The Art of Roughhousing: Good Old-Fashioned Horseplay and Why Every Kid Needs It

(Paperback)

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Description

How to have fun Everywhere you look, physical play-what some might call "roughhousing"-is being marginalized. Gym classes are getting shorter. Recess periods are being eliminated. Some new schools don't even have playgrounds. Is it any wonder children retreat to "virtual horseplay" via video gamesBut Drs. Anthony T. DeBenedet and Lawrence J. Cohen are here to shake things up-literally! With The Art of Roughhousing, they show how rough-and-tumble play can nurture close connections, solve behavior problems, boost confidence, and more.Drawing inspiration from gymnastics, martial arts, ballet, traditional sports, and even animal behavior, the authors present dozens of illustrated activities for children and parents to enjoy together-everything from the "Sumo Dead Lift" to the "Rogue Dumbo." These delightful games are fun, free, and contain many surprising health benefits for parents. So put down those electronic games and get ready to rumble!

Reviews

An inspired defense of roughhousing! I guarantee that if you read just a few pages of this book, you'll be down on the floor wrestling and laughing with your children.Michael Thompson, co-author of the national best seller Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys

Two dads offer the perfect antidote to helicopter parenting.Washington Post

"Enthusiastically recommended." Starred reviewLibrary Journal

Author Bio

Anthony T. DeBenedet, M.D., is a board-certified physician in internal medicine and anincredibly active and adventurous father. An avid athlete, he enjoys basketball, running, hiking,and golf. He lives with his wife and three young daughters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Lawrence J. Cohen, PH.D., is a licensed psychologist specializing in children's playand play therapy. His book Playful Parenting is in its eleventh printing. His writing has alsoappeared in the Boston Globe, professional journals, and a host of national parentingmagazines. He lives with his wife and two teenage children in Brookline, Massachusetts.