It is refreshing to read a book that focuses on this age group as young individuals, not as children who have to be fitted into adult-determined framework. Lesley Maroni explores sensitively how they try to make sense of daily life. She offers valuable descriptions of the ways children's perspective and confusion, emerge through their play and conversation. Like others in the Understanding Your Child series from the Tavistock Clinic, the book is written both for parents and practitioners. -- Nursery World
Review for all of the series
'They are a rich resource of balanced, sensitive and non-judgemental advice to help parents and professionals looking after children...The central subject is the mental and emotional development of children and their parents. And the style is intelligent and friendly... The books form a cohesive and continuous guide to almost everything I have ever wondered about bringing up my children.'
-- 0-19 Magazine
Written in a simple, engaging style, citing plenty of familiar examples from home and school, Lesley Maroni brings the world into focus from a child's perspective, revealing the enormity of the challenges they face at this age as they make significant transitions from the more contained environment of home and preschool to the larger world of primary school... The book provides a clear background to the social and emotional development of children this age. It guides adults through this demanding, transitory period, revealing the coping mechanisms behind many behaviours and showing what support can be given at home and school. Having previously felt overwhelmed by the emotional neediness and demands of 4-5 year old, this book has left me with more appreciation of the daily pressures they face. I have a heightened awareness of the distress these struggles can cause, and greater confidence to work with this age group in a firm, supportive manner. I am keen to read more of the series to find out how the story of development unfolds. -- Primary First, Clare Fernandes Norris
