In recent years, childhood studies has become an increasingly popular programme at colleges and universities. This broad-ranging guide has been designed for use on such courses and introduces students to the key issues in the study of childhood, from infancy through to adulthood. The text approaches childhood studies from an interdisciplinary and multi-professional perspective, presenting the basics of psychology, social welfare, education, health, law, culture, rights, politics and economics as they relate to children. For each discipline, the role of relevant professionals, such as social workers, nursery teachers, paediatric nurses and child lawyers, is also considered. The contributors have both practical and academic backgrounds in a range of specialist areas.To support student learning, each chapter includes an independent learning activity, case studies and an annotated bibliography, and there is a glossary of technical terms at the back of the book.