Approaching children’s perspectives on belonging: methodological and ethical challenges

The aim of this article is to reflect on the methodology and the ethical challenges emerging when researching children’s perspectives on belonging in early childhood education and care (ECEC). Our study was conducted with children aged three to six years in Finland, Iceland, and Sweden. We critically reflect on the research process as well as the chosen research methods: photo elicitation, walking interviews, and participatory observations. In our reflections on children's assent, three key aspects emerged: familiarity, sensitivity and timing. When we reflected on how to approach children's perspectives on belonging, we identified three essential factors: a deliberate choice of method, a careful selection of children and conscious interpretations of children's perspectives.