AHS17

Playful combative games, or rough and tumble play, is universal across cultures, common to all mammals, and may have its roots even deeper in the animal kingdom. Rough and tumble play is an ancient and highly conserved behavior due to its importance in developing effective cooperation, behavioral flexibility, courtship skills, and many other abilities. Sadly, it is also something we are increasingly asking our children and ourselves not to engage in. We will explore the deep evolutionary heritage of rough and tumble play, and the scientific evidence for its important bio-mechanical, kinesthetic, emotional, and social benefits.