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Tables of Contents for Playful Parenting
Chapter/Section Title
Page #
Page Count
Acknowledgments
ix
Preface
xi
The Value of Being a Playful Parent
1
18
Why Children Play
Fostering Closeness Instead of Isolation
Fostering Confidence Instead of powerlessness
Fostering Emotional Recovery Instead of Emotional Distress
Becoming a Playful Parent
Join Children in Their World
19
22
Reentering a World We Once Knew
Providing a Helping Hand
When Children Are Having a Difficult Time Connecting with Peers or Adults
When Children Seem Unable to Play Freely and Spontaneously
When Things Are Changing in Children's Lives
When Children Are in Danger
The Importance of Getting Down on the Floor
Why It's Hard for Adults to Play
I Call It Fathering
A Special Note About Nonparents
Tuning In to Your Child
Establish a Connection
41
18
Connection, Disconnection, and Reconnection
Filling My Cup: Attachment and the Drive to Reconnect
Playing Toward Connection
The End of Blissful Eye Gazing
Finding Connection Everywhere: The Love Gun
Unlocking the Tower of Isolation
Who Is that Holding You? Moving from Casual Connection to Deep Connection
Encourage Their Confidence
59
17
Power and Powerlessness
Experimenting with Power: Playing the Poopyhead Game
Preparing Your Child for the World
Quieting That Critical Voice
Recovering Lost Confidence
Follow the Giggles
76
17
Laughing Together
Unlocking the Tower of Powerlessness
Lighten Up the Scene
Making Up and Playing Dumb
Lose Your Dignity to Find Your Child
From Giggles to Tears: When Good Play Leads to Bad Feelings
Learn to Roughhouse
93
19
Larry's Rules of Wrestling
Getting Started with Playful Wrestling
Aggression
The Benefits of Active Physical Play
Suspend Reality: Reverse the Roles
112
20
Reversing Roles
From Tragedy to Comedy
Storytelling to Heal Fears
Acting and Directing When Necessary
Fantasy Play
Finding an Original Script
Empower Girls and Connect with Boys
132
19
Why I Play Barbie (and Action Figures), Even Though I Hate It
Connecting with Both Boys and Girls
Boys, Girls, and Powerlessness
Boys and Feelings
Boys and Girls, Playing Together
Follow Your Child's Lead
151
19
Just Say Yes
Do Whatever They Want to Do
Be Safe (But Don't Worry Too Much)
Set Aside PlayTime
Take Time to Recover
Letting Children Take the Lead in Play
Take Charge (When Necessary)
170
19
Offer a Gentle Push
Insist on Connection
Challenge
Introduce Important Themes
Make It Fun
Leading the Way
Learn to Love the Games You Hate
189
19
Dependence (``I Can't!'') and Independence (``I'd Rather Do It Myself?'')
Aggression
Sexual Feelings and Expressions
Invite the Behavior You Hate
Accept Strong Feelings (Theirs and Yours)
208
24
Containing Feelings versus Releasing Them
Taking Time Out for Feelings
Adults' Unfelt Feelings
Handling Tantrums and Frustrations
Handling Expressions of Anger
Handling Fear and Anxiety
Handling Children's Tears
Putting the Brakes on Whining
Experiencing the ``Big Cry''
Encouraging Emotional Literary Through Play
Rethink the Way We Discipline
232
21
Cool Off
Make a Connection
Choose a ``Meeting on the Couch'' over a ``Time-out''
Play!
Instill Good Judgment
Look Underneath the Surface, at Children's Feelings and Needs
Prevent Instead of Punish
Know Your Child
Set Clear Limits
An Unexpected Hero
Play Your Way Through Sibling Rivalry
253
22
Playing with More Than One Child
Every Child Has Sibling
Rivalry (Even If They Don't Have Siblings)
Siblings and Refilling the Empty Cup
The Hidden Power of Younger Siblings, and Other Mysteries of Family Dynamics Playful Parenting with Siblings
Recharge Your Own Batteries
275
21
Having Our Own Turn
Getting Our Own Cups Filled
Helping Out Other Parents
When Adults Are Locked in the Towers of Isolation and Powerlessness
Becoming a Great Playmate
Building a Playful Parenting Community
Notes
296
6
Index
302