

We all know we are supposed to turn off the TV and spend more time together. This is not simply a book filled with family activities, but rather an exploration of play for all ages. This is where Cohen's years of practice come in handy-it may be true that we all play, but not everyone immediately grasps the underlying messages. One chapter focuses on how to cope with play you don't find enjoyable, and how learning to appreciate these games can lead to surprising emotional insights. Cohen suggests that "the fun play opens the emotional door to let out the giggles, and a flood of other feelings come pouring out after." Some specific ideas for games are included, and you'll find recommendations for everything from play wrestling to gentle storytelling. One short section discusses the common phenomenon of happy giggling turning instantly to tears. From his daughter and a new male friend discussing how "cool" nuclear weapons are and how "gross" a love song is, to a younger child zooming full-speed around a park at a birthday party, we're shown the exuberant truth behind playing: not only is it just plain fun, it can spark a variety of important sensations. The author examines, with plenty of hilarious personal anecdotes, the details of play at every age and across genders.


In its most basic form, play is a way to communicate. Play is inherently educational for children, he claims, and parents can learn plenty by examining the games kids play-from peekaboo to practical jokes.Ĭohen is quick to point out that no matter what your child's temperament, she has a playful side. Tag, you're it! In Playful Parenting, Lawrence Cohen demonstrates that parents need to lighten up and spend a few hours giggling with their kids. "synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title. Written with love and humor, brimming with good advice and revealing anecdotes, and grounded in the latest research, this book will make you laugh even as it makes you wise in the ways of being an effective, enthusiastic parent.

That’s why “playful parenting” is so important and so successful in building strong, close bonds between parents and children. Cohen points out, play is children’s way of exploring the world, communicating deep feelings, getting close to those they care about, working through stressful situations, and simply blowing off steam. Have you ever stepped back to watch what really goes on when your children play? As psychologist Lawrence J.
