The Way of Play

Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids

By: Tina Payne Bryson, Georgie Wisen-Vincent

Narrated by: Tina Payne Bryson, Georgie Wisen-Vincent

The simple way to help your kids face their fears, handle big emotions, and bolster their social skills—from the New York Times bestselling co-author of The Whole-Brain Child and a renowned play therapist

“A parenting guide as useful as it is scientifically sound, The Way of Play is a gift for anyone who cares about human development and the growth-promoting importance of having fun in life!”—Daniel J. Siegel, MD

Most parents understand that free, unstructured playtime is great for children’s development. What they may not know is that playful interaction with parents is also a powerful way for kids to cultivate healthy emotional development and resilience. Kids often want their parents to play with them, but many parents don’t know how to play or see it only as an (often boring) way to kill time.

Playing with your kids doesn’t have to mean enrolling in countless parent-and-me classes or getting on all fours and making toy car sounds; the little daily moments together can make the most impact. In The Way of Play, world-renowned pediatric therapists and play experts Tina Payne Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent break down seven simple, playful techniques that harness this caregiving magic in only a few minutes each day:

• Leaning in to emotions helps children let go of anxieties, drama, and chaotic behavior.
• Tuning in to the body teaches children to practice the art of surfing sensory waves.
• Storytelling promotes better problem-solving.
• Thinking out loud fosters calmer thinking and stronger communication with parents, siblings, and everyone else.

Full of science-backed research, real-life stories, and charming line illustrations to bring this novel advice to life, The Way of Play will help you nurture your kids and encourage them to become calm listeners, cooperative problem solvers, and respectful communicators. Just as important, it will help your whole family have more fun together and build stronger relationships.


* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF containing tables and selected illustrations from the printed book.

Critic reviews

“A parenting guide as useful as it is scientifically sound, The Way of Play is a gift for anyone who cares about human development and the growth-promoting importance of having fun in life!”—Daniel J. Siegel, MD, New York Times bestselling co-author of The Whole-Brain Child

“This book is a game changer. It shares the secret antidote to your children’s anxiety and temper: understanding what they are saying through their play and being able to respond in that same language. I don’t know a parent who won’t learn something from these precious pages.”—Aliza Pressman, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of The 5 Principles of Parenting

“This is an essential read to understand the vital role of play in building children’s brains, hearts, and emotional intelligence. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone who works or lives with children, and I’m adding it to my bookshelf of favorites!”—Jessica Lahey, New York Times bestselling author of The Gift of Failure

“The Way of Play puts play right where it belongs—at the heart of the parent-child relationship. I love how every play strategy the authors share begins with tuning in to children, with curiosity and wonder. As they explain, it’s not about ‘the right game to play’ but about our connection.”—Lawrence J. Cohen, PhD, author of Playful Parenting

“Ahh, play. We know it’s key to your child’s cognitive and social development. But the questions of how much is enough, what type of play is best, and why play is important are rarely discussed. Enter The Way of Play, a book co-authored by one of my personal parenting gurus—Tina Payne Bryson—that addresses all these issues and so much more. It shows the many benefits of even a few minutes of play—including some fun for all ages!”—Madeline Levine, PhD, author of The Price of Privilege

“[An] astute parenting manual . . . It’s one of the more fun parenting guides readers are likely to encounter.”—Publishers Weekly

Straightforward and easy to listen

Love this book. I’ve read all of Dr. Bryson’s books. She puts things in such a way that it is almost obvious but also in a way that I hadn’t thought of. Relatable and not too out there.

Wonderful book

This was a very helpful, practical, and hopeful read for all caretakers of children. A great balance of evidence and research based information, practical examples with scripts, and lightheartedness. Highly recommend!