Emotional milestones from birth to adulthood - Ruth Schmidt Neven

Most parents and adults who come into regular contact with children are well aware that the child's emotional life and personal growth should be of equal concern to their physical wellbeing. Yet knowing how to go about effectively observing and guiding this process is no easy task and despite the many how-to manuals little has been written that explains the theory behind, and practical responses to, this vital aspect of human development.

Using her considerable experience in this field Ruth Schmidt Neven has taken a new approach to the practice of exploring and attempting to understand and aid child development. Moving away from the more basic concepts of how-to guides the author uses the psychodynamic approach which involves looking at a child's behaviour as a means of communication. The author sees children's ever changing behavioural patterns as the key that enables the adult world to comprehend and help with the great changes and obstacles that take place in the lives of the young.

While incorporating numerous examples and case studies as well as providing a theoretical and practical framework, Emotional Milestones examines the many crucial turning points and vital events that occur during a child's passage to adulthood. From infancy and toddler hood to the later obstacles of divorce and sexual identity, all the stages are explored providing a comprehensive and insightful work for all those involved in the care of children.