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Fathers’ perceptions of rough-and-tumble play:
Implications for early childhood services
Richard Fletcher
Philip J Morgan
Chris May
David R Lubans
Jennifer St George
University of Newcastle
FATHER–CHILD PLAY THAT is physical, vigorous and highly stimulating and that simulates fighting (rough-and-tumble play [RTP]) has been suggested as a key aspect of male parenting that is important for child development. Evidence from animal studies suggests that RTP can stimulate brain development in juveniles leading to improved cognitive performance. However, RTP in humans has only recently been investigated and fathers’ views of RTP have not been identified. Following a weight-loss program involving fathers, their children and RTP, semi-structured interviews were held with 16 fathers. Most fathers identified the active, physical, competitive games within RTP as enhancing the father–child relationship and benefiting their child’s development. Allowing the child to win, by the fathers’ self-handicapping in the competitive bouts, was not only recognised as enjoyable, especially to the child, but as strengthening the bond between father and child. Fathers also felt that defeating the child occasionally was important and appropriate for the child’s healthy social and psychological development. Similarly, risk was seen not only in terms of immediate injury but also as something for the child to learn in order to become competent as an adult. Implications of this research for early childhood professionals’ encouragement of physical activity through their teaching role and while educating parents are discussed.
Australasian Journal of Early Childhood – Volume 36 No 4 December 2011
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