Encountering the Self: Transformation & Destiny in the Ninth Year

by Hermann Koepke, Jesse Darrell

It is between the ages of nine and ten that children begin to experience themselves as "I" for the first time―as separate individuals, different from their parents and peers and essentially alone. This inner experience is sometimes precipitated by the child's first encounter with death and the first notion that earthly life is fragile and temporary. In this insightful book, Koepke offers the reader a lucid, accessible description of the outer signs and symptoms of this significant turning point in every child's life.

Genres: Self Help

136 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1989

Reviews

[Stella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written in a very dull way. Maybe it’s because I don’t have a 9 year old so I have less interest in this topic, but I feel like this could’ve been more engaging.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Waldorf/Anthroposophical, I would only suggest it for those already well-founded in Steiner's theories on human development. It provided an interesting view of the 9-10 year old child and some of the struggles and growth going on during that year. To me, the main point seems to be that 9 and 10 year olds need encouragement, firm boundries, and lots of purposeful physical work/play. I have to say, that my own 10 year old has found a great outlet this summer hammering and hauling and sawing wood for his "fort"!