L'infanzia una generazione di figli al centro di una trama di relazioni

[Autom. eng. transl.] This chapter proposes a definition of childhood starting from a relational reading key. The proposed observation point, that is, believes that children are autonomous subjects and able to take an active position, provided they live in family and social contexts in which the adults, with whom they are in significant relationships, make it possible for them to have a protected space, adequate and stimulating, supported and aided by promotional and subsidiary public policies. For this reason, the main relationships in which minors are inserted, family members: parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents and social groups: educators and peer groups, are analytically presented in a network, family and community perspective. A glance, albeit a quick one, is reserved for virtual networks that increasingly occupy the daily experience of even the smallest. Particular attention is paid to early childhood services and to the virtuous network that can be organized around them for the well-being of the little ones, without forgetting the drama of educational poverty, a condition that involves significant numbers of minors, in terms of scarcity / inadequacy of tangible and intangible resources, even in highly developed countries. In addition, a quick presentation is offered of the main regulatory measures, to protect children, which have been implemented in Italy since the 1989 Convention.