Development of a healthy adult personality depends upon the healthy growth of emotions which results from the fulfillment of certain needs. Emotions are learned and are continuously developed. Fear of emotional confrontation and lack of ability to express feelings result in conflict. Love is the first felt emotion. The need for individual affection is paramount in children. It is the base upon which security, a second need, is built. Security implies acceptance of self by others. Another childhood and adolescent need is self-respect generated by receiving respect from others. The child needs to experience achievement, to explore his environment, and to practice skills. His achievement will result in self-esteem, pride, and ambition. His true accomplishments require recognition. He needs gradual granting of independence, coupled with understanding authority. Errors of child-rearing practices in the historical development of the family in America point to the necessity of reorientation, the focal point of which may be managing emotions. (AE)