The 2018 Speaker Series: Meet Jeanne-Marie Paynel

We sit down with Jeanne-Marie Paynel, Founder of Voila Montessori, to discuss her upcoming talk and ask some rapid-fire ice-breakers.

The Guidepost Team

We're thrilled to have had Jeanne-Marie Paynel as guest speaker for our second Speaker Series event. Her talk entitled 'Healthy Respectful Discipline for you and your Child,' delves into the benefits of the highly regarded 'Positive Discipline,' to foster respectful, adult-child relationships both at home and at school.

Healthy Respectful Discipline for you and your Child

Jeanne-Marie, founder and CEO of Voila Montessori, is a Montessori Parenting Mentor and Home Consultant. She guides expectant parents, caregivers and parents of young children on how to prepare their homes for their children to thrive during the first years of life. Jeanne-Marie gives talks locally and internationally, where she combines her three passions: Montessori, Conscious Parenting, and Positive Discipline.

We recently had the chance to sit down with her—and because there's only so much time during the Speaker Series' live streamed Q&A—asked her a few ice-breakers below. We hope you enjoy!

Jeanne-Marie Paynel - Founder, Voila Montessori & Parenting Mentor:

To me, Montessori means …

Believing in humanity, trusting the process of life unfolding in front of us. A simple and esthetic way of life.

How Would You Describe Montessori Education In One Sentence?

A respectful approach that guides the whole child on their unique path.

Tip for Parents when Touring A Prospective Montessori School

Take time to observe before making a final decision, taking note of the children’s mood and how they are being talked to and treated. You know your child better than anyone else and you will know if they will thrive and be joyful there. Make sure the Montessori school you are considering has mixed ages classes, and an uninterrupted morning work cycle.

Favorite Montessori Exercise to Teach

Oh my, so many, of them, which makes me miss being in the classroom. The spindle box comes to mind, such a simple way that gives the child the opportunity to understand the concept of zero, with such joy.

Books That Have Influenced Your Life The Most

L’enfant by Dr. Montessori, the French version of The Discovery of Childhoodwhich was one of the only books I read while expecting my first child. Also, The Revolution from Within by Gloria Steinem and Families As We Are by Perdita Huston, my mother.

Most Insightful Social Media Account You Follow

On Instagram, I love @nickav25, @howwemontessori, @elternvommars, as well as my friend and co-host of The Montessori Show Simone @themontessorinotebook.

#1 Lesson Learned From Being a Parent Consultant

Parents are in search of support and need constant encouragement. They are doing the best they can each and every day.

Advice To First Time Parents

Tune into your own guidance, you know more than you think and make sure you do the inner work of healing your own childhood wounds so as to not pass them on to your children. Hire a parenting mentor early on, to help make this transition as smooth as possible.

In 2018 I Will…

Create my first online Montessori Parenting Membership Community, travel to Russia for the first time, and meet up with my family in Italy.

Meet the Author

The Guidepost Team

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