“Isn’t it fascinating how a radio show can propel someone to national fame?” one tourist asks another, gazing at the Institut de Formation Françoise Dolto. It might seem like an ordinary building at first glance. But the Institut de Formation Françoise Dolto holds a legacy far greater than its facade suggests. It’s named after a woman who revolutionized the way we understand children, Françoise Dolto. Although she was a celebrated psychoanalyst with a successful private practice, Dolto dedicated much of her life to public service.
For years, she worked at various medical institutions treating children, including the Trousseau Hospital right here in Paris. Her work there, from 1940 to 1978, was primarily focused on children with psychoses. Dolto developed unique methods to help them communicate and express themselves. But her reach extended far beyond the walls of the hospital. Starting in 1967, she anonymously hosted a radio show on Europe One, simply known as “Dr. X”. She answered questions from listeners, both adults and children, about child development and psychology.
The show’s popularity was overwhelming, but Dolto ended it in 1969 due to the limitations of the live format. However, her passion for reaching a wider audience led her to another radio show on France Inter in 1976. “When the Baby Shows Up”, as it was called, allowed Dolto to respond to listener letters, providing more in-depth advice. It was this program that catapulted her to fame throughout France, turning her into a household name. The Institut de Formation Françoise Dolto stands as a testament to her groundbreaking work. It’s a place where aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals learn to care for children using the principles she pioneered. Dolto’s legacy extends far beyond these walls, shaping the way we understand and interact with children to this day.