MAKING IT UP: A Revolutionary Way to Bond with Kids Through Play
“Yes, and . . .” Explore how the principles of theatre and improv can help parents engage in imaginative play with their children.
Just ask a certain animated blue dog we all love: Play-centered parenting is what every young child wants and needs, yet it’s hard to manage in today’s busy, hectic world.
How can real-life parents with real responsibilities and stresses drop everything to be silly with their kids? You don’t need to be a trained actor to engage in your child’s imaginative world. It’s easier than it sounds, and far more powerful than you can imagine.
With the techniques found in Making It Up, accompanied by playful illustrations from Cory Reid, you’ll have more energy, more confidence, and a stronger relationship with your kids in just ten minutes a day. And you might just find yourself having fun!
Endorsed by ADHD Malta!
"An energetic book that encourages and models connection-building for parents through fun and imagination, extending the realm of possibility whilst teaching boundaries. It models simple ways to have quality time together in the most natural way, and encourages building positive parent-child relationships. A unique heart-warming book." - Jennifer Briffa Desjardins, President of ADHD Malta
Just ask a certain animated blue dog we all love: Play-centered parenting is what every young child wants and needs, yet it’s hard to manage in today’s busy, hectic world.
How can real-life parents with real responsibilities and stresses drop everything to be silly with their kids? You don’t need to be a trained actor to engage in your child’s imaginative world. It’s easier than it sounds, and far more powerful than you can imagine.
With the techniques found in Making It Up, accompanied by playful illustrations from Cory Reid, you’ll have more energy, more confidence, and a stronger relationship with your kids in just ten minutes a day. And you might just find yourself having fun!
Endorsed by ADHD Malta!
"An energetic book that encourages and models connection-building for parents through fun and imagination, extending the realm of possibility whilst teaching boundaries. It models simple ways to have quality time together in the most natural way, and encourages building positive parent-child relationships. A unique heart-warming book." - Jennifer Briffa Desjardins, President of ADHD Malta
Check these out:
Interview on Authority Magazine
Interview and podcast with Terry Shepherd
Podcast interview on Dad Up
Interview on Authority Magazine
Interview and podcast with Terry Shepherd
Podcast interview on Dad Up
“Christopher's techniques will help you engage in play with your child in a way that builds imagination. Whether your kid dreams of fantastic dragons, silly adventures, or everyday activities, this book will help you find a way to connect and create stories together.” |
Art by Cory Reid
from Making It Up
published by Familius 2026.
All rights reserved.
|
"Christopher is on to something powerful. Some of my daughter's favorite childhood moments happened during unstructured playtime with her parents. Creating massive forts in the living room and pretending to stand up to bullies were highlights for my daughter."
--Tal Eyre author of Dad Mode: 25 Ways to Connect with Your Children
Art by Cory Reid
from Making It Up
published by Familius 2026.
All rights reserved.
The Making it Up Method
Do you want to chase dragons with your kids? Or dodge freeze rays while you're out shopping? MAKING IT UP is unlike any parenting method out there. This approach is radically different, and will change the way you and kids interact. Playtime has never been more fun, and your relationship has never been stronger! By combining elements of theatre with my experience as an educator, I'll show you how to transform the way you interact with kids. In just ten minutes a day, you'll build stronger bonds, have more fun, and learn the secret of MAKING IT UP.
Buy the book NOW:
Do you want to chase dragons with your kids? Or dodge freeze rays while you're out shopping? MAKING IT UP is unlike any parenting method out there. This approach is radically different, and will change the way you and kids interact. Playtime has never been more fun, and your relationship has never been stronger! By combining elements of theatre with my experience as an educator, I'll show you how to transform the way you interact with kids. In just ten minutes a day, you'll build stronger bonds, have more fun, and learn the secret of MAKING IT UP.
Buy the book NOW:
But wait... there's more! You can also learn the technique through my custom video course! Every course purchase comes with a free ebook!
Check out the ONLINE COURSE HERE
I also share a LOT of parenting tips and book recs on my new Tik Tok below.
One key element of Making it Up, is the ANCHOR Technique, which I discussed in a TEDx Talk:
Mannino's Parenting Method has been featured in:
