I'd love for you to add a "yet" onto the end of that question. All kids can enjoy physical play. AND, sometimes if a child isn't used to playing this way (with you or at all), there will be a warming-up period while they check things out. Will it really be ok if I hit you with a pillow? How about if I jump on you? In the guide I take you through how to start slowly so that everyone can get accustomed to this new way to play.

Many of us grew up in homes where there was precious little play, and often zero physical play. Or maybe roughhousing was even grounds for punishment! So it's understandable that many of us struggle to wrap our minds around how (or even why) to play this way. This guide is designed to help you work with your blocks to playing physically, and to go at a pace that feels good to you. Everyone—including you!—can learn to play this way, and to even enjoy it greatly.

You are not alone if you have this concern! This idea is something we inherited from our culture and environment, often because either physical play feels scary, or because if it's allowed it's often not done thoughtfully. Physical play on its own does not encourage violence if it is done intentionally and with a whole bunch of warmth and silliness built in. I show you how to offer it in this way, and how to respond if difficulties arise, so that your family's physical play generates closeness, connection, and confidence.