PSYchology

Oscar Brenifier’s method is unique: he asks such questions that children, answering them, involuntarily form their own view of the world. Two new works of the philosopher — about life and freedom, about people and relationships — were published in the book series «Make our children happy» by Psychologies and Clever publishing house.

Psychologies: What age are the books for? I started reading them with my 9-year-old son, and it turned out that he does not know the fear of change, he successfully copes with the fear of death, and he does not care about democracy yet.

These books are written primarily for parents. Most of them have long ceased to ask themselves essential questions, and only by starting to look for answers, adults will be able to talk about it with children. Judging by your question, I can assume that you are afraid of change, prefer not to think about death and control a lot. Once you are aware of your difficulties, you will notice that you are ready to discuss them with your son, and he will easily understand you. Adults and children have the same fears — the fear of death, the fear of not being loved, the fear of not being recognized. The only difference is that in an adult, these fears are stronger, because his soul has long shrunk from distrust. It is easier to discuss these problems with a child, because he is full of trust. Try to be a child again!

To talk with a child about the meaning of life, about love and happiness, is it necessary to be sure of the answers?

ABOUT.: You again show a strong sense of insecurity. And of course, it will prevent you from discussing difficult topics with your son. You want to «feel confident in the answer.» But it makes thinking and reasoning impossible. Because thinking is in hypotheses, not in certainty, conviction or knowledge. And try not to project your doubts and fears onto your child. However, if my books are used correctly, there will be more joy than fear. The joys of thinking, the joys of playing with ideas, the joys of interacting with people through the freedom of the mind, and not through anxiety. This is the main difference that I encounter in my trainings with children and adults. The former think I’m funny, the latter think I’m terrible.

Oscar Brenifier, Talking to Children about Life and Freedom, Children’s Difficult Questions about People and Relationships (Clever, 2015).

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