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 games?
But 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!

About the Author

ANTHONY BENEDET, M.D. is a young, energetic, adventurous dad. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with his wife, Anna, and their two daughters, Ava and Mia.Through his various experiences, Anthony has built a solid knowledge base in both the physical and medical aspects of this type of play. He earned a BSE from Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering and his M.D. from the University of Virginia's School of Medicine, receiving the university's highest senior leadership award. He is currently a board-certified physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan Health System. LAWRENCE COHEN is a licensed psychologist, author, and consultant living in Brookline, Massachusetts.He attended Haverford College and received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Duke University. Larry is the author of Playful Parenting, an award-winning book from Ballantine in its 10th printing about nurturing close connections, solving behavior problems, and encouraging children's confidence. Larry is also coauthor,with Michael Thompson and Catherine O'Neill Grace, of Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Friendship, Popularity and Social Cruelty in the Lives of Boys and Girls,and Mom, They're Teasing Me: Helping Children Solve Social Problems. He specializes in children's play and play therapy

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