"The Art of Roughhousing" by Anthony DeBenedet and Lawrence Cohen (Playful Parenting)

[umsami]

Has anybody read it yet?? I just found out about it and am dying to get a copy.  Our library doesn't have it, so before I order it, wanted to find out if any MDC Mamas have read it first.  I know there are a lot of people who loved "Playful Parenting".

Mods--I'm putting it here as from the description of the book the roughhousing goes in line with Cohen's Playful Parenting approach.  It helps with behavior issues, etc.  If you think this belongs in general Parenting, then please move it. :)

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Roughhousing-Anthony-T-DeBenedet/dp/1594744874/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309827246&sr=8-1

"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!"

[umsami]

OK, I went ahead and ordered it.  I'll let everybody know what i think. :)

[umsami]

OK, this is such a fun book.  It's great for my husband who didn't grow up roughhousing too. 

The first part talks about why roughhousing is good for you.

The second bit is like a little manual of different activities to try... some I'd never have thought of. 

There's an intro section with things like Airplane, Alcatraz (you're prisoner in a pile of pillows...escape...and then your kids capture you (or vice versa)), Almost Gotcha (run after your kids and almost catch them..), etc.

A section called flight...with different activities with your kids in the air.

A section called games...including pillow fights, ejection seat (bouncing on the bed until "shot"..and then you jump off the bed), jousting, etc.

A section called contact...wrestling, steamroller (you're rolling on the floor with your kids in your arms), etc.

A section called imagination....big bad monster (you're a monster in the hallway..and every time your kids run past, you trip them up in a playful way), magic carpet ride (carrying a child on a towel held by two adults), etc.

And a final section called extreme roughhousing.

Probably at least 100 or more ideas--all that look great.  Some are for younger kids 3 and up, while others are aimed at older kids (10-12+).  Most will work for all kids--so get ready to enjoy.

[bonamarq]

Thanks! I think I'll give it a try...

[bonamarq]

Okay - just had to post this - I tried one of the games in the book and my dd LOVED it - and then proceeded to want to wrestle again - so I did (it's not my favorite thing but I try to 'fake it 'til I make it') the book also had some ideas about how to add some goals/structure to the wrestling and that helped ME enjoy it more

But anyway - the reason for my post - I don't know if it's been the roughhousing OR the week of theater camp (her outlet for her drama) but I have had the BEST kid ever! SO sweet and loving and appreciative and cooperative and respectful... especially during our night time routine with her showing extra love and appreciation for her mama.

Even tho she's 7 I still lay down with her to sleep MOST nights - she can and does put herself to sleep on her own - but I have also let her know that I like this time together and she will spout off with"yeah, I don't need you to sleep with me, but I like it and if you want to that's okay." (but if I don't she definitely shows disappoitment)  I add this piece to stress the whole connection piece of Cohen's assertion that that is what kids need to 'behave' well...

So MY favorite tools for this are roughhousing and co-sleeping : )

just my.02

[FarmerBeth]

I've got to try this one!  I loved when we moved out to the country because there wasn't much discouragement of playful rough housing and it let the kids be kids.