20/02/2024
Continuing our series mapping out all the kinds of play there are, we are today evaluating ârough-housingâ (aka âhorseplayâ, âwrestlingâ, âtusslingââŚ)!
What we mean by this and why itâs a powerful form of play:
đ¤źBeing able to gauge relative strength and boundaries is a thrilling physical and mental challenge. Thereâs give-and-take. This is learning about consent and this enhances nonverbal communication skills.
𤟠Getting up-close and seeing friends and family (and the room) from different angles and perspectives can be such silly, giggly fun that fosters bonding.
𤟠The heart racing and the mind thinking strategically in wrestling and rolling-around games add to the great energy-burn. This is a way to release tension because positive contact decreases stress hormones and boosts the immune system along the way.
And just to be clear, what itâs NOT(!):
âFighting. In no way condoning battering, angry hurting, vengeful or dangerous physical confrontation here.
âPower OVER someone. This is about âinner powerâ i.e. the capacity to control impulses and regulate the self, rather than physical superiority.
âAggression. Again, forcefulness can be a positive thing to explore, particularly for children who donât seem to access other outlets for aggression. Supervision is required.
