Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D.,

the author of PLAYFUL PARENTING, is a licensed psychologist specializing in children's play and play therapy. In

addition to his private therapy practice, he is also a speaker and consultant to public and independent schools, and a teacher of parenting classes and classes for daycare teachers. Dr.

Cohen is also the co-author, with Michael Thompson and Catherine O'Neill Grace, of Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Friendship, Popularity and Social Cruelty in the Lives of Boys and Girls, and Mom, They're Teasing Me: Helping Children Solve Social Problems. His

regular column in Nick Jr. Magazine was the winner of the 2003 Golden Lamp award from Education Press, and he also answers parents' questions online at NickJr.com. ^[1]