PARENTING THROUGH PLAY

For nearly 25 years, Dr. Kim Van Dusen?a licensed family therapist, registered play therapist, creator of The Parentologist blog, and mom of two?has provided parents with practical, effective ways to transform their parent-child communication by learning to
speak in a way kids can understand: the universal language of play. In this pioneering guide, Dr. Kim shares her solution-focused strategies designed to meet kids where they are and elicit positive behaviors.

This practical guide shows parents how to build positive, nurturing parent-child relationships through the power of play. For nearly 25 years, Dr. Kim van Dusen has provided parents with innovative, practical, and effective ways to transform their parent-child communication by learning to speak in a way their kids can understand: the universal language of play. In this pioneering guide, Dr. Kim shares her unique methods and solution-focused strategies designed to elicit positive behaviors rather than punish negative or undesirable ones by meeting kids where they are. Not only does play fulfill children socially and creatively, but it teaches them how to model behavior, from building language skills and relieving stress to understanding how to take turns, share, and fol- low directions. With the perfect balance of professional, expert-level parenting advice and heartfelt, personal experiences, Parenting through Play is a much-needed toolkit of evidence-based resources and fun, proactive solutions for every parent and child to thrive.

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.