[gregjor]

You would have to define what “best” means to you and then probably accept that’s a direction rather than a goal. You won’t have complete control over the process.

I tried to encourage curiosity. My kids mostly did their own thing with lots of guidance and opportunities made available — unschooling.

Montessori style seems to map best to how children most readily learn, but each child learns differently so there’s no single “best” anything. You experiment and adapt.

I think the worst approach happens when parents think they can mold and shape their child into their own vision, and don’t accept or acknowledge the individuality of their child.