Dr. Montessori calls freedom as "Key of Development Process". Children own the freedom of action and selection, so their mind and physique can be developed and united as one, and their unique personality can be formed.
The definition of freedom does not mean doing as they want. During the development of children's personality, adults allow children to do what they want, which equals to letting them being controlled by the momentary desire and impulse, this will often harm others, environment and even themselves. As a matter of fact, the freedom indicated by Dr. Montessori means self-control, children can select what they should do and take charge of their own selection.
The definition of freedom does not mean doing as they want. During the development of children's personality, adults allow children to do what they want, which equals to letting them being controlled by the momentary desire and impulse, this will often harm others, environment and even themselves. As a matter of fact, the freedom indicated by Dr. Montessori means self-control, children can select what they should do and take charge of their own selection.
In order to cultivate children's discipline, adults must set up proper living standard and conduct restraint when the children are young, and firmly, fairly and justly implement. Adults also must often make an example and become the model learnt and imitated by children. In fact, freedom and discipline is two sides of one body, neither can be dispensed with; how much freedom enjoyed by children should be determined according to their own self-control and responsibility bearing ability.