This is a passionate manifesto for a whole-body approach to learning, which integrates the brain, senses, movement, and play. This practical, inspiring book will enable parents and educators to help children attain their full potential. Fully revised second edition with substantial new material and comprehensive index.

Fully updated second edition of What Babies and Children Really Need. Presents convincing research to show how a baby's relationship with its mother has a lasting, deep impact. Recent social changes - such as delayed motherhood, limited uptake of breastfeeding and early return to work - are interfering with the key developmental milestones essential for wellbeing in later life. Sally Goddard Blythe says, 'We need a society that gives children their parents, and most of all, gives babies their mothers back.'

Based on whole body approaches to learning perfected by Sally Goddard Blythe and with songs by Michael Lazarev, this book gives us an essential overview of child growth from age three to seven years. It explains why movement and music are essential for healthy brain development and learning, and includes tried and tested exercises for helping children become school ready. Sally describes the neonatal reflexes and how children learn with their bodies, and explains the dangers of speeding up childhood. Two CDs of Michael Lazarev's 10 songs and exercises provide creative and enjoyable music and movement activities to help develop coordination and language skills, while the action-stories and nursery rhymes will encourage children to move, listen, and learn. This invaluable resource is suitable for parents, teachers, early-years educators, health visitors, paediatricians, special needs teachers and educational psychologists.