Françoise Dolto

Françoise Dolto (French: [dɔlto]; born Marette 6 November 1908, Paris – 25 August 1988, Paris), was a French pediatrician and psychoanalyst, famous for her research on babies and childhood. Dolto revolutionized the field of psycho-therapeutic work with babies (notably in their early experience and usage of language through their body), with the mother-baby dyad, and with a more positive observation and understanding of the means of communication used by children with learning or social disabilities.

She worked with Jacques Lacan, and said that children have a language before the language (with the body). She has contributed to the question of the unconscious body image, and influenced among others the work of Maud Mannoni.

As a recognized feminist, she also worked on reconciling women with their sexuality; she also analyzed the attitude of children when their parents are separating or divorcing.

Françoise Dolto was the mother of Carlos (1943–2008), a singer; and the sister of Jacques Marette, a minister.

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Secondary literature