Kayla Tychsen
Montessori Expat
Content Creator and Mother of 2
Kayla is an 0-3 AMI assistant trained mama with a love for traveling and world schooling. Currently residing the the Houston area, her family is getting ready to move back to Lebanon where they had previously lived for 4 years and both daughters, Juniper (4) and Wrenley (2.5) were born. We love following Kayla’s adventures and respectful parenting techniques on instagram. Everything from how to handle your child when they want to yell (!) to appreciating and educating them about other cultures all over the world.
What started you on the journey of creating content for instagram and sharing your motherhood experience?
I started sharing on Instagram because I was feeling isolated. I also felt really alone in our Montessori parenting journey, especially since we were living abroad in a small town.
I created this account looking to connect with like minded parents. I started sharing what we were doing in our home and what was working for our family. I have made some really good friends through my account and I’m so grateful. I also receive the most heart felt messages from caregivers about how my content has inspired them and this is what keeps me posting and continuing to show up. I’m so grateful that Instagram is a space where we can learn and grow and walk alongside each other.
Tell us something that is bringing you joy as a mother right now.
I love seeing my children’s interests develop. Juniper has been very into ballet which really started after watching the Nutcracker ballet two Christmases ago. She just loves dancing. Wrenley has recently been all about singing. She sings songs that we sing to her and she also has started making up her own songs. You just can’t help but smile listening to her sweet little voice.
You obviously have a lot of great ideas for bringing Montessori into the home.
Don’t invest a fortune in all the Montessori materials and things. Wait. DIY some of them, but before you spend a bunch of money focus on the philosophy and the mindset. Instead of buying on all the traditional materials for your home, focus on inviting your child to join you in what you already do every day (ie. Practical life activities like cooking, cleaning), spending unstructured time outdoors, and making the home more accessible to your child.
Boundaries are one of the most important things to work on in parenthood. Your child needs clear, firm boundaries to feel safe and thrive. You might need to hold boundaries with affectionate family and friends regarding your child’s body boundaries in your effort to teach body safety. It’s also important to set boundaries for yourself so you are getting your needs met. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
With your love and passion for travel, how do you plan to incorporate that into your child's upbringing?
When we’re choosing places to travel we look for places with culture and history. Not that we haven’t done the resort thing, but typically we prefer going places where we can really learn and appreciate another culture. Both my daughters were born in Lebanon and after some time in the US we are getting ready to move back to Lebanon. We very much enjoy living in another culture and language where it is an everyday part of our lives. We also love learning about other cultures at home through books and hands on activities!
What does your typical morning routine look like?
The girls pretty much wake up on queue at 6:30am. I’m still breastfeeding my almost 2 1/2 year old, so when Wrenley wakes up I nurse her. The first thing Juniper wants to do when she wakes up is get herself dressed. It’s most likely in a twirly dress too!
We go downstairs and the girls eat a snack (usually yogurt and fruit) while my husband and I drink our coffee. Then I start on breakfast and usually the girls help me. Their favorite thing to eat for breakfast is an English muffin with cheese, a fried egg, and avocado.
Now that Juniper isn’t in Montessori school, since we’re getting ready to move, I take both the girls outside and we spend a couple hours of unstructured play outdoors.
Any challenges from raising children abroad?
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating differences in body boundaries in different cultures. Body safety and bodily autonomy is a very important value for our family. I’ve had to get comfortable with firmly holding my children’s body boundaries in cultures that are very affectionate. I believe that the affection comes from the best of intentions but it is just not right for our family.
Any current favorites your household is enjoying right now?
There are so many great quality products out there and I’m actually in the process of creating the Ultimate Montessori-ish Resource Guide, so stay tuned!
My girls are really enjoying the Little Passports subscription kits. The Science Junior kits has been so much fun. You can find a discount for Little Passports through the link in my bio.
They’re also loving the new PaperPie SmartLab educational toys particularly the Squishy Human body.
Rose and Thorn of World Schooling?
I have learned so much with my children! They ask questions that really make me think about what I know and believe. And it’s a privilege to raise humans that will make a difference in the world. Parenthood is so beautiful, even in all its messiness.
