Kind Communication for Every Age
This week, Montessori Living hosted an educational session through Dementia Friends Maryland, facilitated by the National Center for Montessori and Aging (NCMA). The session focused on practical communication strategies that support dignity, reduce stress, and improve relationships for people living with dementia. What stood out was how relevant these same strategies are for parents, caregivers, teachers, and families navigating early childhood development. Montessori principles offer a framework for communication that is effective across the lifespan, from toddlers learning new skills to adults experiencing cognitive change.
1. Practice Dignity-Centered Communication
In dementia care, research shows that communication impacts emotional regulation and quality of life. Speaking slowly, respectfully, and directly to the person reduces anxiety and builds trust.
The same is true with children:
Speak at eye level
Use a calm tone
Respond to feelings, not just behavior
Dignity is a core Montessori value that supports independence and self-worth at every age.
2. Offer Reassurance Instead of Correction
People living with dementia often experience confusion, repetition, or difficulty finding words. Correcting or arguing increases stress and can escalate symptoms.
Instead, caregivers should:
Validate feelings
Offer reassurance
Provide simple support
Montessori parenting mirrors this approach. Children learn best through encouragement, not correction, shame, or pressure.
This strategy reduces:
power struggles
behavioral outbursts
emotional shutdown
And increases:
confidence
cooperation
emotional safety
3. Use Clear, Simple Instructions
Both care partners and early childhood educators benefit from using short, direct statements rather than questions or long explanations.
Try:
“It’s time for shoes.”
“Let’s go together.”
“Put your hands on the table.”
Avoid:
“Do you remember what you’re supposed to do?”
“Why won’t you listen?”
“You just did this yesterday!”
Short, direct language reduces cognitive load and improves comprehension for children and adults.
4. Turn Negatives Into Positives
Negative language triggers resistance in both children and adults.
Instead of:
“Don’t run.”
Try:
“Walking feet.”
Instead of:
“Stop touching that.”
Try:
“Hands in your lap.”
Positive phrasing supports:
cooperation
emotional regulation
self-confidence
This is a core Montessori teaching strategy and a proven dementia communication technique.
5. Support Understanding With Visual Cues
Visual supports help individuals process information and complete tasks independently.
Use:
gestures
pointing
showing an object
simple visual reminders
Why it works:
visual cues reduce confusion
support memory
improve follow-through
Montessori classrooms have relied on visual structure for over a century, and the same tools support adults with cognitive change.
Why Montessori Communication Works for Caregivers
Montessori communication strategies are designed to:
reduce stress
increase independence
foster cooperation
support emotional well-being
These outcomes are essential for:
parenting young children
supporting aging adults
navigating dementia care
training professional caregivers
Effective communication is not just about being kind, it is a research-backed skill that improves quality of life.
Who Benefits From These Strategies?
These tools are valuable for:
parents
teachers
caregivers
home health providers
dementia care teams
families supporting aging adults
They are especially helpful for households navigating:
early childhood development
memory changes
neurodiversity
stress or trauma
intergenerational caregiving
Montessori Across the Lifespan
Montessori is not just an educational method for children. It is a philosophy of human development, dignity, and independence from childhood through aging. When caregivers use communication strategies that honor capability, offer support, and reduce shame, the result is:
less conflict
more connection
greater confidence
These benefits apply whether you are speaking to a three-year-old or an eighty-three-year-old.
Learn More at Montessori Living
Montessori Living offers programming through the National Center for Montessori and Aging, including:
caregiver education
dementia-friendly communication training
workshops and support groups
intergenerational programs
If you are a parent or caregiver looking to build practical communication skills that support children, aging adults, and family life, we invite you to join us.
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Why This Matters
Caregiving — in childhood or aging — is not intuitive. It is learned, practiced, and refined. Montessori provides tools to help us do it with:
compassion
clarity
confidence
dignity
Because communication is not just about getting through the day. It’s how we build healthy relationships, at every stage of life.
