yes i give my child knives

Some would argue about the safety of giving an almost three year old a knife.  Some might be gasping as they scroll through these pictures.  Right.  I hear your concern, but what about teaching our children practical skills that help them become independent human beings?  Isn't that our main goal as parents?  Besides, look how engaged Abby is in this activity.  I couldn't distract her if I tried.  I really appreciated many parts of this book and many parts of the Montessori philosophy, especially those concerning what I call adaptive skills, what Montessori calls practical life skills.  When we give our children the "tools" (knives  in my case - haha) to become independent - to do things ALL BY MYSELF - they are happier, we are happier, and days run smoother.  

Cutting the strawberry tops off

 Placing tops in a bowl to throw in the trash

Pouring herself a drink of water from her own special pitcher.  Fancy.

And at the end of the day she wants to sit in her baby sister's bebepod. So much for independence!

 "That's better," says the one learning to sit up.