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 with actor and theater teacher Christopher Mannino

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!

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Christopher Mannino (P)2025 Familius, LLC

Small Moments, Big Impact: A Must-Read for Busy Parents

As a working mom constantly racing against the clock, I always felt like "time" was the one thing I lacked to be able to play and bond with my kids. This book has changed that perspective for me. The beauty of this book is in its simplicity; the concepts are so easy to grasp and feel incredibly manageable, even on my busiest days. The idea of dedicated, intense play for just 10 minutes a day using improv methods felt like a goal I could actually achieve rather than another chore on my to-do list.

What makes this book so powerful is how tangible it is. I’ve found myself thinking about "bricks and anchors" throughout my day—it’s a mental framework that has stuck with me and shifted how I view every interaction. It’s a genuine, heart-centered guide that proves you don't need hours of free time to build a powerful bond with your kids; you just need the right tools to make the most of it.