“A welcome reminder that
the serious business of
parenthood also can be fun.”
—Seattle Post-IntelligencerHi ave you ever stepped back to watch what really goes on when your children pla
As psychologist Lawrence J. Cohen points out, play is children’s way of exploring t
world, communicating deep feelings, getting close to those they care about, workil
through stressful situations, and simply blowing off steam. That’s why “playful parer
ing” is so important and so successful in building strong, close bonds between paren
and children. Through play we join our kids in their world—and help them to
e Express and understand complex emotions
e Break through shyness, anger, and fear
e Empower themselves and respect diversity
e 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
teenager while hanging out at the mall, Playful Parenting is a complete guide to usii
play to raise confident children. Written with love and humor, brimming with good advi
and revealing anecdotes, and grounded in the latest research, this book will make yi
laugh even as it makes you wise in the ways of being an effective, enthusiastic parer
“READING THIS BOOK, YOU'LL DISCOVER THAT YOU CAN BE CLOSER
OS Ue a
"Il learn what a difference play can make in your relationships and the king
people your children will become. And, most important, you'll have fu“THIS BOOK IS WISE AND WONDERFUL!
Lawrence Cohen illuminates play.... He speaks to our questions and
hesitations as parents, and offers a bounty of ideas and anecdotes that
convey his generous spirit and deep understanding of both parents and
children. He offers simple things to try, and shows what a difference play
can make. . .. A lot of hope for parents springs from these pages.”
—Parricia WIPFLER
Director, Parents Leadership Institute
“Too many conscientious mothers and fathers think parenting is all about
homework, car pools, and town soccer and are not experiencing much joy
with their families. Larry Cohen . . . encourages parents to ‘lose their dig-
nity’ in order ‘to find their child; and then he demonstrates exactly how
that can be done. . . . You will find that you can be closer to your children
and can enjoy them more. When I finished the book I immediately
wanted to go wrestle with my kids—no tickling—and let them win!”
—MIcHAEL THOMPSON, Ph.D.
Coauthor of Raising Cain
“According to Cohen, children of all ages have an ongoing need for con-
nectedness, security, and attachment; playful interaction with parents is
an important way to develop such bonds. . . . The book explores play with
compassion, but is often so funny that parents will find themselves chor-
tling out loud with recognition and anticipation.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Please turn the page to hear what parents have to say
about Playful Parenting. ...