Paulo Freire is, together with Maria Montessori, one of the most important pedagogues of the XNUMXth century. His approach facilitated a type of teaching that prioritized democratization, raising the figure of the child as an essential part of this society.
While it is true that Paulo Freire's legacy applies above all in the context of teaching in schools, we cannot ignore his pedagogy based on hope, freedom and love for the child. For this reason, from «Mothers Today» We invite you to know its basic axes to apply them on a day-to-day basis. To inspire us, to remember the importance of raising our children in equality, respect and integration.
Basic ideas of Paulo Freire's pedagogy
As a mother, you are very clear about what you want to transmit to your children. Y An essential idea that we all try to cultivate every day in raising our children is to raise happy and independent children, so that tomorrow they will become mature adults capable of making others happy.
Nothing can be as important, and at the same time more satisfying, as a mother or father of a child than knowing that tomorrow they will be able not only to live a balanced and happy life, but also to make this world a much better place. It is undoubtedly a great adventure worth building coherently through the small gestures and words that we must convey to them at every moment.
Therefore, it is worthwhile integrate these simple ideas that Paulo Freire left us in his works:
- Children must be allowed and encouraged to ask us questionsSometimes we simply give them advice they don't listen to. Therefore, if we increase their curiosity, the knowledge they acquire will always be more meaningful because it's a discovery.
- Educating is not just transmitting knowledge. It's more than just teaching them to tie their shoes or go through green lights. Teach them to go beyond what they see, to be critical, imaginative and above all, active creatures who wish to experiment.
- The best advice is given by example. Keep in mind that many parents preach certain things and end up doing the opposite of what they transmit themselves. Therefore, you must take great care of each of your words, gestures and behaviors at home and outside of it. Children realize many more things than we think, and for them, the example is more valuable than a word.
- It is important to promote the child's autonomy. From a very young age. You will always be there for him, guiding and supporting him. However, a child who sees himself as capable of doing things is a child with higher self-esteem who will be able to have a more positive self-image, opening himself up to the world. Avoid overprotecting, or forbidding them to step out of their comfort zone when the time comes.
- Listen to your children. Listen to them every day and at all times, no matter how simple what they want to convey to you. A child who feels cared for understands the value of his person, is recognized and respected. We know that we have responsibilities and a bit of a rush throughout the day, and that it is not always easy to dedicate all the time they deserve, but it is worth investing efforts in our children.
- Pass on generosity to your childrenHelp them understand the value of giving, of being kind to those around them, and develop adequate empathy so they understand, "that what hurts or bothers me, also hurts others."
- An essential aspect that Paulo Freire conveyed is that educating is not just transmitting, it is "creating". A child who receives information and finds no use for it is lost knowledge. Therefore, it is vital that we give responsibility to the child, who sees himself as someone active who can do things for his good, and for the good of others.
How to apply Paulo Freire's pedagogy in everyday life
The power of the word with the image
As we mentioned before, Paulo Freire told us that the power of words is transmitted primarily through example, and also through imagery. Therefore, it's worthwhile. to make use of images in the child's daily life to achieve meaningful learning.
- Make use of the panels around the house to remind yourself what the rules are.
- Make use of positive reinforcement through words but also with cards where we tell them realities such as "I am proud of you", "I like how you have behaved today", "you are a brave and special child".
- Even if your children can't read yet, don't hesitate to use books. in their daily lives so that they become familiar with them as weapons of power and knowledge.
- The visual is combined with the experimental, thus, It gives value to everything that children can see and handle.Love for nature is transmitted by handling it, by touching it. Household responsibilities, such as tidying up or cleaning, are demonstrated through our example, and children can also carry them out to the best of their ability.
- To set an example, remember that we must take care of essential aspects such as equality and respect. Make no difference between the responsibilities of your sons and your daughtersTake care of your language and even the way you treat other people.
Yes to democratic education
If there is one aspect that Paulo Freire defended, it is the need to defend and build an education based on respect and democratic valuesFar from seeming like grand, eloquent words, we must take into account basic aspects that are essential:
- The rules must be explained and negotiated. A rule that is imposed is not understood, and the child will rebel against it.
- Encouraging the child's independence is vital. From the moment we monitor each of their movements, vet their voices, have their own ideas or choose their paths for them, we will be executing a toxic and authoritarian education.
- Democratic education is not permissivenessIt's about knowing how to communicate, how to negotiate, and how to provide learning opportunities where the adult is always the child's guide in their daily life. Our children should be the architects of their own learning; we are the mechanisms through which they feel safe, cared for, and loved so they can make the best choices.
As you can see, the principles of Paulo Freire can help us raise happy children for a future of hope. There where we all respect each other, where we lead by good example and where Freedom, be the bond of the child who becomes an adult responsible for himself.
Banking education and problem-posing education at home
Freire distinguished between a "banking" education and a "problem-posing" one.The first views the child as a passive recipient into whom information is "deposited"; the second recognizes the child as a subject who thinks, questions, and transforms. At home, a banking model of parenting is evident when we only demand blind obedience and memorization; a problem-posing model emerges when we guide our children to understand the reasons behind things.
To apply this to family life, replace orders with conversations that open up questionsInstead of saying "pick it up because I said so," try asking, "What do we need to make the classroom a comfortable place for everyone?" This approach encourages critical thinking, responsibility, and a sense of community.
- Avoid passivityIf your child asks a question, don't cut the conversation short with a simple "just because." Participate in finding the answers together.
- Co-creation of normsIt establishes negotiated, visible, and revisable rules. This way, they are internalized through understanding, not fear.
- Real problems: uses everyday experiences (turns, screen time, pet care) as situations to discuss, analyze and decide together.
Dialogicity: the power of dialogue in the practice of freedom
For Freire, The true word unites reflection and actionIt's not about talking for the sake of talking, but about engaging in dialogue to understand and transform. Practicing this dialogue at home means creating spaces where all voices are valued, including those of the youngest, and where decisions are made with their understanding.
- Active listeningLook them in the eyes, validate their emotions, and ask them to explain what they think in their own words.
- Open questions"What do you think?", "What options do you see?", "What consequences would each one have?".
- Agreements with commitment: what is decided is translated into small observable actions that you then review together.
In dialogicity, No one educates anyone in isolation.Mothers, fathers, and children educate each other. Recognizing this reciprocity dismantles authoritarianism and strengthens the emotional bond.
Generative words and images: emotional and critical literacy at home
One very practical contribution from Freire is the use of generative words and images that spark meaningful conversation. FamilyThey can be applied to literacy not only in reading and writing, but also in emotions, coexistence and critical thinking.
- Raising the "universe of words"Identify with your children words that mark their day (friendship, screen, park, fear, justice). Ask which ones resonate with them and why.
- Selection of emotionally charged wordsChoose 5 or 6 with the greatest potential (for example, "respect", "hope", "care"). These will be the starting point.
- Creating familiar situations: invent everyday scenes (a conflict over a toy, a broken promise) and add simple drawn or printed images.
- Flexible guidelines for dialoguePrepare 2 or 3 questions per scene: "How did each person feel?", "Which option would be fairer?", "What would you do differently next time?".
- Word GamesWith the chosen ones, form new ones (responsibility) or draw the concept. language, emotion, and action come together.
This dynamic strengthens the ability to name what is happening and act accordingly. Naming is the beginning of transformation. If they know how to say "I need help" or "this is not fair," they are already exercising their freedom..
Dehumanization and hope: educating for dignity
Freire explained that oppression dehumanizes both the oppressor and the oppressed. In parenting, these logics can seep into micro-inequalities that diminish dignityTo correct a child is to avoid constantly interrupting them, ridiculing their ideas, or stifling their initiative. Correcting is not punishing; it's guiding them toward responsibility.
Educating with hope does not ignore limits; it creates them. fair, through dialogue, and consistentWhen your child breaks an agreement, instead of labeling them, help them make amends: What can you do to make up for it? How can we prevent it from happening again? This act of making amends builds humanity, not guilt.
A brief overview and legacy of Paulo Freire to inspire parenting
Freire's work stems from his contact with impoverished and excluded communitieswhom she accompanied with literacy processes that were, above all, processes of awareness and organization. Her dialogic method spread from Latin America to various regions of the worldinfluencing pedagogical, social and ecclesial movements that championed justice and dignity.
She worked with universities and international organizations, and participated in popular education programs. Her legacy lives on because It does not propose recipes, but an ethic.No one educates anyone else, no one educates themselves alone; human beings educate each other, mediated by the world. This view aligns with a parenting approach that recognizes children as active subjects.
From theory to action: everyday Freirean examples
- Rules that arise from dialogueMeet regularly to review schedules, screens, and tasks. Write down agreements and reasons on a visible board.
- Mindful readingAfter a story, ask what problem arises, who decides, and what alternative would be fairer. This transforms reading into practice.
- Service projectChoose a community service activity (toy exchange, neighborhood library). Plan, act, and reflect on what you have learned.
- Recognition cardsIn addition to "well done," it names the specific behavior: "I appreciated you asking for a turn." The precise word creates meaning.
Key Freire Phrases Reinterpreted for Families
- Ask before you answerDon't answer questions that haven't been asked; first find out what your child needs to know.
- The example embodies the wordWhat you say is worthwhile if it's reflected in what you do; your consistency educates more than any speech.
- Respect autonomy: accompanies without intruding; offers tools and trusts in their ability to decide and learn from mistakes.
- Learning is creatingStudying is not about accumulating data, it's about producing meaning and transforming small realities of the home.
Freire recalled that Hope is not passive waitingIt needs to be supported by concrete actions. At home, every honest conversation, every negotiated agreement, and every act of care nurtures hope. This daily sum shapes free, critical children eager to improve their world, starting with their families.
