As for the first edition, the second edition of Child, Adolescent and Family Development is written for all those who entertain an interest in children's and adolescents' lives, and for all those who appreciate the curiosity, strength and resilience of growing children. It is a book about the richness and diversity of children's and adolescents' lives, considered in the context of the family. In turn, the family and its individual members are viewed in the broader historical context of society and culture. This book is also about change. All that it discusses is considered to be in a process of flux and change.

In planning and writing the second edition I have taken note of the feedback I received from tertiary teachers and their students regarding the content of the book. A number of features in the first edition were consistently endorsed by readers including the ‘broad sweep’ of the book as it placed human development in an historical, philosophical and cultural context. Readers also commented favourably upon the Australasian flavour which considered child development in an international context. Finally, appreciation was expressed for the ‘readability’ of the text.

In preparing the second edition a number of anonymous reviewers responded to the proposed content and I am particularly grateful for their opinions. Where possible, I have taken into account their suggestions in this second edition but obviously the final responsibility for the content is mine.