7 May 2017 - 2:35pm

 

Dr. Montessori explained obedience as an act of will and develops gradually, showing itself ‘unexpectedly at the end of a long process of maturation.’ (Montessori, 1967, p. 257) 

While this inner development is going on, little children may obey occasionally, but be completely unable to obey consistently. As their will develops through the exercise of free choice, children begin to have the self-discipline or self-control necessary for obedience.