Barns deltakelse som en vilje til ikke å la seg styre

Abstract

The chapter gives priority to children’s voices as ‘counter-conduct’. This is done by analyzing a narrative that describes an event, which takes place in a conversation group for children who have mentally ill and/or addicted parents. A central topic in the interpretation is how children who refuse to take part in activities organized by the professional group leaders, are to be understood. The claim is that the refusal should not be interpreted as a sign of immatureness or developmental disorder, but rather that the children convey a richer variety of life experiences than professionals normally are aware of. The article concludes that the ‘counter – conduct’ found in children’s voices, can reveal knowledge about children’s being in the world, that is usually hidden from adults.