A Montessori Perspective on Parenting with Positivity
At Hala Kahiki Montessori School of Lāna‘i, we embrace the Hawaiian value of aloha—love, respect, and kindness—and we infuse this spirit into everything we do. One of the simplest and most powerful ways you can carry these values into your home is by creating a yes space.

Rooted in Montessori philosophy, a yes space is a place where children feel safe, empowered, and free to explore. It nurtures independence while setting clear and consistent boundaries in a loving way.

What Is a “Yes Space”?
“A yes space is more than child-proofing—it’s child-empowering.”

A yes space is a thoughtfully prepared environment where your child can move, explore, and play without constant redirection. In this space, everything is safe, accessible, and chosen with your child’s developmental needs in mind.

Rather than saying, “Don’t touch that,” we create an area where we can confidently say:

• “You can play here.”
• “You can climb here.”
• “You can use these tools.”
• “You can make a choice.”

It’s a shift from limitation to invitation—one that honors your child’s growing desire to be independent, capable, and trusted.

The Power of Positive Language
Language is one of the most influential tools we have in guiding children. It not only helps set boundaries, but also builds self-esteem and emotional safety.

In Montessori, we choose words that affirm what the child can do, which encourages cooperation without conflict.

Instead of...	Try saying...
“Don’t run inside!”	“You can walk safely indoors.”
“Stop yelling!”	“You can use a quiet voice here.”
“No touching that!”	“You can choose something from this shelf.”
“Don’t make a mess!”	“You can clean up with this cloth.”

Children thrive on respectful guidance, not commands. Offering choices and limits within a ‘yes space’ builds trust and confidence.

Preparing Your Home: A Foundation for Independence
Your home doesn’t need to look like a classroom, however it can follow the same principles of a Montessori-prepared environment: simplicity, beauty, accessibility, and purpose.

How to Create a Yes Space:

• Use child-sized furniture that your child can use independently—think low tables, stools, and chairs.
• Provide open shelving with limited, well-organized materials in baskets or trays.
• Offer real tools for cleaning, cooking, and gardening—but scaled for small hands.
• Incorporate nature with baskets of shells, stones, or leaves, and soft natural lighting.
• Create defined areas for movement, rest, practical life, and reading.

Yes Space Activities by Age Group
These Montessori-inspired activities are perfect for supporting independence, responsibility, and joy at home.

Ages 1.5–2.5: “I Do It Myself”

• Pouring water into a small cup from a tiny pitcher
• Opening and closing containers or jars
• Wiping a table with a small cloth
• Carrying laundry to a basket
• Peeling a banana or orange

Ages 2.5–4: “Watch Me Work”

• Watering indoor plants with a small watering can
• Practicing dressing with a zipper or large buttons
• Washing dishes at a low sink or basin or with a stool at the sink
• Sorting laundry (socks, colors, textures)
• Sweeping a defined area with a child-sized broom

Ages 4–6: “I Can Help!”

• Making a simple snack (slicing banana, spreading peanut butter)
• Caring for a pet (feeding, brushing, observing)
• Organizing their shelf or toy area
• Folding towels and napkins
• Sewing simple stitches or threading beads
• Preparing the table for meals
• Using scissors, glue, or tape for collage work

These activities give your child a sense of real contribution to their world, which is deeply satisfying and calming.

From Home to School: Harmony Through Prepared Environments

At HKMS, children thrive in environments that are orderly, calm, and filled with opportunities to act independently. By creating a yes space at home, you’re giving your child a sense of harmony and consistency across environments.

Your child will:

• Understand expectations more clearly
• Transition between school and home with ease
• Build a deep internal sense of order and self-direction

When home and school speak the same language—one of trust, respect, and empowerment—children flourish.

Embracing Risk in a Yes Space
Children are natural scientists. They learn by doing—climbing, falling, pouring, spilling, and trying again. In a thoughtfully prepared "yes space," we trust their process instead of interrupting it. While it might feel instinctive to say “Be careful!” or “Let me do it,” we can instead choose empowering language that honors their learning journey.

In Montessori, we invite reflection and curiosity with phrases like:

• “You can show me how your body moves.”
• “You fell—that’s part of learning. Would you like to try again?”
• “You’re figuring it out—I see you working hard.”

When we allow children to take appropriate risks in a safe, prepared environment, they build:

• Body awareness through movement
• Confidence in their growing abilities
• Problem-solving skills through real-life challenges
• Resilience from trying again after setbacks

A yes space isn’t just about safety—it’s about saying yes to growth. Let your home be a place where your child is free to explore, create, and thrive.

You Can Say Yes
Creating a yes space is about more than furniture and toys—it’s about trust. It’s about saying:

“Yes, you are capable.”
“Yes, I believe in you.”
“Yes, you can try.”

From a Montessori lens, every child is born with a desire to grow, to do real work, and to contribute meaningfully. Let’s give them the space—and the language—to do just that. Let the spirit of aloha and the wisdom of Montessori guide your home toward peace, independence, and joy.

About Hala Kahiki
Designed for children 18 months – 6 years, Hala Kahiki is the first and only authentic Montessori school on Lāna’i.  Under the guiding influence of specially trained teachers, children work with multi-sensorial materials to help them learn to think critically and become well-rounded global citizens.  We would love to partner with you to give your children the best-possible early childhood education; please let us know how we can help you achieve your goals for your child.