Early interactions play a crucial role in the development of children's emotional, personal and social skills, and set the precedent for establishing a secure attachment relationship as they mature into adulthood. This book introduces the latest research into ways for professionals to encourage the development of these skills in children's groups. Contributions from early childhood educators, teachers, psychologists, music therapists, occupational therapists, and psychotherapists highlight the crucial role that early relationships and interactions in group settings play in the development of children's personal, emotional and social skills. The book features the latest research and methods for successfully encouraging the development of these skills in groups of children aged 4-12. It explores how play within children's groups can be facilitated in order to foster emotional and empathic capacities, how to overcome common challenges to inclusion in schools and introduces practical, creative approaches to cultivating a sense of unity and team spirit in children's groups. About the Editor: Susan Hart is a psychologist and former director of a municipal family therapy centre. Her experience also includes working in municipal social services and in a children's psychiatric ward. Today, she has an independent practice and works as a consultant with psychologists, visiting nurses, social workers in child and family departments, and personnel in child psychiatric wards, and advisors to foster families. Susan is the author of several books and articles on neuroaffective developmental psychology and frequently gives lectures and courses on the topic. She lives in Denmark. |