The Playful Parenting Approach to Childhood Anxieties and Fears

The Opposite of Worry: The Playful Parenting Approach to Childhood Anxieties and Fears offers a refreshing, compassionate take on helping children navigate their fears. The book is particularly valuable because it applies to a wide range of anxieties, from separation fears to social worries to bedtime struggles.

Instead of conventional reassurance or avoidance tactics, author Lawrence Cohen champions a playful, connection-based approach that allows kids to face anxieties in a safe and supported way. His methods encourage parents to lean into humour, physical play, and emotional validation, making anxiety management feel less like a battle and more like a shared adventure.

Cohen delves into the science of anxiety, explaining how a child’s brain reacts to stress and how parents can help regulate their emotions. He presents research-backed strategies, but in a conversational, easy-to-digest way that never feels overwhelming. He also reassures parents that they don’t need to be perfect—all they need is to be present, patient, and willing to engage in playful parenting.

The author argues that children overcome fear best when they feel secure in their relationships, and he provides practical ways to reinforce that trust. Whether through role-playing games, storytelling, or physical play like roughhousing, he shows how parents can help kids process fear in a way that feels natural and empowering. By transforming anxious situations into moments of connection, Cohen gives parents a fresh perspective on what anxiety really is—a signal for more support, not a problem to be “fixed”.

Last Updated on 11 February 2025

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