January 26–30, 2026

Montessori in Real Life

21st-Century Skills to Help Children Thrive in a Fast-Changing World

Gain practical tools to raise confident, resilient, and independent children, while supporting their emotional well-being, growth, and a life-long love of learning.

Presented by the Childhood Potential Club

I always get excited for these conferences. I know by the end I'm going to feel encouraged, challenged, and excited about raising my family with Montessori principles. I would tell a friend "Find a topic that interests you and listen, you won't be disappointed!"
CherithUSA
I am blown away by the quality of speakers gathered for this series. I could not be more thankful for all the knowledge and resources shared. I feel confident, prepared, and committed to be a safe Montessori at Home parent to my almost one year old daughter.
Grecia USA
I'm more relaxed with my son and less caught up in what he should be doing. I'm enjoying him more, observing his curiosity and allowing him to show me what he is capable of and interested in. It has led to greater cooperation and made our days smoother.
KaysiUSA

The conference starts in

The first years of childhood are full of transformation... and challenges

Watch this video to learn how our 9th online Montessori conference can help.

The early years move fast. One moment your child is learning something new, and the next they’re testing limits, feeling big emotions, or needing you more than you expected.

These are the years when so much is taking shape beneath the surface — how they see themselves, how they handle challenges, and how they connect with others.

What happens now becomes the foundation they stand on for the rest of their lives.

And while that’s a beautiful thought, it can also feel like a lot of pressure when you’re in the middle of real life.

  • Some days feel smooth, and others are a string of meltdowns, negotiations, constant questions, sibling fights, and other challenging behavior.
  • You want to give your child freedom, but you also want clear boundaries.
  • You want to stay calm, but your patience is stretched thin.
  • You want your child to be engaged in something meaningful, but knowing how to create those moments isn’t always easy.
  • And you want to do what’s best, but the advice out there can be overwhelming and even conflicting.

You’re trying to support your child’s growth while juggling everything else — work, home, routines, relationships, and your own emotions. And in a world full of screens, stimulation, and high expectations, it’s easy to feel unsure about what your child truly needs.

If you’ve ever wished for more clarity, more confidence, or simply a gentler way to navigate these early years, you’re not alone. Parents and educators everywhere are facing the same questions and looking for guidance that actually works in real life.

That’s why we created the

Over five days, you’ll gain expert advice and practical tools to support your child’s development from birth to age six.

You’ll learn how to respond to real-life challenges with confidence, while nurturing the curiosity, independence, and resilience your child needs to thrive in a fast-changing world.

This isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about learning how to create an environment where your child thrives – while making parenting feel more grounded, manageable and connected for you.

Over five days, you’ll learn practical strategies and gain expert guidance to:

Create rhythms and environments that support focus, independence, and a sense of balance - whether your child is an infant, toddler, or preschooler.
Respond to challenging behavior with clarity and empathy, helping your child develop emotional regulation, cooperation, and confidence.
Nurture your child’s natural curiosity, independence, and love of learning through everyday routines and simple Montessori-inspired practices.
Navigate today’s unique parenting and teaching challenges like screen time, overstimulation, big emotions, and balancing everyone’s needs.
Understand your child’s development from birth to age six, so you can guide milestones, transitions, and emerging skills with calm and confidence.

What to expect?

Join for free from anywhere

Join us online right from your home! The conference will be streamed January 26–30, 2026, and it’s completely free to join.

60+ video presentations

Expert speakers will share their knowledge and experience in 30-60min presentations, pre-recorded and live.

World-class speakers

Learn from world-class Montessorians, best-selling authors, and parenting experts with decades of experience teaching and mentoring families.

Be part of a community

Connect with parents and educators from across the globe in our active Facebook group. Share experiences, ask questions, and join discussions that inspire.

Make a difference

A portion of our profits helps fund schools in underserved communities. Your participation directly supports education for children in need.

Option to upgrade

After registering for your free ticket, you can upgrade to the VIP Pass to get long-term access to all sessions, audio, transcripts, and other features.

Certificate of attendance

VIP Pass holders receive a certificate to document participation. For professional development, an optional certificate can be issued by Sarasota University.

Exclusive gifts

Enjoy exclusive discounts from our sponsors and partners. On top of that, the VIP Pass comes with a bundle of valuable resources to support you.

Win a scholarship

Three attendees will receive a full scholarship to the Childhood Potential Club, giving them 1 year access to expert guidance, resources, and personal support.

Conference Schedule

Conference sessions will be streamed online over the course of five days, 26–30 January, 2026, free to all attendees. Each session will be available to watch for free for 24 hours starting at 9am CET.

After the 24-hour window, recordings, including replays of live sessions, will only be available only to the VIP Pass holders and Childhood Potential Club members.

Monday 26 January, 2026

Understanding the Child: Foundations for the Early Years

See the world through your child’s eyes and discover the principles that make early learning joyful, natural, and deeply meaningful. Discover how Montessori principles align with modern neuroscience and how small changes in your home or classroom can unlock your child’s natural motivation, focus, and independence.

Live ZOOM + Q&A 9:00pmCET/12:00pm PST

Gavin McCormack

Five Fundamental Principles of Exceptional Teaching

Paul Epstein,Ph.D.

Normalization Is Love: The Transformational Foundation of Authentic Montessori Practice

Yogi Patel

Beyond Memorization: The Neuroscience of Focus, Curiosity, and Connection in Montessori Learning

Lynda Apostol

The Prepared Adult in Language Development

Mariana Bissonnette

The Montessori Approach to Phonetic Awareness, Writing, and Reading

Dr. Susan Zoll

Using Language Materials with Purpose

Jeanne-Marie Paynel

Montessori Insights for Birth Preparation and Beyond 

Marissa Held

Integrating Sign Language into the Montessori Curriculum

Ludovica Molinari Momoi

Peace Education and the Absorbent Mind

Jennifer Varbanov

Developing resilient children through practical life and independence

Shamiemah Jassiem

From Chaos to Control: How the Montessori Adult Supports Executive Function Development

Tuesday 27 January, 2026

You Matter Too: Becoming the Prepared Adult Your Child Needs

Discover how your own mindset, energy, and emotional well-being shape the way your child experiences the world. You’ll learn how to stay grounded during challenging moments, simplify what feels overwhelming, and create a calmer rhythm for both you and your child.

Live ZOOM + Q&A
6:00pm CET/9:00am PST

Simone Davies

Cultivating Peace in an Uncertain World: A Montessori Approach for Families

Live ZOOM + Q&A
7:30pm CET/10:30am PST

Chip DeLorenzo

Things I Promised I Wouldn't Do as a Parent

Blanca M. Velázquez-Martin, MA, LPC

Steps for Nurturing Mental Health in your Montessori Home

Maren Schmidt

Riding the Merry-Go-Round of Life: How to Create a Level 10 Life

Bryana Kappadakunnel

Parent Yourself First

Dr. Gary Chapman

The Five Love Languages of Children

Karen Chetwynd & Hayley Sully &       

Andrea Garcia Herrera

Early opportunities and support for ‘parent as first educator’ as a foundation

Heather White

7 Types of Rest: The Key to Becoming the Prepared Adult

Linda Åkeson McGurk

Open-Air Life: Getting Kids Outside Rain or Shine

Tia Slightham

A Parenting Roadmap: How to Get Your Kids to Listen the 1st Time Without Yelling or 92 Reminders 

Wednesday 28 January, 2026

Raising Resilient, Emotionally Confident Children

Learn simple, practical ways to navigate big feelings, set limits that actually work, and reduce the daily battles that leave everyone drained. You’ll discover how to support resilience, emotional intelligence, and social skills in young children, whether they’re sensitive, strong-willed, or anywhere in between, so they feel safe, understood, and ready to grow.

Live ZOOM + Q&A 8:00pmCET/11:00am PST

Devon Kuntzman

Setting limits even when you child yells no

Live ZOOM + Q&A 9:00pmCET/12:00pm PST

Sylvia Arotin

Building Resilience - Preparing your child for Today's World

Kristin Mariella

Supporting Highly Sensitive, Strong-Willed Children

Chazz Lewis

How to guide children in a healthy and effective way

Dr. Robert Brooks

Nurturing Tenacity and Resilience: A Lifelong Gift for Our Young Children

Joanna Faber & Julie King

How To Talk So LITTLE Kids Will Listen

Amy Williams

Children and Aggression: Is There Such a Thing as a 4 year-old Bully?

Patty Wipfler

Raising Girls Who Can be Strong, and Boys Who Can be Gentle

Debbie Reber

When the Path Looks Different: Guiding Young Neurodivergent Children with Confidence

Allison Jandu

Early Practices That Naturally Support Toilet Learning

Shruti Kumar

Setting Compassionate Boundaries and Limits

Michelle Tovar

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters In Parenting?
4 Ways to Increase Your EQ

Thursday 29 January, 2026

Addressing Modern Challenges: Protecting Childhood and Finding Balance

In a world filled with screens, overstimulation, and constant demands, how can we protect our child’s natural curiosity, creativity, and well-being? Learn how to navigate modern challenges while creating a balanced, calm environment at home. Discover simple, practical ways to manage technology, reduce stress, and support your child’s emotional health, all while helping them thrive in an ever-changing world.

Live Q&A session 6:00pmCET/9:00am PST

Ellen Roche

What are Ideal Learning Environments in the Age of AI?

Dr. Laura Markham

Navigating Screens Without Losing Connection: Raising Kids in the Digital Age

Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath

The Digital Dilemma: Stress, Tech, and Sleep

Jessica Joelle Alexander

Raising Digital Citizens - like the happiest people in the world

Dr. Shefali

Power, Pressure, and Presence: Raising Children Without Performance Culture

Sarah R. Moore

Raising Confident Kids- Helping Children Thrive in the Age of Comparison 

Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnson

Radical Self-Care in Radical Times - Strategies to Stay Centered When the World Feels Off-Balance

Flora McCormick

The Hidden Cost of Tech as “Entertainment”: Rebuilding Creativity in the Digital Age

Aubrey Hargis, David Hargis

Montessori and Technology: Finding the Balance

Riley June

Deinfluencing Montessori: How to implement Montessori without buying anything

Angela J. Hanscom

Balanced and Barefoot: Why Nature Supports Emotional and Sensory Development

Spramani Elaun

Supporting Children in the 21st Century: Art as a Natural Antidote

Friday 30 January, 2026

Montessori, Research & the Wider Impact:
from Classroom to Society

Bring together practical insights from research, real-life classrooms, and diverse cultures to show how Montessori can support every child’s independence, creativity, and executive function - at home, in the classroom, and in the wider community. Explore how thoughtful observation, intentional design, and inclusive practices help children feel capable and confident as they move through their day.

Live ZOOM + Q&A
6:00pmCET/9:00am PST

Timothy Seldin 

Montessori School Leadership in Action

Jody Malterre

Building Community Through Classroom Meetings in the 3-6 Classroom

Angeline Stoll Lillard

How Can We Help Our Children? Results from the First National RCT of Public Montessori Preschool Outcomes

Dr. Corey Borgman

Montessori and Current Science: Helping Montessorian’s Understand and Apply Research

Dr. Bernadette Phillips

How the Montessori Approach can help children who have been affected by trauma

Pamela Shanks

The Role of the Inclusive Montessori Teacher

Rusty Keeler

Creating Sensory-Rich Nature Experiences for Children Aged 0–6

Madhuri Prasad

Mental Well-being in the Montessori Environment

Alison Zeglen

Practical Ways to Integrate Outdoor Learning into the Montessori Curriculum

Maria Zandt

Montessori Across Cultures: Raising Children with Consistency and Compassion in a Global Family

Charles Terranova

Observation and the Impact of Authoritarianism in Education and Cultures

Michael Strong

Socratic Discussions with Children:  How to Get Children Thinking through Questions

No matter where you are on your Montessori journey, this conference will answer your biggest questions, deepen your understanding of Montessori principles, and help you unlock your child’s limitless potential.

Hi, I’m Lucie.

I'm your Host at the Childhood Potential Conference. As a founder of MontessoriParenting.org, mother of three and stepmom of two, my journey has been deeply rooted in the Montessori philosophy. My passion has led me from opening schools in Kenya and Guinea to creating the online Childhood Potential Club, all with the mission to make Montessori education accessible, affordable, and impactful for parents and educators everywhere.

Grab your ticket and join me and all the amazing experts for a one-of-a-kind event that will help you unlock the unlimited potential of your child. I can’t wait to see you there!

What our attendees say

I am always amazed by the diversity in opinions and practices under the Montessori approach presented at your conferences. At this time I think your work has the greatest impact on the Montessori community as a whole. I thank you for your absolutely amazing work that has such a great impact on spreading Maria Montessori's message. Thank you for working so hard to include so many different voices.
Jill
100% recommended for everyone. This goes beyond being a parent, and teachers. All families should embrace the Montessori way of life. I am very glad I was mentally ready to absorb all the great talks and it was a life changing experience. I am calmer, I know better, and it gives me a whole new perspective on how I see things and even how other people see me in a matter of 7 days. The vast experience and background of the speakers were hands down amazing! Montessori goes beyond all those pretty things on the shelves.
NadiahMalaysia
My overall experience was amazing. Thank you so much for organizing such an incredible event. It's sooo nice to be a part of such a community and understand what the speakers are talking about and learning something new and important. I would recommend this conference to anyone who is dealing or is going to deal with children: parents, teachers, caregivers, psychologists, neuropsychologists and so on. The speakers were giving immaculate lectures and sharing important experiences with the audience.
MargarytaUkraine
The conference was wonderful. There were many things that would help me in raising the children and I already started practicing some of them. I tell all my friends about the conference and how much it helped me solve some of my dilemmas.
MeriNorth Macedonia
It was great! I am looking forward to the future ones! Thank you so much for this. I will definitely recommend this to the Montessori school I used to work for. The nuggets of wisdom here are so inspiring! It will definitely benefit children at home and at school.👍🏼
RoselleSweden
I am a gestalt psychotherapist, and I have a two year old daughter. This conference was a real refreshment in my life. I received a lot of practical guidance for both private and professional life. Thank you for giving everyone the opportunity to attend, I believe that this also gave the power and great impact on the world level that this conference will have.
AnaSerbia

Register for free

Free Pass includes 24-hour access to each day of conference lectures during the day when they are streamed.

 Fill out the form to register and gain access to all the talks during the conference for free! 

Where are you located?

We keep you data safe. Read more in Privacy policy

Thank you to our partners and sponsors:

Frequently asked questions 

Who is this conference for?

This event is designed for parents, educators, and caregivers of children aged 0–3 who want to learn practical, Montessori-inspired strategies to support their child’s growth and development. Whether you’re new to Montessori or already applying its principles, you’ll find valuable insights tailored to your journey.

I registered, but I haven’t received a confirmation email. What should I do?

Sorry about that! Our system automatically generates a confirmation email and sends it right away. Here are a few common reasons you may not have received it:

- It may have landed in your Promotions, Spam, or Junk folder (especially if you use Gmail).
- You may have entered an incorrect email address.
- You may have previously marked one of our emails as spam, which prevents us from sending future emails.

If you can’t find your confirmation email, please reach out to us at info@childhoodpotential.com for help.

Can I attend all of the sessions for free? What if I miss the live sessions?

Yes, you can attend all live Zoom sessions for free at their scheduled time, including the interactive Q&A.

If you miss a live session, the recording will only be available for our VIP Pass holders, giving you the flexibility to watch on your own schedule.

I missed yesterday’s sessions and now can’t view them. Why?

Sorry you missed it! Each session is available for free for 24 hours only. After that, sessions are accessible exclusively through the VIP Pass and Childhood Potential Club, which gives you access to all expert talks and bonuses, plus other Club's features.

Will I get a certificate for attending the conference?

Yes, we provide certificates to VIP Pass holders. We also offer the option to receive a certificate issued by Sarasota University. Unfortunately, certificates are not available with free access.

Can I ask questions to the speakers?  

During the live sessions, members of the Childhood Potential Club and VIP Pass holders can ask questions during the Q&A part.

How long will I have access to the presentations?

Free attendees can access each day’s presentations for 24 hours only. Childhood Potential Club members and VIP Pass holders have access to all presentations, audio versions, transcripts, and bonus content, allowing them to learn at their own pace.

Are the presentations live?

Some of the presentations are live, some of them are prerecorded. You can enjoy both formats.

What's included in the Free Welcome Bundle?

Every attendee will receive a digital Free Welcome Bundle filled with exclusive discounts, freebies, and resources from our sponsors and partners—perfect for supporting your Montessori journey.

What's the Scholarship about?

Three attendees will win full scholarships to our Childhood Potential Club, for one year.

I have a different question that wasn't answered

If you have any other questions, Trouble or Anything to solve...   Please, get in touch with us at info@childhoodpotential.com. 

More from our attendees 

The conference was insightful, educational, and gave me a better appreciation of how to approach parenting the Montessori way. Even small ideas from the talks made a huge impact on my everyday life.
SurabhiQatar
I recommend my friends buy the Premium Pass. It allows you to explore pre-recorded sessions deeper, join live Q&As, and study areas of interest at your leisure. It’s the best way to get the most out of the conference.
MarietaUK
I’ve attended every conference since they began. Even as a retired Montessori teacher, I still find the sessions invaluable. They keep my understanding of the Montessori method alive and inspire me to help my grandchildren grow.
CaroleSouth Africa
It has been really helpful and informative. Benefiting from topics that were bugging me constantly, but had no resources to study from, and seeing them addressed in such detail during the sessions was a real lifesaver.
MaheIndia
This conference always offers something for everyone, whether they are brand new to Montessori, a veteran, or anywhere in between. The passion of the organizers really comes through. I sincerely recommend it.
SophieUSA
The topics covered a helpful blend of scientific information to understand child development better and practical techniques to guide kids in their growth journeys. It’s a fantastic resource for parents and educators alike.
HannahUSA
I have a much better understanding of Montessori—the key principles, reasons for doing things, what’s important, and how to begin implementing. It has genuinely been transformative for my parenting, and I believe my child and family will reap huge benefits.
SarahUK
The conference was insightful, educational, and gave me a better appreciation of how to approach parenting the Montessori way. Even small ideas from the talks made a huge impact on my everyday life.
JesicaUSA
I loved the live Q&As and practical tips from speakers. As someone relatively new to the Montessori approach, I gained so many valuable insights and ideas that I can use right away. The lineup of sessions and speakers was top-notch!
SaraAsia

You help us help!

We are committed to making a difference beyond the conference room. A portion of our profits from the conference and courses is dedicated to supporting Montessori schools in underserved regions around the world. It is with deep respect and love that we proudly share some of the remarkable projects we've had the honor of supporting:

  • Montessori Children’s House, Camp Verde, AZ, USA
  • Thomas Sankara School, Dubreka, Guinea
  • Noble Sprouts of Faith School, Lagos, Nigeria
  • Maha's Montessori mission, Nizip, Southern Turkey
  • Utu Centre of Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Montessori UA, Ukraine: Assisting three schools in Bucha, Kryvyi Rig, and Cherkasy amidst challenging times.

Get your Free Ticket

Discover Montessori-inspired tools to help your child learn, build independence, grow confidence, manage big emotions, and develop essential life skills.