The Art of Roughhousing: Good Old-Fashioned Horseplay and Why Every Kid Needs It

Everywhere you look, physical play—what some might call “roughhousing”—is being marginalized. Gym classes are getting shorter. Recess periods are being eliminated. Some new schools don’t even have playgrounds. Is it any wonder children retreat to “virtual horseplay” via video games?

But Drs. Anthony T. DeBenedet and Lawrence J. Cohen are here to shake things up—literally! With The Art of Roughhousing, they show how rough-and-tumble play can nurture close connections, solve behavior problems, boost confidence, and more. Drawing inspiration from gymnastics, martial arts, ballet, traditional sports, and even animal behavior, the authors present dozens of illustrated activities for children and parents to enjoy together—everything from the “Sumo Dead Lift” to the “Rogue Dumbo.” These delightful games are fun, free, and contain many surprising health benefits for parents. So put down those electronic games and get ready to rumble!

All over the United States, physical play--what some might call "roughhousing"--is being marginalized. Gym classes are getting shorter. Recess periods are being eliminated. Some new schools don't even have playgrounds. But Drs. Anthony T. DeBenedet and Lawrence Cohen are here to shake things up--literally!"The Art of Roughhousing" teaches parents how rough-and-tumble play can nurture close connections, solve behavior problems, boost confidence, and more. Drawing from gymnastics, martial arts, ballet, traditional sports, and even animal behavior, the authors present fifty illustrated activities for children and parents to enjoy together - everything from the "Sumo Deadlift" to the "Rogue Dumbo." Arriving just in time for Father's Day, "The Art of Roughhousing" is the perfect gift for rowdy dads everywhere.

Anthony T. DeBenedet, M.D., is a board-certified physician in internal medicine and an incredibly active and adventurous father. An avid athlete, he enjoys basketball, running, hiking, and golf. He lives with his wife and three young daughters in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Lawrence J. Cohen, PH.D., is a licensed psychologist specializing in children’s play and play therapy. His book Playful Parenting is in its eleventh printing. His writing has also appeared in the Boston Globe, professional journals, and a host of national parenting magazines. He lives with his wife and two teenage children in Brookline, Massachusetts.