Making it Up: A Revolutionary Way of Bonding with Kids with Christopher Maninno

In this episode, host Christopher Robbins interviews Christopher Mannino about his new book "Making It Up: A Revolutionary Way to Bond with Kids Through Play." Mannino shares how parents, teachers, and caregivers can strengthen their relationships with children through just 10 minutes of daily imaginative play using improv techniques. The conversation explores the two pillars of Mannino's method: improvisation skills for engaging with children and "anchor" techniques from method acting to help adults stay calm and present. Through practical examples and personal stories, Mannino demonstrates how this approach not only deepens bonds with children but also helps adults manage stress and create lasting memories.

Key Takeaways

Just 10 minutes of daily imaginative play using improv techniques can significantly strengthen bonds between adults and children while building emotional resilience
The "yes, and" principle from improv—accepting children's ideas and building on them—transforms ordinary moments into meaningful play experiences.
The "anchor" technique from method acting helps adults manage stress and stay emotionally present by tapping into positive recent memories
Pivoting or offering new ideas helps children get unstuck when they resist activities, transforming resistance into engagement.
Setting boundaries is acceptable—you don't have to play every time a child asks, but dedicating consistent quality time makes a lasting impact.
Imaginative play creates core memories that children carry with them for years, strengthening long-term relationships.