On the death of Remo Largo

He was the most famous paediatrician in Switzerland. And one of the most important educational experts in the German-speaking world. Remo Largo died last Wednesday at the age of 76. An obituary by editor-in-chief Nik Niethammer.

His books have been translated into over 30 languages; they are still being reprinted today and accompany millions of young parents through challenging times with their children.

Remo Largo's best-known book «Babyjahre» was published in 1993. It is still in practically every Swiss library today. The message is reassuring for all parents: the child goes through phases. There is no reason for parents to worry if they walk later than other children. Or cries more often. Not developing at the same pace as the boy or girl next door. The range of child development is enormous.
Remo Largo has always encouraged us parents to treat our children with an open mind. He took the pressure off. That is his greatest achievement.

Mr Largo, what is lacking in our education system? Read Evelin Hartmann's in-depth interview with Remo Largo in March 2018, in which she talked about today's mass society, overburdened children and new forms of coexistence, among other things.
Mr Largo, what is lacking in our education system?
Read Evelin Hartmann's in-depth interview with Remo Largo in March 2018, in which she talked about today's mass society, overburdened children and new forms of coexistence, among other things.

In his books and lectures, he has repeatedly explored these questions: How can a secure parent-child bond be achieved? How much closeness and freedom is needed in parenting? What can mothers and fathers do so that children can develop into socially competent beings with their own moral and value concepts?

Remo Largo has been closely associated with the Swiss parenting magazine Fritz+Fränzi since it was founded 19 years ago. «There is a great need for action to make Switzerland more family- and child-friendly. We therefore need organisations such as the Elternsein Foundation and the parenting guide Fritz+Fränzi to provide families with sustainable support. Fritz+Fränzi is one of the very few parenting magazines in the German-speaking world that takes children and parents seriously.»
Ellen Ringier, lawyer, founder and president of the Elternsein Foundation, once called Ramo Largo «the children's advocate» - she held him in high esteem.

"The commitment period we have in Switzerland is a scandal!" During one of his last public appearances at a Fritz Fränzi event in March 2019, Remo Largo said: "The amount of bonding time we have in Switzerland is a scandal!". He inspired the whole room with his emotional and powerful words. You can watch his entire talk again here.
"The amount of bonding time we have in Switzerland is a scandal!"
During one of his last public appearances at a Fritz+Fränzi event in March 2019, Remo Largo said: "The amount of bonding time we have in Switzerland is a scandal!". He inspired the whole room with his emotional and powerful words. You can watch his entire talk again here.

Remo Largo's creative energy was enormous until the end. His latest book «Living Together» was published in spring. At our last meeting, he seemed depressed. He struggled with many things, above all with the fact that his numerous appeals and admonitions were so little heeded. There was hardly any will to change, especially in schools, he lamented.

Remo Largo died at home in Üetliburg SG on Wednesday, shortly before his 77th birthday. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Thank you, dear Remo Largo, for everything. You are missing.

Chefredaktor Nik Niethammer stand mit Remo Largo regelmässig in Kontakt. Zuletzt sahen sich die beiden im März vergangenen Jahres bei einer Veranstaltung im Kulturpark Zürich. Sein Liebings-Bonmot von Remo Largo lautet: «Gras wächst nicht schneller, wenn man daran zieht».
Editor-in-chief Nik Niethammer was in regular contact with Remo Largo. The last time the two met was in March last year at an event in Zurich's Kulturpark. His favourite Remo Largo quote is: "Grass doesn't grow faster if you pull on it".

Read more about bonding and family:

  • Dossier: Attachment
    A child develops strong self-confidence and the courage to take steps towards independence on the basis of a secure emotional bond. But what can parents do to help children develop this fundamental skill? Read the answer in our dossier.