ABSTRACT
Institutional life is marked by the fact that people, children or adults, are thrown into group associations which they have not chosen and which nature has not prepared for them, the latter being the "normal" group associations in most of our lives, the family and the self-chosen group. The population in all our children's institutions is becoming a more and more difficult one, since we are placing those children who can't accept normal family relationships mostly in families. Some of the healthy and helpful group life listed in this chapter are a relaxed group atmosphere, a balanced use of the group, a stimulated group, a group that gives the feeling of belonging that develops some bond and a significant relationship between the houseparent or counselor and each individual child. Only if we have genuine respect for each other's competence, can we expect children to regain trust and respect for an adult world around them.
