Playful Parenting

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 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, and cooperate without power struggles. From eliciting a giggle during baby's first game of peekaboo to cracking jokes with a teenager while hanging out, Playful Parenting is a complete guide to using play to raise confidence.