One of our new programs is an informal, free series of talks with parents called “Coffee and Conversation.”  These talks combine common sense parenting information with jargon-free basic Montessori principles that fit any setting.   Everyone is welcome, parents often bring their little children, and most of the participants are not associated with Montessori schools.  Our conversations have included supporting independence at home, positive communication with children, the adverse effects of rewards and punishments, supporting pre-literacy, and positive discipline.  The most recent series met at the Multnomah Early Childhood Program in NE Portland, and a third series is planned for Café au Play in the SE neighborhood.  We are excited to be connecting with other communities supporting parents and children in different ways, and look forward to more Coffee and Conversations in 2012!