Rough and Tumble Play

From the University of Arkansas

Benefits of Rough-and-Tumble Play

Rough-and-tumble play shapes many physical, social, emotional, and cognitive behaviors. Rough-and-tumble play helps children learn self-control, compassion, boundaries, and about their own abilities compared to other children.
 
• Chasing games exercise children’s bodies as well develop social skills.
• Children independently problem-solve and self-correct in order to remain with the group activity.
• Children learn how to adjust to change in the play scheme and assess how their playmates respond to those changes.
• Children learn to show care and concern when a playmate falls and to express their thoughts to others in a game.
 
Differences between rough-and-tumble play and aggression
 
Rough-and-Tumble Play

Children smile and laugh
Children are willing participants, eagerly join in the play
Children keep returning for more
Stronger or older children may let opponent “win”
Contact is relatively gentle
Children alternate roles (i.e., chase and are chased)
Lots of children can participate

Aggression

Children frown, stare, cry, get red in the face
One child usually dominates another
Children separate after episode
No self-handicapping
Contact is hard and harsh
No changing roles
Usually involves just 2 children