The First Three Years: When the Mind Absorbs Everything

As a Montessori teacher — and as a mother — I often remind parents that the first three years of life are the most powerful and formative time in a child’s development.

During these early years, a child’s brain grows faster than at any other time. By the age of three, it reaches around 80% of its adult size — meaning that most of the neural connections that shape thinking, emotions, and behavior are already built. For the rest of life, the brain will grow and refine only the remaining 20%.

Maria Montessori called this period the Absorbent Mind.

It’s a time when children learn without effort — simply by being present in their environment.

They absorb everything they see, hear, and feel — not selectively, but completely.

The tone of a parent’s voice, the way people treat each other, the rhythm of the home, even moments of tension or peace — all of these become part of the child’s inner world.

That’s why the environment during these years matters more than we can imagine.

It’s not about expensive toys or academic lessons — it’s about the quality of the atmosphere around the child.

A calm voice, kindness, respect, beauty, and order in everyday life — these are the elements that help the young mind grow strong, balanced, and joyful.

As parents and caregivers, we don’t have to be perfect — but we can be conscious.

We can remember that everything a child absorbs today will echo quietly inside them for the rest of their life.

Thank you for reading.

— Natalia

Mom & Montessori teacher