Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers Aona Books

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.

Dr. Deborah MacNamara
is a clinical counsellor and educator with more than twenty-five years
experience working with children, youth, and adults. She is on faculty
at the Neufeld Institute, operates a counselling practice, and speaks
regularly about child and adolescent development to parents, childcare
providers, educators, and mental health professionals. She continues to
write, do radio and television interviews, and speak to the needs of
children and youth based on developmental science. Deborah resides in
Vancouver, Canada, with her husband and two children.

Praise for Rest, Play, Grow
“Rest, Play, Grow
notes the preeminence of early parent-child attachment in optimal
development, and it passionately affirms the primary value of play to
children’s well-being and creativity.
—Raffi Cavoukian, singer, author

“This book is developmental science translated into practical love.”
—Gabor Maté, MD, co-author of Hold On to Your Kids

“This is a must-read for every parent of a preschooler or younger. Read this and you will truly be your ‘kid’s best bet.’”
—Kristy Pillinger, editor-in-chief of Nurture Parenting Magazine

“Deborah
has translated the beautifully chaotic world of being a preschooler. If
there is only one book you should read as a parent, this is the one.”
—Traci Costa, CEO of Peekaboo Beans

“This
is not a quick-fix script but, instead, presents a road map to better
understand this amazing age in all its glorious imperfections.”
—Keyvan Hadad, MD, pediatrician

“Rest, Play, Grow
is a refreshing reminder of the importance of slowing down and allowing
children to mature at their own pace, unhindered by societal
expectations.”
—Lori Petro, TEACH through Love

“Dr. MacNamara
truly has the gift of writing, always grounding concepts in very
relatable moments from her life and work as a researcher, professor,
counsellor, and, of course, parent.”
—Genevieve Simperingham, Peaceful Parent Institute

“Finally,
a book for parents of young children that weds neuroscience and
attachment research and is consummately useful! Dr. MacNamara shows us
what we have sensed all along: the answers are within us, and we parents
are the relationship experts we have been looking for.”
—Sil Reynolds, co-author of Mothering and Daughtering