Product Review & Giveaway: The Art of Roughhousing
Posted in Competition/Giveaway, Product Reviews
I don’t normally “do” parenting books. In fact, the last one I had, I took one look at, and sold it at the next car boot sale I went to. I don’t like the ones I’ve glanced through. I don’t like how neurotic some of them make us parents.
Which is why, when I got asked to review an upcoming book by Anthony Benedet and Lawrence Cohen, entitled “The Art of Roughhousing”, I thought, “Why not…” – it centres around how rough and tumble play can be fun and enjoyable for your children whilst maintaining their safety.
Awesome. Sounds good. No need for that bubble wrap or cotton wool then…
I’m an advocate for fun. I don’t want to limit what my child can or cannot do because of the “risks” (within reason of course). If they fall over, if they hurt themselves; they will learn. We managed OK, didn’t we? Christ, I used to climb to the top of trees and launch myself off of slides head first when I was a kid, and I’m OK (well, this could be argued, but my mentality isn’t down to rough and tumble play).
Of course, parents should be a little protective. But in my opinion, you need to let your children run free. Let them have fun. Let them explore. If they want to dig their hands in mud, let them. It’ll wash off. If they want to climb up a slide without you, let them. Just watch them. Be there if they fall or if they get scared.
Nowadays, kids are retreating to a virtual world. They are computer-game obsessed and live on their XBox and Nintendo DS. I don’t have a problem with these machines, but what happened to the big outdoors? What happened to playing football in the garden with your dad? Or splashing in a paddling pool with buckets and sieves? Balance. It’s all it needs.
That’s what this book is about. It offers both kids and their parents, ways in which to enjoy good old fahsioned playing, whilst keeping the balance of safety and fun. It’s written by two practicing doctors, one of which, Lawrence Cohen, wrote ‘Playful Parenting’ in 2002. They specialise in children and play therapy. It shows how rough and tumble play can help children, by increasing their child-parent bonding as well as helping behaviour problems, improving confidence and increasing their exercise – all in all, making them a healthier person. The book provides dozens of examples of stuff you can do with your child to increase the fun element in playing with you, their parent.
I thought this book was fab. Definitely one I won’t be selling at the next car boot sale. Loads of ideas for activities you can do with your child.
In fact, I have one to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment in the box below, with some way of contacting you if you win. Simple. Not making anyone jump through hoops this time! Competition closes on the 10th May, and I will randomly draw a winner the following day. Good luck!
The Art of Roughhousing is released later this month/early next month, but I have the giveaway copy in hand for the winner. It’s RRP is £9.99 from leading stockists.
I was given two copies of the book for the purpose of this review – one for me, one for the giveaway. My opinions remain honest, as always.
On this splended article there has been 17 comments...
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Hannah (Tuesday 3rd May 2011 @ 05:05 pm) (Reply to this)
I know what you mean. I get some odd looks when I let Freyja (also 2) climb the slide and things at the park, but she has to have fun, and she’s not going to get that with me hanging off of her. I’m just there to help if she needs me.
It’s a good read – lots of lovely ideas.
Good luck x
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TheBoyandMe (Tuesday 3rd May 2011 @ 05:05 pm) (Reply to this)
I’m constantly telling my husband to step back a bit and let him try! At this age they are pretty fearless and need to be allowed to develop their own instincts not be afraid of things becaus of mummy or dadd’s neurosis.
I’d love to get my mitts on one of these please.
@TheBoyandMe
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Hannah (Tuesday 3rd May 2011 @ 05:05 pm) (Reply to this)
It’s supposedly ideal for dads, probably because of the stigma attached to dads being the boisterous ones :)
Although us mums can give them a run for their money sometimes!
Good luck x
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Simply Hayley (Tuesday 3rd May 2011 @ 08:05 pm) (Reply to this)
Heard about this, would love to have a nosey at it! @Simply_hayley
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Stacey (Tuesday 3rd May 2011 @ 10:05 pm) (Reply to this)
This book sounds really interesting for someone like me as I do tend to hover just a bit! I try to let them do their own thing, but get a bit nervy about it!! @svmitche
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Larry Cohen (Wednesday 4th May 2011 @ 01:05 am) (Reply to this)
So glad you liked the book! We’re thrilled to hear about the need for more roughhousing over on the UK side of the Atlantic.–Larry Cohen (co-author of the Art of Roughhousing)
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Hannah (Thursday 5th May 2011 @ 08:05 am) (Reply to this)
Thanks for the comment!
Great book which highlights the need for a bit of fun without running for the bubble wrap!
Thanks :)
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Susan Mann (Thursday 5th May 2011 @ 09:05 am) (Reply to this)
This books sounds fantastic. Being a mother of two boys who didn’t have a great childhood herself I tend to be a little overprotective. I need to find a balance, this sounds like it would be a step in the right direction for me. @susankmann x
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Inside the Wendy House (Thursday 5th May 2011 @ 08:05 pm) (Reply to this)
Please enter me Hannah…sounds like fun! Fred is such a rough and tumble boy! @wendymcd83
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Hannah (Thursday 5th May 2011 @ 08:05 pm) (Reply to this)
Freyja’s the same! Loves anything rough and tumble!
Good luck lovely x
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Kerry (Saturday 7th May 2011 @ 02:05 pm) (Reply to this)
This book looks fab and just the sort of thing we would love in our house. Baba is a real rough and tumble child @scrapbookerry
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Louise Strachan (Tuesday 10th May 2011 @ 03:05 pm) (Reply to this)
Looks like a great idea for a book – please put me in the hat! (so to speak!) @Bobbity666
I would love to read this book. My son was born 13 weeks prematurely, and I am starting to realise he needs to be exposed to a certain level of risk, and to really live his life, not be wrapped up in cotton wool forever.
I’ve seen parents gasp when I’ve let him climb the biggest slide in the playground (he’s two) but he’s confident, I know he can do it, and i think its great for his development!
I’d be really interested to read this book and get some more ideas about “roughhousing”
My email is ccodge@aol.com