Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast - Why Rules Fail: The Montessori Approach to Raising Disciplined Children

Why Rules Fail: The Montessori Approach to Raising Disciplined Children

02/19/25 • 38 min

Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast

Are traditional discipline methods setting children up for failure? In this episode, hosts Nicole Coman and Biff Maier challenge the outdated, top-down approach to rules and discipline, revealing how Montessori principles cultivate true self-regulation, accountability, and independence—without authoritarian control.

They explore:

Why rules often backfire and what works instead
The power of natural consequences over punishments
How to build a culture of respect where kids take responsibility
Montessori’s radical approach to discipline that prepares children for life
Practical strategies for parents and teachers to shift from control to collaboration

If you’ve ever wondered why traditional discipline methods feel frustrating and ineffective, this episode will change the way you think about rules forever.

Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
A podcast about optimizing education for a better society.

They explore:

Why rules often backfire and what works instead
The power of natural consequences over punishments
How to build a culture of respect where kids take responsibility
Montessori’s radical approach to discipline that prepares children for life
Practical strategies for parents and teachers to shift from control to collaboration

If you’ve ever wondered why traditional discipline methods feel frustrating and ineffective, this episode will change the way you think about rules forever.

Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
A podcast about optimizing education for a better society.

Previous Episode

Introducing Educating The Human Potential

Is education preparing children for the world they’ll inherit—or the world of the past? In this premiere episode, hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman launch Educating the Human Potential by challenging conventional wisdom about how children learn and thrive.

They explore:

What’s broken in education and how Montessori principles offer a bold alternative
The meaning of ‘human potential’—and why it’s more than just academic success
Why learning differences matter and how to truly support every child
How parents, educators, and policymakers can rethink the future of education

With deep experience in Montessori education, psychology, and learning development, Biff and Nicole bring insightful, practical, and provocative conversations to this new podcast. This isn’t just a Montessori podcast—it’s a deep dive into what education should be.

Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
A podcast about optimizing education for a better society.

Next Episode

The Power of Social Identity with Dr. Jay Van Bavel: How Groups Shape Learning, Bias, and Belonging

How does social identity influence the way we learn, form biases, and navigate the world? In this episode, Dr. Jay Van Bavel, NYU professor and coauthor of The Power of Us, joins us to explore the psychology and neuroscience behind identity formation.

Hosts Nicole Coleman and Biff Maier discuss with Dr. Van Bavel:

How group identity impacts learning, motivation, and cognitive performance
The role of social media in shaping and reinforcing identities
Strategies to reduce bias and build inclusion in schools and communities
How leaders can foster unity instead of division

With insights from neuroscience, psychology, and education, this episode reveals how understanding identity can transform classrooms, parenting, and even society itself.

And read Jay’s book: The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities to Improve Performance, Increase Cooperation, and Promote Social Harmony, by Jay J. Van Bavel and Dominic J. Packer

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Harnessing-Identities-Performance-Cooperation/dp/0316538418