Rough play is the best! It helps kids build confidence, a better sense of their bodies, and improve their coordination skills. Plus, it’s a lot of fun. My kids are always roughhousing – wrestling, pillow fighting, doing backflips (well, trying to, at least), and having Nerf battles. Even simple games like Uno can turn into a full-contact events.
And when we’re outside, any sport or game becomes a tackling and scrambling fest. My kids are athletes and have endless energy, and I admit I’m the same way. Sure, it’s nice to puzzle or cuddle up with a book, but our favourite way to “play” is by tossing a ball at each other, building pillow forts, and spinning around the room until we fall over.
Roughhousing with my kids can be tiring, especially when it’s time for bed and it feels like we’re about to have a WWE wrestling match. But I let them roughhouse anyway because it’s good for them! “Rough play helps kids express their emotions in a healthy way,” says Kally Hartman, a therapist in California. Of course, there are rules and boundaries, but rough play is a great way for kids to have fun and let off some steam.
Guidelines for Rough Play
I taught my kids about consent before they started roughhousing with each other. I explained that if they were going to play fight or throw things at each other, they needed to make sure everyone was okay with it and be prepared to stop if someone said no. I wanted to make sure they understood the importance of respecting each other’s bodies and boundaries, and I also wanted to avoid having to listen to sibling arguments and frustration.
Therapist Kally Hartman advises that open communication is key in rough play. She suggests encouraging kids to talk about what they like and don’t like so that everyone is having fun and feeling comfortable. It’s also important to ensure that rough play never involves name-calling or intentional physical harm.
Of course, accidents can still happen, even when we follow these rules. But by establishing clear expectations and encouraging open communication, we can help our kids learn how to ask for and give consent and handle any hurt feelings that might come up. This way, they’ll be better equipped to handle situations with higher risks and be more likely to enjoy rough play as a fun and positive activity.
Why Rough Play is Good for your Kids
Rough play is the ultimate win-win for kids! It helps them build strength, confidence, and coordination skills, and it’s a super fun way to let off some steam and burn off extra energy. Plus, it can boost their mood and make them feel all kinds of happy. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love happy and chill kids?
But rough play isn’t just physically good for kids; it also has emotional and social benefits. They can learn how to read other people’s body language, manage their emotions, and develop self-control. It’s also a great way for them to practice consent and communicate with each other.
So parents, don’t be afraid to join in on the roughhousing fun! It’s a great bonding activity and can help kids learn the “unwritten rules” of rough play in a supportive environment. And rough play is for kids of all genders – not just for boys or masculine-identifying kids, and it’s not weak or “girly.” We all crave physical touch and affection, and rough play can provide that in a fun and supportive way.
In the end, rough play can help kids learn how to solve problems, navigate friendships, and build relationships based on respect and communication. So go ahead and rough it up with your little ones – it’s good for them (and you!) in many ways.
Is rough play good for girls?
Yes, rough play is good for girls! It can help girls build strength, confidence, and coordination skills, and it’s a great way to relieve stress and burn off extra energy. Physical activity has many benefits for both boys and girls, and rough play can be a fun and enjoyable form of physical activity for girls.
Rough play can also have emotional and social benefits for girls. It can help them learn how to read other people’s body language, manage their emotions, and develop self-control. It’s also a great way for them to practice consent and communicate with others.
It’s important to note that rough play is not just for boys or masculine-identifying children. All children, including girls, can benefit from rough play and should be encouraged to engage in it if they enjoy it. Parents can help challenge gender roles and stereotypes by showing their kids that rough play is not just for boys and that physical touch and affection are not just for girls.
In short, rough play is a valuable and beneficial activity for children of all genders, and girls should be encouraged to engage in it if they enjoy it.
When kids play too rough?
It’s normal for kids to play rough and engage in physical activity during play, but there are times when rough play can become too rough. Parents should be aware of their child’s play habits and intervene if necessary to ensure that play remains safe and enjoyable for all involved.
Some signs that kids may be playing too rough include:
- Physical injuries: If kids are injured or hurt during rough play, it may be a sign that they are playing too rough.
- Intentional harm: If kids are intentionally trying to hurt each other or are using rough play to bully or intimidate others, it’s important to intervene and set limits on their behaviour.
- Discomfort or distress: If kids show signs of discomfort or distress during rough play, it may be a sign of feeling overwhelmed or overwhelmed.
- Lack of consent: If kids are not respecting each other’s boundaries or are not asking for consent before engaging in rough play, it’s important to teach them about consent and set limits on their behaviour.
It’s important for parents to establish clear rules and boundaries for rough play and to teach kids about consent and communication. By setting limits and teaching kids about appropriate behaviour, parents can help ensure that rough play remains a safe and enjoyable activity for all involved.
