Separation: an end or a beginning?

Abstract

This paper is an account of a two-year Infant Observation and focuses especially on the theme of separation: separating from the womb, breast, mother, babysitter and finally from the observer. Each experience meant some sort of ending and moving on which had an impact not only on the infant, but the mother, babysitter and the observer.

Keywords:

• separation
• absent object
• ending
• infant observation
• weaning

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to my seminar leaders Gianna Williams and Ricky Emanuel for their continuous support, valuable feedback, willingness and enthusiasm in sharing their knowledge. I am grateful to them for making this enriching and stimulating learning experience possible.