This study explores how pre-adolescent children in orphanages develop their understanding of family, particularly as an idealized and spiritual concept, within specific socio-pedagogical contexts. The research identifies a tripartite model of family perception—comprising cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions. The investigation was structured around evaluative criteria (knowledge-based, value-driven, and behavioral), with assessment across three levels of development: high, moderate, and low. The experimental design incorporated principles of spiritual development and personal transformation. Findings highlight the importance of tailoring educational efforts to the developmental stage, gender, and social background of children in institutional care. Effective strategies included fostering an educational environment that supports family-like connections and coordinating socio-pedagogical interventions to deepen personal engagement with the concept of family. The results underscore significant age and gender-related differences and affirm the efficacy of the proposed pedagogical approach in nurturing a spiritual ideal of family among preteen residents of orphanages.
