Are the Balkans the real Montessori 2025?

Saveta Tomovic Dubak
Sep 28
4 min read

Hey there, fellow parents and curious souls!

I’m spilling the tea today on a little experiment I’ve been running for years—raising my kids in the concrete jungle of Chicago, USA, while whisking them away to the Balkans for 3-4 months every year. And guess what?

I’m convinced this Balkan bootcamp is the ultimate, unpolished Montessori magic—way better than the $1,500 monthly I’d shell out for a Chicago Montessori school.

Yep, I said it! Let me take you on this rollercoaster of real-life lessons, Balkan style.

Ice Cream Runs and Trust-Building Thrills

Picture this: my kids, armed with a few coins, marching solo to a kiosk or tražnica to snag some ice cream. I’m either lurking at a safe distance or sipping coffee at a nearby café, playing the proud-but-nervous spy.

The Balkans? They’re a goldmine of safety—warmer, family-oriented folks

who’d never dream of snatching a kid. Plus, with cars banned in so many spots, the traffic’s practically nonexistent. It’s a trust exercise wrapped in a delicious cone!

Picture this: my kids, armed with a few coins, marching solo to a kiosk or tražnica to snag some ice cream. I’m either lurking at a safe distance or sipping coffee at a nearby café, playing the proud-but-nervous spy. The Balkans? They’re a goldmine of safety—warmer, family-oriented folks who’d never dream of snatching a kid. Plus, with cars banned in so many spots, the traffic’s practically nonexistent. It’s a trust exercise wrapped in a delicious cone!

Stroller Duty and Growing Responsibility

Ever tried squeezing a stroller into a tiny Balkan grocery shop? Impossible! So, I leave my little ones outside, guarding the baby and stroller while I dash in for a 5-minute shop. They’re soaking up responsibility, earning my trust, and proving they’ve got this. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a far cry from a classroom lesson plan.

Mountain Mornings and Sheep-Watching Shenanigans

When we’re nestled in the Balkans’ majestic mountains, my kids wake up at the crack of dawn—6:00 to 7:00—and scamper off to our family down the street.

Their mission? Get water and help herd the sheep and keep them in line while sneaking in some playful antics. It’s a crash course in teamwork and a front-row seat to nature’s classroom—way cooler than any textbook!

Mountain Mornings and Sheep-Watching Shenanigans
When we’re nestled in the Balkans’ majestic mountains, my kids wake up at the crack of dawn—6:00 to 7:00—and scamper off to our family down the street.
Their mission? Get water and help herd the sheep and keep them in line while sneaking in some playful antics. It’s a crash course in teamwork and a front-row seat to nature’s classroom—way cooler than any textbook!

Dishwashing Diva and Outdoor Vibes

Dishwashers? Not always a thing here!

My daughter dove headfirst into the dishwashing game, fueled by the local kids and our “we’ve totally got this” vibe.

Suddenly, we had a full-on squad: I was scrubbing at the sink, one kid babysat my 4-month-old like a pro, another passed me dishes like they were in a relay race, and the last one dried them with championship-level focus. Who knew washing dishes could feel like a team sport?What a community!

Dishwashers? Not always a thing here! My daughter’s jumped into the dishwashing game, inspired by the local kids and our “we’ve got to do this” vibe. We often scrub up outside in the mountains—more space, more fun! It’s gritty, it’s practical, and it’s building her character one soapy plate at a time.

Climbing, Snakes, and Self-Reliance

My kiddos scramble up mountains and hills, dodging the occasional snake (with strict “look, don’t touch” rules). They’re learning self-reliance and respect for nature—skills you won’t find in a padded playground back home.

It’s thrilling and a tad wild, but that’s the Balkan way!

First, one of them takes a stick and taps the ground to check if there are any snakes. Then they carefully go down, helping the others follow while still tapping the ground so the snakes stay away. The kids doing this were just 6, 5, and 3 years old!

Empathy on the Fly

Spot a stray dog or a hungry kid? My little heroes instantly dig into their pockets to buy food for them. It’s an impromptu empathy lesson, straight from the heart. No curriculum needed—just pure, unscripted kindness.

Eat Where You Are—Nature’s Buffet

Forget scheduled meals! My kids pluck cherries from trees or plop down at a neighbor’s house to dig into whatever’s cooking.

It’s a spontaneous feast, fostering a love for community and the land—straight out of traditional Balkan stories for kids that echo in our adventures.

Water Runs and Playful Duty

Every day, they trek to a spring fountain to fetch drinking water. They see it as a mission, turning it into a playful responsibility. It’s a task that builds character and a connection to the earth—Montessori vibes without the price tag!

Freedom in Quiet and Bustling Cities

We bounce between quaint spots like Berane, Sombor, and Višegrad, where freedom reigns, and bigger hubs like Belgrade and Podgorica, where they still get a taste of independence. It’s a perfect blend of peace and urban exploration.

No Toys, Just Genius Creativity

Toys? Who needs ’em! My kids turn two bricks and a board into a trampoline or wield a stick as a gun and a rock as a phone.

Their creativity blows away anything I’ve seen in the Western world.

It’s raw, it’s brilliant, and it’s straight out of the pages of children’s books from the Balkans that celebrate imagination.

The Verdict: Balkans Outshine Montessori?

So, here’s my bold claim:

3 months in the Balkans’ mountains and small cities can match—or even top—any Montessori program.

It’s hands-on, heart-filled, and rooted in children’s book about identity and culture lessons that shape who my kids are.

Speaking of which, if you’re loving these tales, check out my book, The Balkan Voyage: A Day at the Playground, a heartwarming story that weaves unity and play—perfect for Balkan families everywhere.

Grab a copy at www.balkanchildren.com to support our mission!