The aim of this research was to verify how social-cultural and family characteristics influence in the adaptation of Indian children at school. The observed ethnic groups were the Guarani-Kaiowá (Caarapó and Dourados municipalities), the Kadiwéu (Alves de Barros) and Terena (Córrego do Meio), MS, Brazil. Interviews and observations were performed in those children and their parents. It was observed the dialog and the mutual respect in the relations, evidenced in a serene tone with which mothers addressed to their children. Children's curiosity is not repressed, as well as the participation in all of the family's activities without restriction or punishment. However, in the Terena's group, mothers at first talk to their children, and at second if they disobey again, they get slaps or get bitten by sticks. That behavior points out to an example of how culture is changing by the easy access with the national society.
guarani-kaiowá; kadiwéu; terena; family life; education