What Do Children Dream

When does the fetus start to dream? What are its early dreams? What is the function of infant dreams? What is the impact of nightmares? How do dreams evolve during adolescence? Is the visual aspect dominant in dreams? How do children who are born blind dream? Gerard Bleandonu brings to these questions his experience as a psychotherapist specializing in children suffering from psychological difficulties. Using the case studies of several children he has followed, he explains the content and structuring function of dreams. The children's own drawings often serve to elaborate on their dreams and render them more explicit. The author makes use of recent findings in neuro-physiology which have improved our understanding of dream mechanisms. Today it is no longer possible to adhere to the Freudian thesis which states that dreams serve either to fulfill wishes or to safeguard sleep.