If you have visited EMBI or follow us on social media, you will know that freedom of choice with responsibility is an important part of the Montessori philosophy. But why do we allow young children to make choices?

We list some reasons here:

1. Motivation, persistence and performance

When a child chooses an activity, they are able to stick with it for much longer than a child who does the same activity without having chosen it. When they choose, their motivation is greater, they persist in the face of difficulties and, consequently, their performance is better. This even works for adults, doesn’t it?  

2. Responsibility and emotional control

Children who can make choices face the consequences of their own actions, and sometimes the consequences are frustrating or unpleasant. Having to deal with the consequences helps them develop responsibility and better emotional control.

3. Happiness

The feeling of control over the environment and the possibility of making choices about one’s own life has positive effects on well-being. The child feels useful, capable and belonging.

4. Less financial problems

Learning to choose also means learning to analyze situations and prioritize what is important. Children who have the opportunity to develop these skills tend to know how to use their money better as adults.  

5. Greater security in choosing a profession

Children who have experiences of choice, rather than protection and passivity, become young people who know their own tastes, abilities and difficulties, increasing the chances of more appropriate choices in higher education and professional experiences.

We emphasize that choice experiences need to be moderated by an adult, limiting risks, indicating paths and proposing challenges that are consistent with the child’s age. We will talk more about how to teach children to make good choices in a future text .