Rough and tumble play

Rough and tumble play is a term used for the physical, active play engaged in by young children that leaves them feeling happy and in a good mood. It most often involves small groups of children of a similar age, but can refer to play involving two children or a child and an adult, or even a single child playing an active game such as hopscotch. Rough and tumble play includes such activities as play fighting, chase games, jumping and swinging activities, or any activity that involves the use of the child’s body and generally incorporates social interaction with others.

Adults sometimes fear that rough and tumble play leads to aggression. Early childhood experts say that, contrary to this belief, rough and tumble play—including play fights—are an important part of how children learn to place limits on aggressive behavior. Feedback from their peers, experience with how it feels when someone pushes too hard, and other first-hand exposure to pretend aggression helps children learn how to self-regulate their behavior. It also provides practice in expressing their own feelings when someone else’s behavior is unacceptable.

Background

The importance of rough and tumble play in children’s development was first explored by German anthropologist, psychologist and philosopher Karl Groos (1861–1946). Groos wrote two books, one entitled Play of Animals (1898), and the other Play of Man (1901) in which he explored the role of play in preparing children for the teen and adult years. He developed a theory that the way children use their bodies, senses, and minds in play allows them to learn their own limitations and experience how their actions affect others. Groos proposed the idea that contrary to teaching children to be aggressive, active and physical play were instinctive ways children learn to limit their aggressive impulses by experiencing their consequences at a time when their power to cause real injury was limited by physical size and strength. Groos coined the term “rough and tumble play” for this type of activity.

Overview

Rough and tumble play is a fun activity for children. It is differentiated from true aggressive behavior by the attitudes of the participants. Many children enjoy rough and tumble play and show this by smiling, laughing, squealing, and returning for more even if they run away. There is much give-and-take in the play and the children often change roles; for example, the child being chased will turn and chase the other child, and both are completely happy with this.

When disputes do arise, they are generally resolved by the children themselves. The children may also recognize that someone else is less able to compete in some way and help them, or pause the game to let them catch up. When the play ends, the children are all happy and continue to interact with each other. This type of play often involves larger groups of children, and most are active participants instead of spectators. Experts say that only about one percent of play fights end up in true aggression, usually because the children get over excited and carried away in their play and no adult is on hand to calm things down.

In contrast, aggressive play results in frowns, angry words, and tears. One child will usually be in charge, and there will be no role exchanges. The play appears more forceful and physical contact is harsher and more hurtful. While many children are often actively involved in rough and tumble play, aggressive play usually involves just two with the remainder of the children observing. When the play ends, the children separate and do not want to interact again.

Rough and tumble play can also occur between adults and their children. Babies and toddlers often enjoy being swung or lifted high, tickled, or allowed to climb over or jump on their parents or other adults. Older children also enjoy jumping, climbing, and wrestling with the adults in their life as well.

While most younger children engage in and enjoy rough and tumble play, it is most prevalent in the grade-school years and peaks at around ages nine to eleven. Both boys and girls engage in this type of play, but experts have observed that girls more often incorporate verbal aspects in their games. Instead of play fighting, rough and tumble play involving all girls or girls and boys often involves chase games, and the girls are likely to provide instructions on how the game is to be played. For example, the girls may announce they are princesses and the boys are dragons that are chasing the princesses.

Regardless of the form it takes, psychologists and sociologists say that rough and tumble play is very important to the growth and development of young children. In addition to the physical activity it includes and the health benefits that provides, fun physical play provides numerous social and psychological benefits as well. Children develop the ability to self-regulate their behavior and their emotions. They learn how their behavior affects others; for instance, a child who consistently insists on having their way may find themselves excluded, thus learning that behavior is not acceptable.

Children also learn compassion and empathy when a child is inadvertently hurt, and the child who caused the injury will likely swiftly learn to apologize and be gentler in the future simply because it is what their friends expect. Through role changing, children learn about taking turns and how it feels to be on both sides of a situation. When disputes arise about how the game should continue, they learn the value of compromise and negotiating skills that will prove useful later in life. Concepts of justice and fairness are also explored through this type of play.

Some studies have shown that people who are criminally aggressive later in life had little opportunity for rough and tumble play in childhood, leading experts to theorize that this type of play has an important role in teaching children to control aggressive impulses. The experts say that parents and teachers can help children make the most of rough and tumble play by allowing this type of play when possible. Adults can support children in this play by providing guidelines, such as when and where such play is appropriate (okay on the playground but not in the aisle of the grocery store, for instance). Adults should give children the opportunity to solve any minor problems that arise on their own but be ready to intervene if tears and frustration develop. This is especially important with older children who have a greater capacity to cause injury. Praising specific accomplishments, such as resolving a dispute or self-calming during physical activity, is also beneficial.

Bibliography

Gray Peter. “Evolutionary Functions of Play: Practice, Resilience, Innovation, and Cooperation.” The Cambridge Handbook of Play: Developmental and Disciplinary Perspectives, edited by Peter K. Smith and Jaipaul L. Roopnarine, Cambridge University Press, 2018, pp. 84-102. doi.org/10.1017/9781108131384.007. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Groos, Karl. “The Theory of Play.” The Play of Man, Appleton, 1901, pp. 361-406. Brock University, brocku.ca/MeadProject/Groos/Groos‗1901/chapter8.html. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

Hamilton, Jessica. “The Importance of Rough and Tumble Play for Young Children.” Bright Hub Education, www.brighthubeducation.com/pre-k-and-k-lesson-plans/129275-rough-and-tumble-play/. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

Jarvis, Pam. “Rough and Tumble Play: Lessons in Life.” Evolutionary Psychology, vol. 4, 2006, pp. 330-46. journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/147470490600400128. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

Kennedy-Moore, Eileen. “Do Boys Need Rough and Tumble Play?” Psychology Today, 30 June 2015, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/growing-friendships/201506/do-boys-need-rough-and-tumble-play. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

“Rough and Tumble Play.” Play and Playground Encyclopedia, www.pgpedia.com/r/rough-and-tumble-play. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

“Rough and Tumble Play: A Guide.” Raising Children, raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/play-learning/active-play/rough-play-guide. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

"Rough and Tumble Play: A Teacher's Guide 2024.” Brightwheel, 12 Jan. 2024, mybrightwheel.com/blog/rough-and-tumble-play. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

Smith, Peter K., and Jennifer M. St. George. “Play Fighting (Rough-and-Tumble Play) in Children: Developmental and Evolutionary Perspectives.” International Journal of Play, vol. 12, no. 1, 2022, pp. 113-126. Taylor & Francis Online, doi.org/10.1080/21594937.2022.2152185. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.