Today I took my daughter to a Montessori playgroup for the first time. Usually on Thursdays we go to Mums’ Group but for a number of reasons I gave decided to go to the playgroup instead. When I went today I noticed a difference between the mums at Montessori compared to the mums at Mums’ Group that I hadn’t thought about or expected.
Montessori education is not cheap. It doesn’t fall under the banner of kindergarten and is privately run so the fees are, well fees. But if you believe in this method of teaching, as I do, it’s well worth the cost (maybe one for another blog??).
Back to the difference between Montessori mums and Mum’s Group mums. It’s not a negative or positive, rather the way they decide to splash whatever cash they have. The mums at Mum’s Group have new cars, new houses, new furniture. Along with all the newness come new clothes for mum and child and the hugest range of toys you’ve ever seen. Mum’s Group rotates from house to house and no activity centre is needed for the kids because everything a child could want is right there to be played with.
The Montessori mums, however, mainly had older cars and second-hand (or at least certainly not new) clothes for themselves and their kids. There were no fancy baby bags or top of the range sippy cups here. Yet these women have enrolled their kids in Montessori pre-school and are paying a more expensive playgroup fee than most centres charge.
It really all comes down to a question of priorities, doesn’t it? There’s no doubting the incredible cost of raising kids in today’s world. With a seemingly endless array of things you can buy, what do you actually choose to spend your hard-earned cash on?
Is it toys, filling the playroom with the latest gadgets and games? Is it education, investing in schools, tutors, and learning resources? Or perhaps it’s clothes, keeping up with growth spurts and fashion trends? What about food—prioritizing organic, high-quality meals? Then there’s health, covering everything from check-ups to sports safety gear. Don’t forget the house itself, creating a comfortable and safe environment. And what about holidays and activities, creating lasting memories and enriching experiences?
When you lay it all out, what’s most important to you?
I had a moment of clarity today and realized I must firmly fall into the “Montessori mum” category. For my husband and me, our daughter’s education is our main priority. We believe in investing in her future development and learning above all else. Health is another huge one for us; ensuring she is healthy and well-cared for is non-negotiable.
Looking at the other categories, hmmm, food is an area we could probably spend more on, perhaps focusing on more organic options. As for clothes, well, who cares really? (Although I’ll admit it’s always nice to buy a special outfit once in a while – for her and for me!). And toys? Give me the two-buck shop any day; kids often have more fun with simple things anyway.
That’s where our priorities lie. What about you?