The Benefits of Rough and Tumble Play

Did you know that “rough and tumble play” is associated with greater motor, cognitive, and emotional development in children? But it goes way beyond play wrestling!

Join Erica and Cassie to hear about all things rough and tumble. We will cover:

• What are the benefits of rough and tumble play?
• What constitutes rough and tumble play?
• What if I don’t want to or can’t wrestle with my kids?
• How do I keep myself and my child safe during rough and tumble play?

**Resources**

• The Art of Roughhousing: Good Old-Fashioned Horseplay and Why Every Kid Needs It by Anthony T. DeBenedet, M.D. and Lawrence J. Cohen, PhD (2011).
• Smith, P. K., & StGeorge, J. M. (2022). Play fighting (rough-and-tumble play) in children: developmental and evolutionary perspectives. International Journal of Play, 12(1), 113–126. https://doi.org/10.1080/21594937.2022.2152185
• Pellis, S. M., & Pellis, V. C. (2007). Rough-and-Tumble Play and the Development of the Social Brain. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 16(2), 95-98. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2007.00483.x
• Carlson, F.M. (2011). Rough Play: One of the Most Challenging Behaviors. https://www.bgnelson.com/workshops/BBGG_Canada/BigBody&ActivePlay.pdf

***Music credits***

Uppbeat (free for Creators!); https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky; License code: GQGN7ICA9D8IDOUT