I love reading and I love being a parent, so why wouldn't I want to read a parenting book that is going to encourage fun time with my child?

Play is a practical and inspiring book for all parents who want to support their child’s development in a fun and pressure free way. Written by Dr Amanda Gummer, child development expert and play psychologist, it’s packed with activities and insights to help parents support their child through the critical first five years of life.

I read ALOT during my pregnancy with my eldest daughter and when she was little and I was convinced that I was the "perfect parent" until my youngest daughter arrived to remind me that not every child conforms to what a book tells me she should and shouldn't be doing. I found my usually composed exterior flapping and despite assuring everyone that this "experienced mum" knew what she was doing, I struggled to find the right balance of mental, social and physical activities to keep everyone happy. I wished that I had had this book then.

Play looks at those early baby days right through to starting school, which makes it a refreshing change to many books that stop at the toddler years. 

My favourite parts of the book are:

• The ability to make notes at the end of each chapter regarding your baby's progress.
• The easy reference sections makes it easy to pick up when you need guidance with something specific.
• The way you don't need to read the entire book to know "everything" you need to know.
• The book gives you both practical and simple ideas

Despite being eternally broody, we are now past the baby stage *sob* but I know that our baby blogger will be coveting this book when I am finished with it!

Tweet