The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids

(Hardback)

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Discover how short, daily, playful interactions with your kids can help them face their fears, handle big emotions, and bolster their social skills--by the New York Times bestselling co-author of The Whole-Brain Child and a renowned play therapist The simple way to help your kids face their fears, handle big emotions, and bolster their social skills-from the New York Times bestselling co-author of The Whole-Brain Child and a renowned play therapist "A parenting guide as useful as it is scientifically sound, The Way of Play is a gift for anyone who cares about human development and the growth-promoting importance of having fun in life!"-Daniel J. Siegel, MD Most parents understand that free, unstructured playtime is great for children's development. What they may not know is that playful interaction with parents is also a powerful way for kids to cultivate healthy emotional development and resilience. Kids often want their parents to play with them, but many parents don't know how to play or see it only as an (often boring) way to kill time. Playing with your kids doesn't have to mean enrolling in countless parent-and-me classes or getting on all fours and making toy car sounds; the little daily moments together can make the most impact. In The Way of Play, world-renowned pediatric therapists and play experts Tina Payne Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent break down seven simple, playful techniques that harness this caregiving magic in only a few minutes each day- . Leaning in to emotions helps children let go of anxieties, drama, and chaotic behavior. . Tuning in to the body teaches children to practice the art of surfing sensory waves. . Storytelling promotes better problem-solving. . Thinking out loud fosters calmer thinking and stronger communication with parents, siblings, and everyone else. Full of science-backed research, real-life stories, and charming line illustrations to bring this novel advice to life, The Way of Play will help you nurture your kids and encourage them to become calm listeners, cooperative problem solvers, and respectful communicators. Just as important, it will help your whole family have more fun together and build stronger relationships.

Reviews

A parenting guide as useful as it is scientifically sound, The Way of Play is a gift for anyone who cares about human development and the growth-promoting importance of having fun in life!Daniel J. Siegel, MD, New York Times bestselling co-author of The Whole-Brain Child

This book is a game changer. It shares the secret antidote to your childrens anxiety and temper: understanding what they are saying through their play and being able to respond in that same language. I dont know a parent who wont learn something from these precious pages.Aliza Pressman, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of The 5 Principles of Parenting

This is an essential read to understand the vital role of play in building childrens brains, hearts, and emotional intelligence. Its an invaluable resource for anyone who works or lives with children, and Im adding it to my bookshelf of favorites!Jessica Lahey, New York Times bestselling author of The Gift of Failure

The Way of Play puts play right where it belongsat the heart of the parent-child relationship. I love how every play strategy the authors share begins with tuning in to children, with curiosity and wonder. As they explain, its not about the right game to play but about our connection.Lawrence J. Cohen, PhD, author of Playful Parenting

Ahh, play. We know its key to your childs cognitive and social development. But the questions of how much is enough, what type of play is best, and why play is important are rarely discussed. Enter The Way of Play, a book co-authored by one of my personal parenting gurusTina Payne Brysonthat addresses all these issues and so much more. It shows the many benefits of even a few minutes of playincluding some fun for all ages!Madeline Levine, PhD, author of The Price of Privilege

Author Bio

Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D., LCSW, is the founder and CEO of The Center for Connection, a multidisciplinary clinical practice in Southern California. She is the co-author (with Dan Siegel) of four books, including the New York Times bestsellers The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline. A graduate of Baylor University and the University of Southern California, Dr. Bryson keynotes conferences and conducts workshops for parents, educators, and clinicians all over the world, and she frequently consults with schools, businesses, and other organizations. Georgie Wisen-Vincent, LMFT, RPT-S, is a nationally recognized play therapy expert and co-founder (with Tina Payne Bryson) and head of faculty for The Play Strong Institute, a continuing education and training organization for professionals and parents. She completed advanced study in play therapy at the University of Roehampton London and is also a child, adolescent, and family psychotherapist in private practice in Los Angeles.