Hassan Ajami: The Montessori Dad Reshaping Parenthood in Lebanon

Hassan Ajami

In the heart of Lebanon, a quiet parenting revolution is unfolding—led not by psychologists, schools, or influencers—but by a devoted father who simply wanted to raise his children better. Hassan Ajami, a name now familiar across parenting communities in the region, is the heart behind “يوميّات أب” (Father’s Diary), a deeply personal and profoundly impactful Instagram blog where he documents his journey through fatherhood using the Montessori method.

But what started as a daily reflection has grown into a powerful movement. Hassan has now helped over 500 families raise more independent, empathetic, and curious children. His goal? To transform the role of the father in the Arab world—and to prove that a hands-on, emotionally aware, Montessori-inspired dad is not only possible, but necessary.

A Different Kind of Father

In a society where parenting is still largely seen as a mother’s responsibility, Hassan Ajami breaks the mold. He’s not just “helping out”—he’s leading with heart, intellect, and presence. His Instagram feed, @parentingblogg, is a vibrant mix of toddler play activities, Montessori setups, parenting tips, and, above all, raw honesty.

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He often posts pictures of his children engaged in sensory activities, working with wooden trays, pouring water from small jugs, or learning to dress themselves—all core elements of the Montessori approach. But he also posts about sleepless nights, tantrums, parenting guilt, and the moments when nothing goes as planned.

This balance of realism and purpose is what makes Hassan’s story so relatable—and so influential.

The Montessori Spark

Hassan didn’t grow up planning to be a parenting expert. Like many young parents, he and his partner were overwhelmed with the conflicting advice and pressure to “do everything right.” He stumbled upon the Montessori method while researching educational tools for toddlers and was instantly drawn to its respect for the child’s natural development, autonomy, and emotional intelligence.

The method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s, focuses on child-led learning through hands-on experiences. It encourages independence, responsibility, and confidence—qualities that Hassan felt were deeply needed in today’s children.

But it wasn’t just about the children. The Montessori approach encouraged Hassan to reflect on his own habits as a parent. He began learning, practicing, and sharing—and eventually, consulting.

Helping Over 500 Families—One Message at a Time

What started as an educational journey for his own children soon became a mission. Through his online presence, Hassan began offering advice to other parents who were struggling with discipline, tantrums, or the demands of modern parenting.

Soon, messages began pouring in. Parents from Beirut, Tripoli, Dubai, Amman, and even Europe were reaching out. Hassan responded with kindness, personalized insights, and tools rooted in Montessori philosophy but tailored for each family’s unique challenges.

Now, over 500 families have benefited from his guidance through one-on-one consultations, live sessions, and workshops. His followers praise him for being accessible, non-judgmental, and always offering solutions that honor both the child and the parent.

“He changed how I talk to my son,” one mother wrote. “I now see him not as a problem to solve, but a person to understand.”

The Daily Diary That Changed a Culture

“يوميّات أب” (Father’s Diary) began as a humble attempt to document his journey, but it soon captured a much bigger story—the evolving role of the father in Arab culture. Each post tells a small truth: a father comforting a crying toddler, a dad teaching a child how to fold laundry, or a man reflecting on his own childhood traumas so he can parent with empathy instead of anger.

His followers don’t just scroll. They comment, cry, share, and most importantly—feel seen.

In a region where fathers are often stereotyped as distant providers, Hassan’s vulnerability is radical. He’s not just saying “Dads matter.” He’s showing how.

Struggles Behind the Smiles

Despite the success, Hassan’s journey hasn’t been easy. Raising children while creating educational content and supporting hundreds of families is no small task. He speaks openly about burnout, doubt, and the weight of expectation.

There were months when he questioned whether anyone cared, when engagement dropped, or when he felt like an imposter. But every message from a grateful parent reignited his purpose.

He also had to fight societal pushback. Some questioned his role, calling his efforts “soft” or “unmanly.” But Hassan remained steady, often reminding his audience: “Raising emotionally secure children is not weakness. It is strength.”

Recent Developments and New Directions

Hassan is far from done. In fact, his current work is more impactful than ever. He’s expanding into video content, launching a mini-course for parents on how to set up a Montessori environment at home, and collaborating with pediatricians and psychologists for a holistic approach to parenting education.

He’s also developing Arabic-language Montessori resources to make the method more accessible for Middle Eastern parents.

Every Friday, he hosts Q&A sessions where he answers parenting questions live, drawing hundreds of viewers eager to learn, unlearn, and grow.

Changing the View of the Arab Father

Hassan’s mission is clear and unwavering: to shift the cultural understanding of what a father can be. No longer a distant disciplinarian, he envisions the Arab father as:

  • A nurturer
  • A playmate
  • A guide
  • An equal parenting partner

Through every story he tells, he invites other fathers to do the same. To be present. To be vulnerable. To be proud.

Why His Work Matters More Than Ever

The world is changing fast, and so are children. In this era of social media, fast information, and emotional overload, children need grounded, attentive caregivers more than ever. Hassan’s work addresses this urgent need with practical tools, emotional wisdom, and a lot of heart.

In a post-pandemic world where parenting feels lonelier than ever, his community reminds parents that they’re not alone—and that they don’t have to be perfect to be present.

Final Thoughts

Hassan Ajami is not a celebrity, a bestselling author, or a psychologist. He’s something more powerful: a present father with a clear purpose.

His work proves that one person, with compassion, learning, and commitment, can shift cultural norms and improve lives—one family at a time.

If you’re a parent navigating uncertainty, a dad who wants to do more, or simply someone looking for real human connection in the world of parenting, Hassan’s story is your invitation.

Visit his Instagram: @parentingblogg and see for yourself what a revolution in fatherhood really looks like.

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