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