The Philosophy of Childhood

I loved this inspiring book about the true character and intelligence of children, largely unnoticed and under appreciated because of adult misconceptions (reinforced by flawed scientific studies by Piaget, Kohlberg, etc., as this book demonstrates). Chapter 8, Childhood and Death, will be especially interesting to parents of children with terminal leukemia, as we were because of our Jonnie, but this is not a book about death. It is about the ability children have to come to terms with all of life and it's mysteries in fresh and creative ways beyond the abilities of adults. We truly need to learn to respectfully listen to our children, to give our time to watching them and learning from them rather than always trying to teach them. We can't afford to miss their valuable childhood wisdom and insight or to underestimate their contribution to a richer, more complete philosophy of life. Besides, you cannot truly love a child unless you can also respect him. Another inspiring book is How Children Learn by John Holt.