Art of Roughhousing

Good Old-Fashioned Horseplay and Why Every Kid Needs It

About the Book

All over the United States, 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. But Drs. Anthony T. DeBenedet and Lawrence Cohen are here to shake things up—literally!

The Art of Roughhousing teaches parents how rough-and-tumble play can nurture close connections, solve behavior problems, boost confidence, and more. Drawing from gymnastics, martial arts, ballet, traditional sports, and even animal behavior, the authors present fifty illustrated activities for children and parents to enjoy together – everything from the “Sumo Deadlift” to the “Rogue Dumbo.”

Arriving just in time for Father’s Day, The Art of Roughhousing is the perfect gift for rowdy dads everywhere.

ANTHONY T. DEBENEDET, M.D., is a physician and an incredibly active father of three children. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. LAWRENCE J. COHEN, PH.D, is a licensed psychologist specializing in children’s play and play therapy. He lives with his family in Brookline, Massachusetts.

About the Author

Anthony T. DeBenedet, M.D.

Anthony T. DeBenedet, M.D. is a practicing physician, behavioral-science enthusiast, and energetic dad. His interviews and writings on play, health, wellness, and behavior have appeared in multiple major media outlets. He is the author of Playful Intelligence: The Power of Living Lightly in a Serious World. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D.

Lawrence Cohen, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, author, and consultant living in Portland, Oregon. He is the author of The Opposite of Worry, a book for parents about childhood anxiety and fears, and Playful Parenting, an award-winning book about nurturing close connections, solving behavior problems, and encouraging children’s confidence. He specializes in children’s play and play therapy.

Product Details

  • Paperback ISBN: 9781594744877
  • e-Book ISBN: 978-1-59474-514-0
  • Dimensions: 5½ x 7½
  • Page Count: 160
  • Release Date: May 17, 2011

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