and tenderness towards his little limbs he learns the values of his own …’ Such experiences teach a basic trust: that difficulties can be managed; that slip-ups are only that and can be put right, that we are naturally entitled to be treated warmly and considerately, without having to do anything to earn this and without having to make special pleas or demands. ‘It is as if maternal care were as necessary for the proper development of personality as vitamin D for the proper development of bones.’ The ideal parent is there when the child needs it. They are good at actually listening to what the
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