Rest, Play, Grow

Making Sense of Preschoolers (Or Anyone Who Acts Like One)

By: Dr. Deborah MacNamara

Narrated by: Dr. Deborah MacNamara

Based on the work of one of the world’s foremost child development experts, Rest, Play, Grow offers a road map to making sense of young children, and is what every toddler, preschooler, and kindergartner wishes we understood about them.

Foreword by Gordon Neufeld, PhD

Baffling and beloved, with the capacity to go from joy to frustration in seconds, young children are some of the most misunderstood people on the planet. Parents and caregivers struggle with these little ones, who are known for their extreme behaviour, from tantrums, resistance, and aggression to separation anxiety, bedtime protests, and not listening. The key to understanding youngsters lies in realizing that their challenging behaviour is not personal, nor is it a disorder or deficit.

Based on science and the relational developmental approach of renowned psychologist and bestselling author Gordon Neufeld, Rest, Play, Grow reveals how critical it is for adults to create the relational conditions to grow young children through a unique period in their lives. This is the story of how young children develop, from their intense need for attachment and the vital importance of play to discipline that preserves growth. Engagingly written, with compassion for its subjects and rich with stories from them and their parents, Rest, Play, Grow will forever change the way you think of the preschoolers in your life.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2016 Deborah MacNamara (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

The best book on parenting I’ve encountered.

This book helped me understand and articulate challenges that had previously confounded me, and it truly warmed my heart.

best parenting book yet

books like these will obviously hit different for different people, but this absolutely was THE book I needed. In almost every chapter I was able to not only learn about my child, but also ways in which my own upbringing shaped me as an adult ( and the struggles along the way). Highly recommended to everyone!

Excelente!

Disfruté mucho el libro, ha sido muy útil para mí como madre y neuropsicologa. altamente recomendado por su belleza y respeto al desarrollo humano.

Very interesting and helpful

I learned a lot. Interesting how to validate the child’s feelings and how not to harm the child’s growth.

So many great AHA! moments.

This book really helped me as a dad on how to connect with my son on such a deeper level. I no longer have to rule coercion but with thought driven love and temperament as the leader. would recommend this to any new dad, mom, teacher, or any profession dealing with younger kids!!

A wonderful resource

Really helps me understand my child's reactive Behavior. I'm looking forward to re-establishing connection with him.

Beautiful ❤️

What a truly beautiful book about the tending of the little hearts entrusted to our care ❤️❤️❤️

Security attachment is the best bet

Every parent (and caregiver) must read this, especially if the parent has highly sensitive child.

If only I had understood sooner…

…Is exactly the feeling of guilt that Dr MacNamara address in the final moments of this book. In just the few weeks of slowly listening to this book, my 5yo child and I have found a wonderfully strengthened relationship. The fighting over transition times is all but gone as I collect him before activity and the snuggling is a reward I didn’t even realize I was missing. Frustrated parent: this is the book for you. Happy parent: get happier! Don’t expect to blaze through this, it’s chunks at a time like any guide book and took me weeks to finish.

Love and feel loved

Our children just want to feel our unconditional love even when we are telling them what they don’t want to hear