EPISODE 5: MONTESSORI

Unlocking Sensitive Periods: Why Timing Matters in Your Child’s Development Birth to Age 6

August 21, 2025

In this episode, Anya unpacks the magic of Montessori Sensitive Periods—those brief but powerful windows of opportunity when a child is naturally driven to master new skills with ease, focus, and joyful curiosity.
Write your awesome label here.

Montessori Sensitive Periods 

From language bursts and big movement milestones, to an obsession with order or sensory play—these aren’t random. They’re nature’s way of saying: “Now is the time!”

Get ready to unpack what each Sensitive Period looks like, why it matters, and simple ways you can nurture your child’s growth during these short, beautiful seasons.
FREE CHEAT SHEET

Sensitive Periods Made Simple

Your Free Montessori Sensitive Periods Cheat Sheet is here! Unlock the powerful windows when your child is naturally wired to absorb language, movement, order, and more—effortlessly and joyfully. ✨ Download your guide now and start nurturing your child’s development the Montessori way.

Write your awesome label here.

Unlocking The Hidden Windows of Childhood

Ever notice your toddler repeats one “bad word” instantly—but “thank you” takes months?

That’s a Sensitive Period in action.

In this episode, you'll learn what these magical learning windows are, why they exist, and how to use them to make parenting feel easier (and a little more tantrum-free).

With science, stories, and some relatable mom fails—you’re in good company.

For The Full Experience

Click below to watch on YouTube & join me face-to-face on this journey.

Write your awesome label here.

The Evolutionary Blueprint Behind Your Child’s Development

Sensitive Periods are nature’s built-in blueprint for effortless learning—brief, powerful windows when your child is biologically wired to master specific skills with focus, ease, and joy.

While these phases tend to follow a general rhythm, every child is beautifully unique. There’s no need to rush, force, or compare. In fact, many parenting struggles—like your toddler’s obsession with lining things up, repeating routines, or fixating on tiny objects—are actually signs that a Sensitive Period is in full swing.

When we understand what’s really going on, we stop fighting the behavior and start flowing with it. That’s when learning becomes natural, joyful, and deeply connected.

These Sensitive Periods aren’t random. They’re rooted in human evolution, designed to help children develop vital life skills—from movement and language to order and social bonding.

As a parent, your role isn’t to instruct step-by-step. It’s to observe, support, and create an environment where these phases can unfold with confidence. When you do, you’re not just easing the parenting load—you’re honoring your child’s inner blueprint and unlocking their fullest potential.

Timing Isn’t Set in Stone

Dr. Montessori never created rigid timelines for Sensitive Periods—and for good reason. She understood that every child is unique, moving through these phases in their own time.
The age ranges we reference today?

They’re simply general guidelines based on her observations—not hard-and-fast rules. So if your child moves a little earlier or later, that’s perfectly normal. Trust the rhythm of your child.

Listen On ...

ON APPLE

ON SPOTIFY
Write your awesome label here.

 LISTENER PRAISE

Write your awesome label here.

"Such an easy, inspiring listen—uplifting tips, practical advice, and so relatable that you feel truly connected."

5 Takeaways From This Episode

1. Sensitive Periods are nature’s built-in learning windows—times when your child is biologically wired to absorb specific skills with focus and ease.

2. Development isn’t one-size-fits-all—while these phases follow a general pattern, each child moves through them at their own pace.

3. What looks like “quirky” behavior is often purposeful—routines, repetition, and fixations can signal a Sensitive Period in action.

4. These windows are rooted in human evolution, guiding your child to develop essential life skills like movement, language, order, and social bonding.

5. Your role is to observe and prepare the environment—not to push, but to gently support your child’s natural drive to learn.

Why Listeners Keep Tuning In

Love this! Thank you for this episode Anya! l appreciate the tips for how to encourage creativity. I love the idea of using hands-on learning and experimentation, imagination, senses, asking open-ended questions, observing, offering freedom in choices, having them practice, problem-solve, and letting them fail!

Kayla Linares

Exactly What Homeschooling
Parents Need! This podcast is a breath of fresh air! Anya's passion is contagious. If you're looking for clarity, confidence, and connection in your homeschooling journey-this is the podcast for you!

Anastasia Larsson

Wow, this is amazing! I loved hearing this — it’s so true. Creativity really does get snuffed out as we grow older unless we actively work to preserve, protect, nourish, and let it flourish.

Melanie Beers-Quinn

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to the Anya Garcia Show and leave a review on Apple Podcast! Your support helps us reach more parents like you who need these insights. 

Here’s how: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Tell me what resonated most—I love hearing your biggest takeaways!

Thanks for tuning in and I will see you next week!

RESEARCH & SOURCES MENTIONED

Dr. Maria Montessori —The Absorbent Mind (1949)
Dr. Maria Montessori —The Secret of Childhood (1936)
Dr. Maria Montessori — The Discovery of the Child (1948)
Dr. Lise Eliot – What’s Going On in There? How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life (1999)
Harvard University Study (2018) – Center on the Developing Child
Dr. Patricia Kuhl et al. (2003) – Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Evans et al. (2005) – Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
Gopnik et al. (2017) – The Scientist in the Crib: What Early Learning Tells Us About the Mind
Stanford University Study (2015) – Developmental Psychology Journal
Gopnik, A. (2012). Scientific thinking in young children: Theoretical advances, empirical research, and policy implications. Science, 337(6102), 1623-1627

Meet Anya

Winner of the 2025 Global Women Changing the World in Education Award and named the #1 Key Early Learning Influencer in North America, Anya Garcia helps you parent with purpose and live with intention.


After walking away from a high-powered legal career, she entered her true calling—shining the light on the early years, a period rich with potential, transformation, and often-overlooked power.

Blending neuroscience, evolutionary insight, and practical strategies, Anya helps children thrive and adults evolve. You will find mindset-shifting tools and science-backed insights to inspire lasting change. 

This Show is where mindset meets motherhood, education meets empowerment, and transformation begins now—one child, one parent at a time.

Get the Goodness First

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Be the first to hear about new episodes, freebies, & updates — your info is safe and sound with us.
Thank you! You are officially an Insider!
Write your awesome label here.
Created with