Resources for your Family
As a member school of these organizations, NSM families are invited to take part in their virtual workshops and other resources.
Age-Specific Characteristics
These resources provide insights into age-specific characteristics and “sensitive periods” in your child’s development, along with practical ways you, as a parent, can support them at home.
Sensitive periods are the times during human development when children and youth are biologically ready and receptive to acquiring a specific skill or ability, and are therefore particularly sensitive to stimuli that promote the development of that skill. A Montessori teacher prepares the environment to meet the developmental needs of each sensitive period.
- Children at the Infant & Toddler Levels (Birth Through Age 3)
- Children at the Early Childhood Level (Ages 2 ½ – 6)
- Children at the Elementary Level (Ages 6 – 12)
- Youth at the Secondary Level (Ages 12 – 18)
Montessori at Home
We know that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. You can easily bring its principles into your home—and doing so can be an invaluable bridge to reinforcing what your child learns at school.
From “The Prepared Environment” to nurturing their inner motivation, here are some ways to build connections that will serve them for life!
American Montessori Association Virtual Parenting Course
You and Your Child’s Montessori Education: Early Childhood
This course is designed for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach.
Registration is now open for the Spring cohort.
- Registration Deadline: March 19, 2026 or until full
Class Opens: March 23 , 2026
First Live Session: March 25, 2026
Class Ends: May 3, 2026
Live Zoom sessions are held each Wednesday, from 8:00 – 9:00 PM (ET).
Discounts available to our families as part of NSM’s certification and membership to the American Montessori Society.
PAIS/ISACS Virtual Parenting Series
Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) is once again partnering with the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) to offer our school their Virtual Parent Series. This is a complimentary program for NSM Families, Faculty, & Staff!
PRE-REGISTRATION ZOOM LINKS FOR EACH WEBINAR
- NSM Families can access the pre-registration link in our weekly newsletter, SNAP.
- All individuals intending to attend the live presentation or access the recording and resources in the Lobby must complete the Zoom Registration Form to receive their unique personal event ticket. Please note that access is restricted to a single device at any given time.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 7:30-8:30pm
Elevating Discipline with the Brain in Mind
Join Dr. Tina Payne Bryson as she shares transformative ideas that can serve as a go-to guide for parents and caregivers. With candid stories, compassion, and humor, Bryson will address the challenges we see in everyday parenting and help us approach them from a brain-based lens. She will revisit the true meaning of the word discipline—to teach so that kids learn essential skills—and show caregivers how “chasing the why” behind behaviors and combining nurture with structure can help us shift behaviors, strengthen relationships, and improve discipline.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 7:30-8:30pm
10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People
Young people have an innate need to be respected and admired. But few parents understand how to harness it. David Yeager can help. An expert on the psychology of grit and persistence, Yeager has spent years researching how to motivate and equip young people for success. He can show us why our conventional methods of communicating with young people aged 10 to 25 tend to leave everyone frustrated, and he can teach us a better way of ensuring the younger generation feels inspired, enthusiastic, and empowered to do their best work. Learn how to adopt what he calls the “mentor mindset,” a leadership style that taps into young people’s desire for respect. He offers highly effective and surprisingly easy-to-learn practices: like being transparent about your goals rather than expecting your children to read your mind or holding them to high standards rather than coddling them. This is crucial for anyone who wants to be a more effective parent.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 7:30-8:30pm
Happier Parenting: Evidence-based Strategies for Improving Parent Happiness
Feeling overwhelmed by the unique challenges of modern parenting? Join Professor Laurie Santos of Yale University to learn science-backed strategies for happier parenting. We will tackle topics like rethinking time management, dealing with tough feelings like guilt and frustration, navigating your child’s academic stress and screen time, and how to avoid the trap of overparenting. We also will see why parents need to prioritize their own well-being, not just to help themselves but to create a happier, healthier family life. This session is for parents of children of all ages with a special focus on middle-grade to teen years.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 7:30-8:30pm
Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-aware & Connected Children
Dr. Shefali will introduce the principles of conscious parenting— a revolutionary approach that shifts the traditional paradigm from control to connection. Participants will explore how their own conditioning and emotional patterns influence their parenting style, and how self-awareness is the key to raising emotionally healthy and resilient children. With practical tools and heartfelt wisdom, Dr. Shefali will guide parents to move beyond reactivity and into deeper, more authentic relationships with their children. Parents will leave feeling empowered to foster mindfulness, empathy, and independence in their homes. There will be a special focus for parents of children ages 5–18.