Meeting the Needs of Children

Creating Trust and Security

Louis E. Raths

"The new publication of Louis E. Raths' seminal book is a cause for celebration. The question that the book addresses, "What can teachers and parents do to contribute significantly to the security and well-being of children?" is more relevant today than ever. Written in readable, narrative style, the book provides understanding about children's perplexing dysfunctional behaviors and offers practical suggestions for empowering children and helping them to gain greater control of themselves and their lives. This book is "must" reading for every parent and teacher."

—Selma Wassermann, Simon Fraser University

Louis E. Raths' firm grounding in progressive education and the work of Dewey (among others) precipitated his career-long interest in reflective thinking, valuing, and the emotional needs of children. The value of this timeless book lies in its intrinsic notions that at the heart of all education is the need for children to be treated with dignity and respect and that meeting the emotional needs of children is a fundamental aspect of the teacher's role. Raths argued that, when these needs remain unmet, problematic behaviors including aggression, social withdrawal, and the manifestation of psychosomatic symptoms may occur.

1998/166 pp./paper $23.95/ISBN: 0-9658339-7-6