Eunhae Han’s Reviews > Playful Parenting: An Exciting New Approach to Raising Children That Will Help You Nurture Close Connections, Solve Behavior Problems, and Encourage Confidence > Status Update
Eunhae Han
is starting
children don’t often come out and verbally say things like “I feel disconnected” or “I’m overwhelmed.” Instead, they communicate these feelings through behavior—clinginess, defiance, whining—or through inviting adults into imaginative, silly, or physical play.
Play becomes a form of language, and parents who learn to “listen” through playful engagement can better understand what a child is really expressing.
— Dec 09, 2025 07:19PM
Play becomes a form of language, and parents who learn to “listen” through playful engagement can better understand what a child is really expressing.
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Eunhae’s Previous Updates
Eunhae Han
is on page 200 of 320
The central message is repeated:
Connection comes before correction.
— Dec 09, 2025 07:34PM
Connection comes before correction.
Eunhae Han
is on page 112 of 320
Cohen begins by explaining why anger is so intense for kids:
They have little control over their lives.
They lack the language to express complex emotions.
They feel powerless much of the time.
Their nervous systems are still developing
— Dec 09, 2025 07:29PM
They have little control over their lives.
They lack the language to express complex emotions.
They feel powerless much of the time.
Their nervous systems are still developing
Eunhae Han
is on page 112 of 320
Behavior Is a Signal, Not a Moral Failure
Cohen emphasizes that “misbehavior” is usually a signal that the child:
needs connection
feels overwhelmed
is stuck emotionally
doesn’t yet have the skill to handle the situation
is seeking closeness
is trying to express a feeling through behavior
Children do well when they can, not when they are made to.
— Dec 09, 2025 07:27PM
Cohen emphasizes that “misbehavior” is usually a signal that the child:
needs connection
feels overwhelmed
is stuck emotionally
doesn’t yet have the skill to handle the situation
is seeking closeness
is trying to express a feeling through behavior
Children do well when they can, not when they are made to.
Eunhae Han
is on page 59 of 320
Cohen emphasizes that playfulness is a tool for building connection, but boundaries still matter.
Example:
If a child refuses bedtime, silliness can help them relax into bedtime—but silliness should not be used to avoid setting bedtime at all.
Playfulness supports structure; it doesn’t replace it.
— Dec 09, 2025 07:25PM
Example:
If a child refuses bedtime, silliness can help them relax into bedtime—but silliness should not be used to avoid setting bedtime at all.
Playfulness supports structure; it doesn’t replace it.
Eunhae Han
is on page 59 of 320
When a child is grumpy, the parent might say, “Oh no…did your giggles fall out? Let me check your pockets!”
This form of humor works because it shifts the emotional dynamic, taking the child out of defensiveness.
— Dec 09, 2025 07:25PM
This form of humor works because it shifts the emotional dynamic, taking the child out of defensiveness.
Eunhae Han
is on page 59 of 320
Cohen warns that silliness should never be:
mocking,
overstimulating,
rough in a way the child doesn’t like,
intrusive,
too loud or chaotic.
Good silliness is gentle and attuned—matching the child’s energy and preferences.
— Dec 09, 2025 07:24PM
mocking,
overstimulating,
rough in a way the child doesn’t like,
intrusive,
too loud or chaotic.
Good silliness is gentle and attuned—matching the child’s energy and preferences.
Eunhae Han
is on page 59 of 320
Cohen explains that playfulness is the key to “unsticking” them.
Examples:
Instead of:
“Put your shoes on now!”
Try:
“Oh no! This shoe is attacking me! Help!”
— Dec 09, 2025 07:24PM
Examples:
Instead of:
“Put your shoes on now!”
Try:
“Oh no! This shoe is attacking me! Help!”
Eunhae Han
is starting
Cohen emphasizes that when children “act out,” the core issue is usually disconnection—from the parent, from themselves, or from emotional balance.
— Dec 09, 2025 07:20PM
