Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. This book explores why educators may not want to talk about love and covers issues such as whether parents want us to love their children and if love is an appropriate term to use in early childhood. It also addresses the problems relating to the intimacy of love, including child protection and safeguarding concerns. The book addresses the tactile nature of a loving pedagogy and reflects upon the hands-on aspects of early childhood education. It looks at research that discusses the importance of touch in children’s lives and will also consider what constitutes appropriate and/or positive touch in practice. The book discusses loving relationships in terms of working with parents and carers, the children themselves and between children. It considers how relationships, attachment and connections underpin our settings and practice.