From Birth to One: The year of opportunity
By Maria Robinson (Open University Press, 16.99, 01628 770224)
Reviewed by Sandy Green, early years consultant Maria Robinson has focused here on a most important aspect of individual development in young infants, namely their emotional development.
The publication emphasises the effects of parents' and early years professionals' own experiences on their care of young infants, and highlights the need for personal reflection.
The book prompts the reader to ask 'How do I feel about babies?' and 'What are my own needs?' This reflection on one's own experiences and feelings about babies, and memories of childhood experience, helps clarify understanding of current interactions with babies and the messages given out to them.
This book provides a challenging and worthwhile read, bringing together examples from past and current research to highlight various aspects of emotional development and potential areas of distress.
The author indicates the possibility of taking parts of the book and reading them in isolation. Indeed this would work, but to do justice to the important topic covered it would be best to read it in its entirety.
The useful questions asked of the reader and the occasional cameos and flow charts are welcome features that illustrate the points being raised and also lighten a sometimes academically-led text.
The book's main appeal, I feel, will be to students studying at higher national and degree level, or established professionals with a specific interest in the emotional well-being of infants.
