The way of play

Bryson and Wisen-Vincent believe that play is the "secret language" of children. They share valuable wisdom gleaned from decades of clinical experience and research on play from birth to 10 years. Play helps children build skills and process and express emotions. Children who develop skills through play and play out their emotions are less likely to exhibit unwanted behaviors, the authors write. Play is a powerful source of growth for all kids, including neurodivergent children. When adults gain fluency and share in the language of play, they can help children develop neurologically, relationally, and emotionally. The book is divided into chapters devoted to seven play strategies, including "think out loud," "narrate to integrate," and "scaffold and stretch." Adults who may not feel confident using the language of play will find direct help in the form of scripts and step-by-step instructions. Effective graphics depict play scenarios illustrating the strategies in action. Caregivers will feel seen and encouraged in case studies the authors share. The bonus "Refrigerator Tear Sheet" is a fantastic, readily accessible source of help.

"Consistently playing with our kids... creates an environment for their growth into successful, well-adjusted people," according to this astute parenting manual. Explaining that young children learn crucial social and cognitive skills through play, psychotherapists Bryson (The Whole-Brain Child) and Wisen-Vincent outline seven strategies parents can use to maximize its benefits. To help kids become better attuned to their own intentions, thoughts, and feelings, the authors recommend narrating kids' actions to them ("Looks like you're building a jumping ramp for the car"). "Mirroring" children during play introduces them to the idea that, since other people can "tune in" to their mindset, so can they understand the perspectives of others, Bryson and Wisen-Vincent contend, suggesting that if a kid starts, for instance, speaking like a robot, a parent might reply as a robot, too. The guidance is straightforward but solid, and Liddiard's adorable illustrations offer examples of the advice at work. For example, one panel in which a father gently encourages his hesitant young son to wade farther into a pool shows how parents can support kids while pushing them outside their comfort zone. It's one of the more fun parenting guides readers are likely to encounter. Illus. (Jan.)