Every child needs to play. Whether it is roughhousing or horseplay. Children do not need to sit and play video game games, or look at their iPad, and look at a computer 24/7. This books explains how to play games. This is for toddlers to teenagers. This has lots of physical play.

This book is a must have. Apart from all of the research and benefits of roughhousing this book contains, it also gives you several different types of games to play with your children! I was blown away by the facts and my 3.5 year old has LOVED the games. Highly recommend this book. There are so many benefits to this type of play with your children.

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.

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!

This is a great book. "Unplug and Play" encourages parents who already rough-house with their children to continue and try some new games, and is a great resource for any parent to learn more about why wild play is important. The book includes research for why play is important and what benefits it offers. Highly recommended for parents and grandparents. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.