Go Play: How Parents Can Empower Kids to Build Their Own Worlds

Why the best thing for your kids is also the most fun!

We live in a society that undervalues play. Increasingly, children lead regimented lives that include commuting, school, and extracurriculars, with little time for the play and exploration that allow them to develop emotionally, socially, and believe it or not, academically. Among many other benefits, open-ended play, more than any other activity, has been shown to improve children's confidence, agency, literacy development, social and emotional skills, and problem-solving abilities. Play quite literally changes the structure of the brain and is a key building block for children's social and emotional well-being. And it's fun!

When our children build their own worlds through play, they develop their brains, learn new skills, and increase emotional regulation. Our kids are already primed to play and learn. All we have to do is let them.

For parents who want to build more open-ended play into their children's lives but aren't sure where to start, Go Play is part urgent call and part friendly guide. Coauthored by play advocate and early childhood education expert Gennie Gorback and award-winning children's author Kate Allen Fox--both parents themselves, who facilitate their children's play on a daily basis--this book is packed full of easy and meaningful strategies and ideas. Steeped in research but still accessible, Go Play provides loads of helpful tips and tricks for encouraging kids to play, fueling parents with the knowledge and confidence to create a culture of play at home, in the car, at parks, restaurants, waiting rooms, or anywhere else.

Armed with the knowledge in this book, parents will see how play can unlock many wonderful possibilities--and unexpected joys--for their families. Because there's no such thing as "just play." Play isn't just anything; it is everything.

Gennie Gorback, M.Ed, is an early childhood educator, curriculum and picture book writer, former toy design consultant, and founder of Kindling Education Consulting. She serves on the board of directors for the California Kindergarten Association and has been working as a play advocate for decades. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her college sweetheart, two young daughters, and two cats.

Kate Allen Fox is an award-winning author of inspiring picture books about science and nature. Her works include: Pando, A Living Wonder of Trees, A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse, Winter Solstice Wish, Scratching the Surface: Exploring Earth's Layers, and Summer Solstice Wish. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times and McSweeney's. She lives in California with her husband and two sons.