It is possible to consider Atatürk and the subject of children from two perspectives. The first point of view is the "emotional approach", which indicates Atatürk's love for children, while the other is the "cognitive approach", which is derived from Atataürk's cognitive and intellectual attitude toward the reality of children. Atatürk's love for children is well known and can be related through many examples. On the other hand, Atatürk's perception of children was not considered enough. Atatürk's love for children and the close attention he gave to their welfare provided for the foundation of social and communal institutions and the development of social actions on behalf of children - April 23 Children's Day, the Turkish Society for the Protection of Children and the "milk drop" movement are long-term social projects. At the cognitive and intellectual level, Atatürk suggested ideas that would make children individuals, free and independent. According to Atatürk, a "free" individual is "liberal" and "thinking". A good-quality educational system, under the guidance of science, will make this possible.

Keywords: Atatürk, çocuk.