A child's liberty should have as its limits the interests of the group to which he belongs. We should therefore prevent a child from doing anything which may offend or hurt others, or which is impolite or unbecoming. But everything else, every act that can be useful in any way whatever, may be expressed.

Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child

Not anger and violence, but patience, marks this period in children's lives; the patience to wait for the right moment. It is when the child cannot express himself, finds obstacles to his wish, that he shows violence and rage.

Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind

His powers are now consolidated and can be directed not only by his own will, but by the will of another. The child can absorb another person's wishes and express them in his own behaviour.

Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind

It is the social situation that determines the behaviour and it is the child's positive desire to belong that motivates him to correct his behaviour.

Mario Montessori Jr, Education for Human Development