The educational relationship between parents and children in the thinking of Giovanni Bollea

Abstract

The article examines the thinking of Giovanni Bollea on the educational relationship between parents and children. By outlining the concepts of education, formation and instruction, the author clarifies the nexus between formation and care running through Bollea’s work. Formation meant as care also signifies ‘mutual growth’, and therefore not just the growth of the children, but of the parents as well. Hence, the family is a transforming system and at the same time a ‘support network’ for its members. The paper concludes by underlining Bollea’s attention to play activities in promoting children’s wellbeing.