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Parenting through Play

Creative Strategies for Building Better Behavior, Deeper Connection, and Positive Communication
Brief Description
For nearly 25 years, Dr Kim Van Dusen–a licensed family therapist, registered play therapist, creator of The Parentologist blog and mother of two–has provided parents with practical, effective ways to transform their parent-child communication by learning to speak in a way children can understand: the universal... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$5800

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This practical guide shows parents how to build positive, nurturing parent-child relationships through the power of play

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

For nearly 25 years, Dr Kim Van Dusen–a licensed family therapist, registered play therapist, creator of The Parentologist blog and mother of two–has provided parents with practical, effective ways to transform their parent-child communication by learning to speak in a way children can understand: the universal language of play.

In this pioneering guide, Dr Kim shares her solution-focused strategies designed to meet children where they are and elicit positive behaviours. Covering everything from cooperation to healthy boundaries, Dr Kim offers straightforward how-to prompts, step-by-step instructions and creative ideas for engaging games.

Suggestions include making chores fun by hopping on one foot while taking out the rubbish or pretending the floor is lava to get your little one out of the door quickly. With the perfect balance of expert-level parenting advice and personal experiences, Parenting Through Play is a much-needed toolkit of evidence-based resources, and fun, proactive solutions.

A Paperback Original

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781682689738

Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 May 2026

Country: United States

Imprint: Countryman Press Inc.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 273g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Based in Southern California, Dr. Kim Van Dusen, PsyD, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and registered play therapist. In 2015, Dr. Kim founded The Parentologist, a family and lifestyle blog with a therapeutic twist. Her work has been featured by Yahoo!, Very Well Family, L.A. Parent magazine, and more.

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