Reclaim Play: Make parenting easier with the independent play that every child needs. Hardcover – September 19, 2023

As a mom of five kids ranging in age from 18 to 4, I can confidently say that "Reclaim Play" by Avital Schreiber-Levy has been a game-changer for our family. This book is an absolute gem, and I couldn't recommend it more highly to parents looking for practical, insightful, and easy-to-implement strategies for raising independent, confident, and happy children.Avital Schreiber-Levy's approach to parenting through independent play is nothing short of revolutionary. In a world filled with distractions and constant stimulation, "Reclaim Play" reminds us of the profound importance of allowing children the space and freedom to explore, learn, and grow on their terms. Schreiber-Levy beautifully weaves personal anecdotes with research-backed insights to support her ideas, making the book both relatable and trustworthy.What I love most about this book is its accessibility. Schreiber-Levy breaks down her advice into clear, actionable steps that parents of all backgrounds and circumstances can follow. Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro like myself, you'll find valuable nuggets of wisdom throughout the book.One of the most significant takeaways from "Reclaim Play" is the idea that independent play is not just about giving parents a break (although that's certainly a perk!). It's about fostering essential life skills like creativity, problem-solving, and self-reliance in our children. Schreiber-Levy provides a multitude of tips, games, and activities to help parents encourage independent play, making it fun and engaging for kids of all ages.As someone with a wide age range of children, I appreciate how this book caters to parents with kids at various stages of development. Schreiber-Levy offers age-specific advice and even addresses the unique challenges and opportunities that come with having multiple children of different ages."Reclaim Play" is a book that celebrates the joys of parenting while also acknowledging the challenges. It reassures parents that it's okay to take a step back and let our children explore the world around them independently. It emphasizes the importance of balance in our children's lives, promoting not only academic success but also emotional and social growth.In conclusion, "Reclaim Play" is a must-read for parents seeking a more relaxed and effective approach to raising confident and self-sufficient children. Avital Schreiber-Levy's writing is engaging, her advice is practical, and her passion for helping parents shines through every page. I am immensely grateful for the wisdom I've gained from this book and am excited to implement its ideas in my own parenting journey. Five stars, without a doubt!

Wonderful book, fun and easy to read, you can flip around various sections of the book with ease, and there is quite a bit of humor thrown in. Empowering and strengthening for families, fighting against excessive consumerism. You learn how to make zones around your house so that your kids live in a play wonderland, while also being connected. I love how there are many ideas in the book inspired by architectural principles, Maria Montessori and Kim John Payne. Honestly, thank you Avital, authors like you help make the world a better place by strengthening and empowering families.I recently threw a different book away (which I have never done before) because it was a parenting book that made me feel pathetic and like the best move is to basically outsource as much responsibility as possible to avoid total burnout, don't have any more kids, go back to work if possible to get out of the house... Books like yours actually help pick me up when I get in a slump. Thank you for all your practical encouraging advice and tools that help parents really step into our roles and feel proud and valuable and empowered!

This is an epic book for anyone with kids. Reclaim Play deals head-on with all the toughest questions and situations, goes through the science and research in an approachable and readable way, and leads to 'Action Steps at the end of each chapter.I'm an experienced parent (father), and an avid reader of parenting books. Not all the concepts are new, but they've all been restated and made accessible here. Some concepts are introduced to me here for the first time and I've learnt a lot about such things as Sensory Play, Messy Zones, Modelling Perseverance. Also, the author has lots of fun material, including very specific activities and situations - such as wrestling matches and the value of having a hook installed in your living room (!) ceiling to attach a swing. Mind blowing, I know.The author is very open and transparent about her own experiences - from having spirited children to herself being an angry child - which is refreshing. The writing is crisp, the language is clear. The illustrations are amazing: a picture is worth a thousand words, and this book is filled with simple but effective illustrations and charts.This book is easily the best investment I've made in a long time. No brainer.