ABSTRACT
The first birthday of the child is a time of celebration for the family. Many parents feel a sense of relief at having reached this point, happy that their baby, and they, have survived the very anxious, vulnerable time of his infancy. The transition from babyhood to childhood is an exciting time of discovery but also a difficult one, marked by the arousal of powerful emotions, unfulfilled desires and frustrations. The toddler and young child has to face his jealousy of those mother is with, both when she is at home and when she is out of the house. Having constantly to protect the child from being a danger to himself and to other peoples possessions, dealing with his more forceful aggression, makes it easy to overlook the difficult feelings and anxieties the young child is struggling with. The wish to possess one or other of the parents is present in all young children.
