The book describes, from a psychoanalytic perspective, the development of the parent-infant relationship in the first years of life. It follows the development of the child's relationship to his or her parents from birth until the end of the third year. The psychoanalytic understanding of earlier patterns of experience is expertly presented to the reader. For readers looking for an introduction to the many different psychoanayltical theories about the early years, this book offers a comprehensive guide to the most important directions.Diem-Wille's experience as psychoanalyst, professor of education, and organising tutor of a university course for teachers, and as a mother and grandmother, all enrich her writing and contribute to the breadth of this remarkable book. The author combines consideration of the physical interwoven with the psycho-social development in the first, second and third years of life; she looks at the experience of the relationship at each stage from both the child's and the parent's perspective; and she discusses theory and gives hints to parents and teachers about how to observe the non-verbal communication of babies and children and respond to their needs. It is a book which will be of great value to parents, teachers, paediatricians and all those concerned with furthering the understanding of children.