Managing Rough & Tumble Play Among Children

Hostile behaviour in its playful form can be called rough-and-tumble play. Many children love to play like this. There are benefits of rough play, but it also has an ugly side as your child could start behaving aggressively. Thus, keeping a constant check on your child’s temperament during playtime is important.

Playing makes children more social, aids in motor skills development, boosts creativity and imagination. Rough play is that part of the child’s demeanor that can manifest as mean and aggressive behavior, if keen supervision and prompt intervention at the right time is not done. There is no denying that rough-play is dangerous, but parents should understand that even this bearing is essential for the toddler. It helps him understand the finer differences in the way feelings flow in real life. Only showing the brighter side of life would never help the kid if he doesn’t understand the workings of the darker feelings.

Parents’ Misconception about Rough & Tumble Play in Kids

Some parents fear that their children would become violent if they are allowed to play rough. However, rough play does not induce violent tendencies. In fact, it is proved that it helps the kid develop positive emotions and reinforce genuine social interactions. Rough and tumble play is manifested in various forms like chasing, wrestling, tickling, boxing, hitting and running – but in a fun way without hurting anyone.

Reasons Why Parents Discourage Rough Play in Toddlers

• Parents fear that others might misunderstand your child as mean or violent.
• They are hesitant to let the child have high levels of physical activity which might affect his health.
• An excessive aggressive behaviour at home could be displayed by the child.
• Fear that the child might be recognised as a bully or an aggressor in front of other kids.
• Apprehension of children becoming stubborn
• Parents might be afraid that teachers might not be able to control the kid in the classroom.
• The child can become susceptible to injuries.

Though parents have their own reservations related to rough play, children are quite enthusiastic about it.

Why Do Children Like To Play Rough?

• It is a basic human instinct which is present in all of us. But this comes out in the most uncontrolled manner in toddlers, as they are seldom aware of their strengths.
• People in modern society believe that rough play helps a child to improve his motor skills. But from the children’s point of view, it is just pure fun!
• Rolling around and climbing over one another is a game that children play for fun and enjoyment.

Given the sedentary lifestyle of today’s young generation, it becomes imperative for children to enjoy a little during these physical activities. The only thing that parents need to be concerned about is that the games should not convert into something dangerous or violent. If the kid wants to intentionally inflict pain to others, then it’s time to make him understand the rules of the game.

Benefits of Rough & Tumble Play in Kids

1. Enhanced motor skills

Toddlers start regulating their motor movements in a better way. Their body starts becoming more flexible and their reflexes improve.

2. Socially competent

Toddlers start building a sense of competition. They start understanding their limits, abilities and strength. It also helps them in devising ways by which they could prove their capabilities.

3. Relationships with peers

Playing rough makes a child have positive relationship with his peers. This happens mainly because they understand the meaning of healthy and playful fighting. They also learn how to improve their social signals by encoding and decoding interactions.

4. Develop a spirit to take on life

These kids are more daring. They are not like other toddlers who tend to be sensitive. The reason behind this is the confidence they develop when they engage in rough play and learn winning or losing in a healthy sense.

5. Active

They start exploring the world around them by moving around constantly. Rough playing does not allow kids to stick to one corner and play. This is the reason they become more active.

They understand the importance of positive emotional connect with peers: Kids try to work out social relationships by helping the other kids to play rough together and take turns while playing. This not only brings about a surge in their emotional intelligence, but also helps them in developing important life skills like leadership. With the balancing of pros and cons, you can create some ground rules so that your child gets the best of the benefits and does not incline towards the bad aspects of rough play. Tell your child that hitting or pinching other children is a big “No-No”. When other kids exhibit discomfort or pain due to your child’s behavior, tell your child to stop. If your kid does not listen to you, use firmness and discipline. Make sure that you are always around to guide and keep him out of danger.