'A compelling book' - Observer '...an exceptionally clear and comprehensive synthesis of current research findings made readily comprehensible to both parents and teachers' - Dr M Levy in the Foreword to the French edition Mia Kellmer Pringle was commissioned by the Department of Social Security: To prepare a comprehensive document about the development needs of all children, about the ways in which these needs are normally met, and about the consequences for emotional, intellectual, social and physical growth and development of children when, for some reason or another, these needs are not adequately met Whilst the central themes of this classic text remain as relevant as ever, over forty new references have now been added and many passages have been substantially updated to reflect current thinking and to take account of new research. The Needs of Children, published in seven countries, continues to be a principal work in its field and a landmark in our understanding of childhood.