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The Association for Respectful Childhood was founded with the aim of educating and promoting understanding of the methodology developed by Emmi Pikler and her colleagues. We want to walk this path of a child's life with you -
Which has many bends, turns and insanely long straight lines,
Which can be bumpy, with holes or well paved,
Which can be wide or narrow, or sometimes even barely passable,
Which can lead up a mountain or sometimes down,
Which can lead through a thick forest or through a beautiful, large meadow -
so that your child can experience a respectful childhood.
Hungarian pediatrician Emmi Pikler (1902-1984) made observations and described them very carefully. She created a safe environment where child's abilities and his autonomy was supported and respected.
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Anna Tardos
Anna Tardos
(1931-2025)
(1931-2025)
On November 4, the outstanding Hungarian child and infant psychologist Anna Tardos passed away. She dedicated her entire life to advocating for young children to be recognized from the very beginning as active, competent individuals. Her approach is characterized by the following aspects:
Respectful accompaniment. Children are not seen as passive objects but as active participants in their own development.
Movement and play. Emphasis is placed on the development of free movement and play as fundamental paths for learning and experience.
Care and daily activities. Even in caregiving situations, such as diaper changes or dressing, she saw opportunities for dialogue, relationship building, and respect for the child’s personality.
International further education. Her work extended beyond Hungary’s borders – through training, seminars, and contributions in many countries and languages.
Anna Tardos played a significant role in the further development and international dissemination of Pikler pedagogy. Her work emphasizes the child's self-initiative and dignity. She has promoted the understanding of specialists and parents about a respectful and developmentally supportive attitude towards children.
According to Klaudija Hēla:
“As a participant in seminars and conferences, I was always amazed at how Anna Tardos could find just the right words. She had an exceptional sense of how to explain things so that everyone could understand. She answered questions with respect, leaving the questioner feeling enlightened rather than embarrassed. Anna had a remarkable ability to communicate with everyone—from infants to the elderly. She listened carefully but remained firm in her beliefs.
I will always remember the unique occasion when I had the chance to have dinner in Hungary with Anna Tardos and Anke Zinser. Anna drove us to a restaurant in her car. I couldn’t believe I was actually having dinner with this extraordinary woman and could hardly find words to speak. The two of them carried on a conversation while I just listened with wide eyes and open ears. After a while, Anna looked at me, smiled, and said, ‘Klaudia, you can say something too!’ I remember smiling and managing to say just that—I felt truly honored to be sitting at the same table as Anna Tardos."
On behalf of the Association “For a Respectful Childhood,” we extend our deepest condolences not only to Anna Tardos’ family but also to the entire Pikler community, who will miss her greatly. We will keep her life’s work alive in our memories and continue passing on these profound insights to future generations here in Latvia.”
Podacast
Podacast
In Latvian we talk about our experiences, combining it with theory. Conversations are about relationships with children, child development, the environment, play, and much more. To listen and read more, click here.
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