Unplug and Play: The Ultimate Illustrated Guide to Roughhousing with Your Kids

by Anthony T. DeBenedet M.D., Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.D.

Learn how rough-and-tumble play can nurture relationships, lead to closer connections, encourage resilience, and boost confidence in kids—with 45 illustrated activities to get you started.

Every kid needs horseplay! Roughhousing is an essential part of childhood development—but it is increasingly overshadowed by screens and structured activities. In Unplug and Play, a doctor and a child psychologist, both dads, introduce parents to the benefits of physical play for young children.
 
Drawing from gymnastics, martial arts, ballet, team sports, and even animal behavior, the authors present fun full-contact  activities for parents and children to enjoy together,

With activities for everyone from toddlers to kids ages 12 and up, you’ll build a foundation for a lifetime of enriching physical play.

Previously published as T he Art of Roughhousing , this updated edition incorporates new child development research and addresses the changing role of screen time.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Audiobook

192 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2023

Reviews

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children need a little roughhouse play and gentle wrestling to help them develop emotionally and mentally. Blowing off some steam can help them regulate their emotions and learn to express themselves in healthy ways. Roughhousing and silliness actually lights up parts of the brain that will make children smarter. They learn how to interact with people socially and manage their impulses.

This book is full of silly games and fun things to try with your children. You can play the floor is lava, make a fort out of pillows, or be a monster chasing them through the house. You can build an obstacle course outside, choreograph a pretend fight scene for a movie, or have a water balloon fight!

These games are so imaginative and cute! Some of them involve more physical activities like running and jumping or picking up the child to fly them around the room, but there are plenty of activities that are perfect to do sitting down together if you are not very physically strong. There is something for everyone to try, no matter your age or abilities.

I really like that the games are illustrated, so that you can easily see what to do. The instructions are simple and clear, and I like the art style of the illustrations.

I'm so excited to try some of these games with my nieces! I think they will love it!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone

[Julie Charbonnier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is life changing. I never knew how to play with my child and I didn't understand how roughhousing and physical play was so important for kids. The authors break down the science behind why rough housing and physical play with our children is so important - for kids of all ages. The book outlines clear safety guidelines and power dynamics that occur during play. The book has concrete examples of games you can play with your children and how to hold children during play. For example, if you lift a child, you want to life them by the shoulder (not the wrists). I now play with my child at least half an hour every day, throwing her around, running around, giggling- this builds her confidence and releases stress. It's so much fun! Anyone that is a caregiver needs a copy of this book!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Quirk Books through NetGalley.
The authors invite families to explore play, and not just play, but interactive, fully engaged roughhousing play. Each chapter focuses on an element (Art, Flight, Games, Contact, Imagination, Extreme, Joy) of play that builds family relationships and undergirds the sense of belonging and being supported. This, in turn, encourages risk taking and exploration as well as body control. Ultimately, as the authors state, it is about love in each family setting.
The simple to follow game examples help readers begin their own adventure in play and boosting their children's self concept and GRIT. Wonderful gift for young families.

[Michael Burnam-Fink · Rating 3 out of 5]

The authors make a strong, evidence backed case that roughhousing is important, and the basics of consent and safety within reasonable bounds. I'm not sure that the illustrations or descriptions of what to do help, or what to do about the key problem that my boy's endurance far outmatches mine for rough play. I was hoping for something that'd help wear him out, and leave me standing.

[Khatija · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually brilliant and every parent / caretaker should have this knowledge. I wish it came in video form too so it would be easy to share.