The Importance of Fathers and “Rough and Tumble” Play
Both parents hold an extremely important role while playing with their child, and this heavily impacts the efficiency and speed of the child’s brain development. Mothers and fathers typically use different approaches while playing with their child. In general, mothers lean towards more nurturing, cautious, intellectual types of play such as pretend play, and games involving the use of language and object. Fathers tend to lean towards more active, unpredictable, and vigorous exercises, such as “rough and tumble” play. Rough and tumble play is a type of social play, which consists of physical contact and vigorous activities, such as tickling, chasing, and wrestling.
Rough and tumble play provides a safe environment for physically challenging activities. It is often discouraged, as it could be perceived as aggressive or a form of misbehaviour, however, while monitored safely and allowed in moderation, there are many benefits to this type of play. Highly active outdoor play improves children’s attention in learning tasks, and help strengthen executive functions. Additionally, it encourages children to build healthy physical, emotional, social and cognitive behaviours. While engaging in rough and tumble activities, children are more efficient at developing self-control, compassion, cooperation, competition, and a sense of boundaries regarding how their own abilities compare to those of their companions. While participating, children must exercise independent problem-solving skills, self-correct in order to be successful and maintain a light-hearted feeling to the game, learn methods of adjusting to change and assessing how others respond to this change, and develop the ability to show concern and care when a playmate is unsuccessful. Children’s level of enjoyment in rough and tumble play seems to be more intense while playing with their fathers, as competent fathers provide a sense of safety and security, while stimulating and challenging the child and avoiding extreme frustration. While the nurturing child activities that mothers provide are essential to a child’s development, rough and tumble play should not be overlooked.
https://www.ucy.ac.cy/nursery/documents/Agrio_Pexnidi_sta_Nipia.pdf