The book draws from Foucault's notion of power-knowledge-resistance and feminist poststructuralism to offer a re-theorization of parent-child conflict.

"The Trouble with Play" is a radical departure from some of the ideas about play that are held dear by many in early childhood education. For many, play is considered essential to children's development and learning, and is often promoted as a universal and almost magical 'fix'. Although play does have many proven benefits for children, the authors show that play in the early years is not always innocent, fun and natural. Play can also be political and involve morals, ethics, values and power.

So, what if... Play is not fair Play is not equitable Play is not innocent Play is not fun Play...