Michel Torchi, founder of UNESCO Children's Philosophy Class
A masterpiece by Marie Gilbert, a creative discussion class expert
“Teach your child to think, ask questions, and seek answers.”

A must-read for parents who want their children to be happy, confident, and make sound decisions!

Young children are curious about all kinds of events and phenomena happening at school and in the world around them, as well as about their place in their family and community and their relationships with other people.
Parents have a responsibility to help their children develop the habit of asking questions, thinking, and finding answers to such questions.
This book, which seriously addresses children's questions, is designed for parents who want to lead their children into the world of philosophy.

By discussing philosophical questions with their parents, children learn the joy of reflection, acquire both freedom of expression and the rigor of logic, and gain the courage to overcome fear and face the world.
This book is divided into two parts: Part 1 is about how to teach philosophy, and Part 2 is about 15 discussion topics to help you explore the world of philosophy with your children.

First, PART 1 provides a detailed introduction to how to engage in philosophical discussions with children, including how to distinguish philosophical questions from other types of questions, when to discuss them with children, how to focus on reflection while maintaining freedom of expression, how to foster logical rigor, and how to deepen children's thinking.


Part 2, which takes up most of the book, is organized around the questions and concepts that children most frequently ask.
Rich examples, fairy tales, and quotes are a great help in approaching each topic and deepening reflection.
Parents and teachers can open the door to philosophy classes with their children by referring to the 15 topics presented here, including identity, love, emotions, school, differences, freedom, justice, truth, happiness, time, and living together.


Additionally, the 'Parents' Tips' at the end of each topic can help you recognize the importance of the topic and reflect on how to guide your child's thoughts and interests.
The 'Threads of Reflection' presented in question format can be adjusted to suit your child's stage of adaptation.
Even the most playful child can be engaged in a discussion that engages them and engages them with reason and imagination.
This book is an ideal alternative for embarking on a journey of reflection and discovering ourselves, others, and the world we all live in.


Key Point: Parents' Role in Creating a Happy Philosophy Class
★ Listen to your child's questions
★ Do not present the parent's perspective from the beginning
★ Do not answer on behalf of your child
★ Help your child find his or her own answers
★ Empathize with and share your child's experiences
★ Rephrase your child's opinion to encourage deeper thinking.
★ Stimulate your child's imagination through play and experimentation.
★ Creating a free and comfortable atmosphere for conversation

Through philosophy classes based on reflection and discussion, children can learn, first, how to remain calm and objective, no matter how absurd the ideas that run rampant in society, and how to maintain peace of mind.
This is a skill that is absolutely necessary for today's youth generation.
Second, by experiencing freedom of thought, you will also be able to respect the freedom of thought of others.
In a world thirsty for harmony, we can cultivate an open attitude.
Third, love and harmony within the family increase as family members freely discuss and share new joys each time.
Enter the world of philosophy, thinking and conversing with your children.
You will find that this is the path to happiness every day.

---p.11 From the preface

Questions that keep coming back to me are fun.
Because it's about finding your way to personal exploration.
Parents should not "instill" ideas in their children, but simply provide milestones.
Such parents would be able to answer the following fundamental questions:
◇ What thoughts will I pass on to my children?
◇ When your child faces a question, how can you, as a parent, help them find their own answers?
Ultimately, the question, “Who am I?” is the first question we ask ourselves as parents.
This is because life is a place where I exist as myself, and education is a ‘reality’ that takes place in that place of life.
---pp.29-30 From "CHAPTER 1: Giving Myself a Time for Reflection"

While children are thrown into a world where everything is new and full of questions, parents are accustomed to a life where they no longer have questions.
Some of your child's questions may be embarrassing or difficult to answer.
Some questions are fun, but may not be taken seriously because your child is still 'young'.
But is there a specific "adult" question? Philosophical questions have no age limit.
---p.38 From "CHAPTER 2 Inviting Logic into the Family"

Above all, it is important to think about the connection between love and happiness.
Love fills our need for stability and acceptance and frees us from self-centeredness.
We also build relationships and work towards a common plan.
Love enriches both the giver and the receiver, providing a full human experience.

---p.101 From "'CLASS 2 Love' Help for Parents"

Let's talk about the secret to happiness.
◆ A Closely Hidden Secret - Two friends set out to find the secret of happy people.
First, I went to the palace where the king lived and found out that the king's cousin had gathered an army to seize power.
This time I went to the richest man and his servants were in tears.
The owner went bankrupt, sold the house, and fired the servants.
So this time I went to see an actress who is admired for her beauty.
But the actress had long since fallen ill and lost her beauty.
The two friends muttered:
“Where on earth should I go?”
◇ What are the three happinesses these two friends are seeking? Let's name them.
◇ Let's create a character who will reveal the secret to true happiness.
---pp.155~156 From "'CLASS 6 Happiness' A Clue to Reflection 2 - Does Perfect Happiness Exist?"

Let's talk about a time when you were violent.

◇ Thinking about it now, was it wrong or right?
◇ Do you think you won't see that kind of thing again?
◇ If you think so, how can you not show that kind of appearance?
◇ What should I do when I regret my violent actions toward someone?

---p.187 From “Clue to Reflection on ‘CLASS 8 Violence’ 3 - Can One’s Violence Be Justified?”