Reflections by Colleen Noll.

Hey there, fellow parents, guardians, and professional snack distributors! I’m Colleen Noll; founder of MSOSV, Montessori lover since 1992, and the slightly sleep-deprived mom who opened her first school in 2000 when my oldest was still in diapers and I clearly had no idea what I was getting myself into. Since then I’ve opened five schools across the Bay Area and Austin, Texas, and teamed up with my partner Michael Harding (who jumped on this crazy train in 2016). Together we’re raising our blended crew of two boys and two girls; otherwise known as MPO6: Mike, Party of Six.

If you’ve ever tried to get four kids through the teenage years at the same time, you already know the truth: parenting is 10% strategy, 20% caffeine, and 70% “Why is there glitter in the toaster again?”

That’s exactly why I’m launching this weekly blog series. After decades in the classroom and a front-row seat to the beautiful chaos of family life, I’ve learned one very important lesson: the parents who survive (and actually enjoy) this ride are the ones who learn to laugh, listen, and take a really deep breath when the iPad is missing and the dog is wearing yesterday’s lunch.

So consider this your official permission slip to not take everything so seriously. Over the coming school year we’ll tackle five big topics in a fun, bite-sized way:

• What, No iPad? (a.k.a. surviving the great digital standoff)
• Discipline & Raising a Well-Rounded Child (spoiler: it doesn’t require a whistle or a spreadsheet)
• School – MSOSV (because we know school choice feels like picking a college… but for tiny humans)
• Parenting Styles (helicopter, free-range, Montessori, or “whatever works on Tuesdays”)
• Independence (teaching them to tie shoes, make decisions, and eventually move out, preferably before age 30)

Each topic kicks off with a quick overview, then we’ll roll out 4–8 light, laugh-out-loud posts full of real stories, Montessori-inspired ideas, and zero judgment. Some weeks will be practical tips, others will be “you’re not alone” survival tales, and a few might just be me admitting the ridiculous things I’ve said at 2 a.m. while searching for a missing sock.

Think of this series as your weekly parenting coffee break; warm, honest, and occasionally sprinkled with sarcasm. No guilt, no perfect-parent competitions, just good company and a reminder that you’re doing better than you think. So pull up a chair (or sit on the floor because all the chairs have Legos on them), grab your favorite mug, and let’s do this together.

Welcome to the Laugh Track.

First post drops soon! With lots of love and probably some coffee stains,

Colleen Noll

Proudly Imperfect Mom & MSOSV Founder

(MPO6 Reporting for Duty)