This is not a how to book but a memoir by a supposedly modern mom who is frustrated by how overscheduled her kids were so she decided to live like the 1950s for a summer. Only she’s really clueless about the era, doesn’t really do it, and mostly fills the book with extremely short chapters that I think are supposed to be funny and relatable. I didn’t relate to her at all and found the book unbearably annoying. As a mom of five, I just didn’t relate at all to her troubles. Maybe it’s because we’re homeschoolers, or that we live in a rural area or that we don’t have all the disposable income for a million classes and activities. Our kids have spent their childhoods playing, inventing, exploring, volunteering, crafting, gaming, foraging, riding bikes, sledding… all that stuff. We didn’t need to dress up like the olden days. We just spend time together but also give them loads of free time and opportunities to go out and do it. Also, I don’t know why she has to go on so much about her husband’s obsession with having a perfect lawn but that is straight out of the 50s and over. Let the kids play on the damn lawn and then replace most of it with gardens, groundcovers, native plants and trees for the kids to climb. Sorry, but this was a DNF for me and I still read way more than I wanted to.

I read a digital copy of this book for review.

Why Can’t We Just Play is an accurate title for this book because Lobley’s parenting approach, especially for the unscheduled summer she is telling us about, is about play.
Lobley’s voice is vibrant, honest and witty, and her account of parenting is bold.
The 1950s way of living was a good addition as well.
Though, please bear in mind that this is more of a memoir (I liked the stylisation of the titles, by the way) than tips or essays about parenting, however with her anecdotes, Lobley subtly gives some advice. I liked her voice a little more than the real-life story here. It was in some parts relatable, and in some parts not for me.

Loved this one! Great and fun read. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.

I expected this book to have more tips and tricks and WHY kids should have more downtime and less structured play, but that wasn't the case at all. I enjoyed the book and loved the stories that were told about her family having a 1950s summer. I wanted to start pulling back from having such a rigid routine packed full of activities and thought this might help, but it really doesn't give that insight except that it doesn't matter whether they're jam packed or do absolutely nothing, typical children aren't going to get that far ahead or fall that far behind. I did love that message. That it truly doesn't matter and to do what works for you.

This was an interesting read. The author has a great sense of humor and I found the stories of her family very relatable. I loved the idea to just let kids be kids and enjoy the moment, and it was a great reminder of how I want to parent and how I want my kids to look back on their childhood. Great quick summer read for moms. I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I honestly feel this book is an amazing Spring / early summer read because it's super inspirational about having an outstanding summer and more if you homeschool or just summer for public schoolers. I laughed out loud so many times reading this book, that I went and got the audiobook so I can listen when I need a refresher or just laughter.

I will definitely have this on a parenting book display as it gives a different POV from the normal of let's do everything, to let's enjoy and slow down.

Being a preschool teacher for five years and now having four kids of my own, play is SO crucial to early childhood and learning. There are so many ways to learn with play. The kids enjoy it, it doesn't cause anxiousness and you can find ways to teach so many concepts in one toy. This book every parent should receive when they leave the hospital. It is such a helpful tool.