Bunchland

A new style of grappling actually makes your kids smarter, more confident & perceptive

Rough housing, horsing around, acting a fool. Whatever you call it in your house, getting rowdy inside is probably a known bringer of time outs. But in Anthony DeBenedet’s household, rough housing is a play staple. The Ann Arbor-based father of three says that parents should embrace roughhousing and drop the safety concern usually associated with it.

DeBenedet feels so passionately about roughhousing he wrote a book about it, outlining the health benefits and instructing parents how to do it. Written in partnership with Larry Cohen, “The Art of Roughhousing“ has been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washingtonn Post, Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Tribune, and on the TODAY show.  Read more...

What we’re reading today:

1. Natalie Portman and her choreographer fiancé have welcomed a new son into the world; no word on a name just yet. We welcome any and all Portman movie baby references, especially those about babies with high midichlorian counts.

2. Do dads-to-be need a last hurrah before the baby comes? Yeah, that’s what dadchelor parties are for.

3. Last week Michael Aggar wrote about the need for Google Kids. Now he’s done a little research and his initial plan might need some work.

4. Wrestling, pillow fights, chasing one another around, — general roughhousing: It’s a good thing. It helps get in some much needed physical activity, lets parents get in tune with their kids and promotes bonding. Roughhousing releases oxytocin, the same chemical released by breastfeeding moms to their babies.

5. This dog seems so sweet, why don’t these kids want to play fetch with him?  Read more...