Playful Parenting - anyone read it?

[KTNoo]

And what did you think?

I loved the book in principle, but am having trouble being endlessly creative in dealing with all the day to day challenges my 3 lovely but "strong-minded" (polite version) dcs present me with.

It seems to take so much energy.

For anyone who hasn't heard of it, it's based on the idea that you can get kids to do what you want by being more playful and not just directing them or arguing with them.

The approach works well with my ds who is off the planet most of the time and loves the crazy scenarios you can create, whereas dd is more serious (like me!) and gets frustrated when I start being "silly" - she seems to prefer a good old conventional argument.

Interested to hear your views.

no one read it then?

I have it in my wardrobe to read so can't comment yetm, but am intrested to hear what others thought of it

Not read it but I will!

I think we might even do this kind of thing already, we like to make most things 'fun' but would like to read it.

Yes. Much as with you, I thought it was interesting, particularly the case studies. But it's more "another thing to have at the back of my mind" rather than something that has radically transformed my parenting. If we had a big issue of some kind I might well reread and see what he suggests, though.

It does work, if you have the time/energy.

Last night dd2(3) didn't want to get ready for bed. We got her Dora doll and pretended that Dora was only 2 so she couldn't do it and dd needed to show her. I had to tell Dora what dd was doing and how she would be able to do it when she was 3 and a big girl. It worked, but took much longer than "conventional" methods, and we wouldn't have time for this kind of thing if it wasn't holidays and I needed them in bed prompt.

It works, oh yes it works but my goodness it takes a lot of energy on your part. My very demanding ds (5) responds very well to the techniques but it is not easy at all. Or I don't find it so.

I wonder if I'm not naturally creative and that's why I find it so tiring. My default setting is definitely "Just put your pyjamas on now!" and I have to make a big effort to do the playful thing.

I think that's it - some days I just can't be bothered with the mental energy involved in trying to think up playful strategies for everything. I just get to the point where I want them to just DO something without a load of fuss and effort on my part.

I guess its like most of these books, you pick and choose bits that work for your family (all of you, you included). One tactic I do still use with my ds that I learned from that book is when he starts to get out of control is to offer him 'play wrestling' which calms him down better than anything else.

I have it. I really liked it, and especially I liked the chapter about using play to challenge gender roles of Barbies/Action Men etc. I should use it more. At the moment my default setting is Do. It. Now.!