Over the years, research on and with young children has been conducted from an adult-centric perspective, positioning children as passive subjects rather than active participants in the research process. Traditional methodologies often positioned children as incomplete beings, incapable of providing reliable insights into their own lives. However, the emergence of the New Sociology of Childhood (NSC) and the increasing recognition of children’s rights, have led to a paradigm shift in childhood research. This shift has emphasised the importance of viewing children as active agents who can contribute meaningfully to research about their lives. Drawing on feminist post structural framings of childhood and NSC, this review examines key considerations for conducting research with young children, focusing on methodological and ethical aspects. The discussion highlights the need for informed consent, child-friendly communication, and respect for children’s agency and voices throughout the research process. Recognising children as knowledgeable and competent social actors, the review explores various methods for engaging children in discussions about their lived experiences. Approaches such as storytelling, role-playing, drawings, and interviews adapted for young participants, and interactive digital tools provide meaningful spaces for children to express themselves. By incorporating these diverse methodologies, researchers can create inclusive and adaptable approaches that align with children’s cognitive and emotional development. In addition to methodological considerations, the discussion highlights the power dynamics between researchers and children, particularly the importance of researcher reflexivity when conducting studies with young participants. Ethical challenges such as balancing adult guidance with children’s autonomy, ensuring voluntary participation, and safeguarding confidentiality are also examined. Ensuring that research methodologies align with children's preferences and ways of meaning-making is significant to ethical and effective inquiry. This paper aims to support researchers in designing research that uphold children’s rights while authentically capturing their perspectives and lived realities.

Keywords: Childhood, research methods, education, ethics.