wrote for other Montessori teachers and parents who wanted or needed ideas.   Now, 500 followers later, I know this is not the case.  In fact, I've met a good many of my readers and I'm told regularly that my blog helped a handful of parents in my local community, survive "the toddler years".

In one way it's flattering and encouraging to know your reaching people, helping people, comforting people.  In another way it's intimidating.  And there is something un-nerving about revealing so much of one's life that people you hardly know feel comfortable coming up to you at say.... the library story hour and asking you about your birth story or your spirited child's diet??  True story people. 

Then there is the fact that I left a job I loved, working for a wonderful Montessori school, to start my own in home preschool.  I've been given the impression that some people in my community (who sniff out drama) think there is MORE to this story than there really is.  That, since I'm being completely open here, is fricking exhausting! Look: People resign from their places of employment and start somewhere new every day.  There is no big dramatic story to tell.  If you want to know more because you care about me then ask ME, don't troll my blog for dirt.  Okay, there I said it. 

So, moving on.  I love this blog, I'm really proud of it.  When I started it years ago, blogging was new.  I was one of a handful of Montessori teachers blogging and it felt so exciting to be part of something important.  I really felt that way.  Also, I had a toddler and if I didn't write to all of you, I think like many moms of toddlers, I would have gone a little batty.  Connecting with other moms was paramount to my existence. 

And so I feel like I need to share all this and see if folks still want me to share?   Is anyone reading this blog of mine?
In PEACE,
Montessori Mama



 

24 comments:

Michelle said...

Yes, I love your blog!! Please continue to share. Being a childcare provider I scour your past posts for ideas, motivation, and those little tidbits that spark a teachers/parents imagination. I hope you continue to bring your ideas and classroom experiences to the blogosphere, especially how your new school adventure is going. You brought Montessori into the homes of many novices, I hope that can continue. Good Luck and I look forward to reading more of how you are doing!!!

Jennifer Howard said...

Thank you so very much Michelle!!
Your kind words mean so much.
PEACE
Jennifer

Myrnie said...

I love seeing the ideas you share- my youngest is heading into those toddler years, more ideas are always welcome!

Līga Krista said...

yes, we do read and want more :)

My Boys' Teacher said...

Well *I* read you for sure! I have been since shortly after you began blogging. I certainly can sympathize with your feelings. I started blogging back when there were two handfuls or so of Montessori bloggers. Now there are so many I feel like no one reads my blog anymore, I certainly receive less comments than I used to, and it might be a lot of work writing to almost nobody.

But, I DO read you and do appreciate all of your thoughts here and your comments on my blog. Thank you.

lindsayinnc said...

I really like your blog. I haven't read it for long but every post I read I enjoy. There are lots of Montessori blogs out there but not a lot geared to toddlers. I find it very helpful to see what others are doing in their home with toddlers.

Mom-pinion said...

I'm a new mama involved in Montessori school :)

Bambina felice said...

I am following you from Spain. Love your blog! I started when my baby was still a baby but now, a toddler, I will really need your ideas. Many thanks for sharing!

Leslie said...

Hi Jennifer, I have been reading for years and am always excited when you have something new posted! There are a lot of people blogging but I always enjoy the spirit of your blog, your respect for children and your creative ideas. I'm sorry to hear the way the blog sometimes plays out in your "real life." But if it were up to me, I'd say Keep blogging! Thank you!

Coloring Pages said...

If you want to know more because you care about me then ask me, don't troll my blog for dirt. children react differently to same situations and it needs Coloring Pages

Debs said...

Yes! Thanks for your blog. It's great!

Lisa said...

Oh yes. I love your blog. I'm a Montessori toddler teacher and I enjoy your posts so much! Thank you! And thanks for saying there isn't always drama! So true. Sometimes we just take a different path.

María said...

Hi Jennifer!

I have been reading your blog since many, many years ago. Through your blog I have got new inputs and inspiration as a montessori teacher in Sweden. Do please continue writing.

Tess said...

Still reading and thrilled to see you're back. We missed you!

Jennifer Howard said...

These comments are so inspiring! Thank you all for reading and saying so. You're the best.
In Peace,
Jennifer

Jennifer Howard said...

Thank you all for reading and for saying so. In Peace,
Jennifer

carine said...

I have started to read your blog when I was training as a Montessori teacher. I'm also a mum and your blog is an inspiration for me as a teacher (especially as I work with toddlers) and as a mum.
Please, keep blogging!

Ewa said...

Hi,
I wonder if any of your readers would like to get to know the Montessori way of teaching a bit better. If so I invite them to enter the giveaway I'm hosting right now!!! One lucky reader will win a FREE ON-LINE MONTESSORI TRAINING PROGRAM +12 MONTESSORI ALBUMS!!. The training program is run by Karen Tyler ;-)
Here is a link to the giveaway:
http://wczesnaedukacjaantkaikuby.blogspot.com/2012/02/win-karen-tylers-montessori-training.html

Blessings for you and your family
Ewa

Maria M. said...

Just came across your post through a link on Pinterest. I love your ideas and the time you put in to posting all of your beautiful work! Please keep it up!
Gratefully, Maria

Dana said...

I've just run across your blog while looking for activities ideas for my 1-year-old while I homeschool the others. I appreciate your wonderful ideas! Thanks so much...

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