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."