Child Space

Book excerpt: A pioneer in the Feldenkrais movement draws on her extensive experience to offer somatic education practitioners a new perspective on infant development When should my baby be walking? Should I worry if they are not talking yet? What can I do to help my baby in their development? Dr. Chava Shelhav draws on her forty years of experience in the Feldenkrais movement to offer answers using her holistic approach to child development for practitioners, parents, and caregivers. Child Space describes Shelhav’s unique method for assisting babies in achieving specific developmental milestones at the appropriate time, including physical skills, language, social skills, emotional attunement, and cognitive development. A baby’s natural curiosity and innate desire to learn is stimulated through movements, games, and toys. Methods of touch provide the deep stimulation a baby needs to sense parts of their body, creating the awareness required for mastering motor skills, balance, and coordination. Also covering the importance of nutrition in the beginning years of a child’s life, this book presents new perspectives and techniques that will benefit healthcare professionals like pediatricians, family and child therapists, and physical therapists working with infants.