Description

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Have you ever stepped back to watch what really goes on when your children play? As psychologist Lawrence J. 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. That’s why “playful parenting” is so important and so successful in building strong, close bonds between parents and children. Through play we join our kids in their world–and help them to

• Express and understand complex emotions
• Break through shyness, anger, and fear
• Empower themselves and respect diversity
• Play their way through sibling rivalry
• Cooperate without power struggles

From eliciting a giggle during baby’s first game of peekaboo to cracking jokes with a teenager while hanging out at the mall, Playful Parenting is a complete guide to using play to raise confident children. 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.

About the Author

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Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph. D., is a clinical psychologist specializing in children's play, play therapy, and parenting. He is the coauthor, with Michael Thompson and Catherine O'Neill Grace, of Best Friends, Worst Enemies, a book about children's friendships and peer relations. He is also a columnist for The Boston Globe. Dr. Cohen leads Playful Parenting workshops for parents, teachers, and child-care professionals. He lives in Brookline, Massachusetts, with his wife, Anne, and their daughter, Emma.

Praise For…

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“A welcome reminder that the serious business of parenthood also can be fun.”—Seattle Post-Intelligencer


“A magical and inspiring read.”–MICHAEL THOMPSON, Ph.D., Coauthor of Best Friends, Worst Enemies


“Reading this book, you’ll discover that you can be closer to your children and can enjoy them more. . . . You’ll learn what a difference play can make in your relationships and the kind of people your children will become. And, most important, you’ll have fun.”—Chicago Parent