**Pedagogical Tact: Knowing What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do** by Max van Manen explores the profound and often overlooked role of pedagogy in shaping the lives of children and young people. The book delves into the phenomenological aspects of teaching and parenting, emphasizing the importance of personal, reflective, and ethical considerations in educational practices. Van Manen argues that pedagogy is not just a scientific or methodological practice but a deeply human and relational one, rooted in the natural responsiveness of adults to the vulnerability of children. He discusses various pedagogical elements such as child-sense, personal pedagogy, interpretive reflectivity, ontotheology, and ethical considerations, highlighting how these elements influence the quality of educational experiences. The book also addresses the impact of pedagogical moments on individuals throughout their lives, showing how early experiences can have lasting effects. Through personal stories and reflections, van Manen encourages readers to reflect on their own pedagogical practices and the importance of being thoughtful and tactful in their interactions with children. The book aims to inspire educators, parents, and childcare professionals to engage more deeply with the philosophical and ethical dimensions of their work, fostering a more meaningful and effective educational environment.**Pedagogical Tact: Knowing What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do** by Max van Manen explores the profound and often overlooked role of pedagogy in shaping the lives of children and young people. The book delves into the phenomenological aspects of teaching and parenting, emphasizing the importance of personal, reflective, and ethical considerations in educational practices. Van Manen argues that pedagogy is not just a scientific or methodological practice but a deeply human and relational one, rooted in the natural responsiveness of adults to the vulnerability of children. He discusses various pedagogical elements such as child-sense, personal pedagogy, interpretive reflectivity, ontotheology, and ethical considerations, highlighting how these elements influence the quality of educational experiences. The book also addresses the impact of pedagogical moments on individuals throughout their lives, showing how early experiences can have lasting effects. Through personal stories and reflections, van Manen encourages readers to reflect on their own pedagogical practices and the importance of being thoughtful and tactful in their interactions with children. The book aims to inspire educators, parents, and childcare professionals to engage more deeply with the philosophical and ethical dimensions of their work, fostering a more meaningful and effective educational environment.