This book investigates how parental expectations are unconsciously transmitted to infants through non-verbal communication and physical interaction. Bertrand G. Cramer, a child psychiatrist, utilizes clinical observations and developmental theory to argue that recognizing an infant's unique individuality is essential for healthy psychological growth. The text provides a framework for parents to identify their own projections and foster a more authentic connection with their children.

Experts in child psychology recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the subtle dynamics of early parent-child relationships. Readers frequently note the clinical clarity of the prose, which makes complex psychiatric concepts accessible to a general audience.