Rough-and-tumble play such as mock wrestling can help children understand concepts such as risk-taking and establishing boundaries. Getty Images
Rough-and-tumble play such as mock wrestling can help children understand concepts such as risk-taking and establishing boundaries. Getty Images
Rough-and-tumble play such as mock wrestling can help children understand concepts such as risk-taking and establishing boundaries. Getty Images
Rough-and-tumble play such as mock wrestling can help children understand concepts such as risk-taking and establishing boundaries. Getty Images

What is rough play, and why are modern-day parents so afraid of it?


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Helicopter, hummingbird, drone, snowplough, attachment. Thanks to social media, the list of parenting styles that describe mums and dads who keep a careful watch over their children is a rather long one.

Online discourse in parenting groups over the perceived characteristics of various parenting tribes – tiger moms, free range dads, lighthouse parents – often appears divided along generational lines. Boomers and Gen-Xers view childhood freedom as time spent on their bikes all day, unparented until dinnertime in an age before mobile phones. Millennials and digital natives, who have grown up in a world in which they are constantly contactable, express horror at this, even perceiving it as parental neglect.

A report published earlier this year by the Canadian Paediatric Society noted how “opportunities for unstructured outdoor play have declined in recent years”, while highlighting the importance of “risky play” for children’s health and well-being.

“Based on the research, we know that risky play is very helpful for physical health – kids are more active and improve their motor skills,” said the report’s author, paediatrician Dr Emilie Beaulieu. “It is also beneficial for mental health, including better self-esteem and better friendships and positive interactions with their peers. There needs to be a more balanced approach when it comes to precaution.”

What is “risky” or “rough” play, and how can parents ascertain the difference between risk versus danger and boisterousness versus aggression?

Recognising the importance of rough play

Play-acting with safe props and chasing games are some examples of rough play. Getty Images
Play-acting with safe props and chasing games are some examples of rough play. Getty Images

“There are multiple types of play, all of which are valuable for a child’s development,” says Dubai resident and mother-of-three, Beth Satterly. “Rough-and-tumble play is a distinct type that is less to do with fighting and more to do with understanding things such as relative strength, risk-taking, boundaries and conflict resolution.”

For parents looking to increase their child’s exposure to boisterous play, examples can include pretend wrestling, playful pushing or shoving and mock battles such as pretending to be knights, cops and robbers or superheroes and villains. Tickling, piling on top of one another and rolling around together are also indicators of riskier play, the type that goes beyond sitting at the crafting table or partaking in board games.

“Rough play is about fun without the intent to harm,” says Zita Chriszto, clinical psychologist at Dubai Psychology. “For instance, using foam swords makes contact lighter and safer. Rough play is characterised by mutual enjoyment, laughter and often role-switching. Mock wrestling and battles with safe props aside, it can also include chasing games. These activities foster trust and understanding, and help children learn to read social cues and body language.”

What risky play teaches children about life

So long as the child is in no real danger, parents should allow them to explore physical stamina and boundaries, say experts. Getty Images
So long as the child is in no real danger, parents should allow them to explore physical stamina and boundaries, say experts. Getty Images

Risky or rough play is not about abandoning safety standards or side-stepping precautions, but rather giving children space to explore their environment and relationships with siblings and peers.

“There are several benefits of rough play in a child’s overall development and it can have plenty of impact,” says Dr Pavan Kumar Kandukoori, paediatrics and neonatology specialist at Aster Hospital, Mankhool. “Rough play helps improve children’s gross motor skills, balance and co-ordination. It allows them to engage their muscles, develop strength and refine their physical abilities. It also provides an opportunity for children to practise co-operation, taking turns and understanding social cues. They learn to negotiate and manage boundaries, which are essential for developing relationships.”

Additional benefits of allowing children to “rough house” on their own time and terms include the development of emotional regulation, particularly around feelings of frustration or excitement that may arise from more boisterous play. Problem-solving, during which children navigate physical and social boundaries and confront conflict and confidence-building through risk-taking helps them test and discover their abilities and limits while fostering critical thinking.

Kandukoori adds: “When children engage in physical play, they test their limits in a safe way, gaining confidence in their abilities and learning to handle risks.”

Why has risky play fallen out of favour?

Of the many tribes of parenting styles listed above, it appears that only free-range parenting embraces the risk-taking and kind of rough play we associate with previous generations of children.

“Messaging around aggression has made parents wary of allowing their children to play in this way,” says Satterly. “Being a parent is scary, but we need to remember that the end goal of raising children is to make them kind, resilient and happy adults.

“Playing is a crucial bedrock to successful development and providing children with the opportunity to play across a multitude of play types, including rough and tumble play, is central to holistic child development,” she adds.

Conflicting and overwhelming messaging concerning child-raising along with the watchful eye of ever-present camera phones have also made parents wary of allowing their children to engage in risky or rough behaviours, which could be posted online and judged without nuance or context.

“The messaging around parenting has likely contributed to parents discouraging rough play,” says Kandukoori. “Over the past few decades, a shift towards over-protection has been an increasing emphasis on child safety. Parents are much more involved in structuring and controlling their child’s activities. This has led to discouraging risky behaviour, including rough play.”

Kandukoori cites factors such as an increased focus on safety, the rise of anti-bullying movements, which may mistake rough play for aggression, and concerns around hyper-masculinity in which rough or risky play has been criticised for reinforcing gender stereotypes, particularly in boys.

Satterly adds: “We look at this play type from an adult perspective and assume physical interaction like this is negative. Aggression is a basic human instinct and learning to manage it is crucial to developing well-rounded adults. Allowing children to play in this way teaches them to regulate and understand and manage their emotions.”

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20specs%3A%202024%20Mercedes%20E200
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20four-cyl%20turbo%20%2B%20mild%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E204hp%20at%205%2C800rpm%20%2B23hp%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C800rpm%20%2B205Nm%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E9-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7.3L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2FDecember%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh205%2C000%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Homie%20Portal%20LLC%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20End%20of%202021%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdulla%20Al%20Kamda%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2014%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELaunch%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self-funded%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Director: Jon Watts

Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon 

Rating:*****

In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

Brief scoreline:

Manchester United 1

Mata 11'

Chelsea 1

Alonso 43'

Why seagrass matters
  • Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
  • Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
  • Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
  • Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
Key features of new policy

Pupils to learn coding and other vocational skills from Grade 6

Exams to test critical thinking and application of knowledge

A new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance, Assessment, Review and Analysis for Holistic Development) will form the standard for schools

Schools to implement online system to encouraging transparency and accountability

Scoreline:

Everton 4

Richarlison 13'), Sigurdsson 28', ​​​​​​​Digne 56', Walcott 64'

Manchester United 0

Man of the match: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton)

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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SPECS
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PROFILE OF HALAN

Started: November 2017

Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport and logistics

Size: 150 employees

Investment: approximately $8 million

Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar

5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

RESULTS

Women:

55kg brown-black belt: Amal Amjahid (BEL) bt Amanda Monteiro (BRA) via choke
62kg brown-black belt: Bianca Basilio (BRA) bt Ffion Davies (GBR) via referee’s decision (0-0, 2-2 adv)
70kg brown-black belt: Ana Carolina Vieira (BRA) bt Jessica Swanson (USA), 9-0
90kg brown-black belt: Angelica Galvao (USA) bt Marta Szarecka (POL) 8-2

Men:

62kg black belt: Joao Miyao (BRA) bt Wan Ki-chae (KOR), 7-2
69kg black belt: Paulo Miyao (BRA) bt Gianni Grippo (USA), 2-2 (1-0 adv)
77kg black belt: Espen Mathiesen (NOR) bt Jake Mackenzie (CAN)
85kg black belt: Isaque Braz (BRA) bt Faisal Al Ketbi (UAE), 2-0
94kg black belt: Felipe Pena (BRA) bt Adam Wardzinski (POL), 4-0
110kg black belt final: Erberth Santos (BRA) bt Lucio Rodrigues (GBR) via rear naked choke

The 10 Questions
  • Is there a God?
  • How did it all begin?
  • What is inside a black hole?
  • Can we predict the future?
  • Is time travel possible?
  • Will we survive on Earth?
  • Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
  • Should we colonise space?
  • Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
  • How do we shape the future?
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km

Price: Dh133,900

On sale: now 

What is Genes in Space?

Genes in Space is an annual competition first launched by the UAE Space Agency, The National and Boeing in 2015.

It challenges school pupils to design experiments to be conducted in space and it aims to encourage future talent for the UAE’s fledgling space industry. It is the first of its kind in the UAE and, as well as encouraging talent, it also aims to raise interest and awareness among the general population about space exploration. 

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Andor
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Quarter-finals

Saturday (all times UAE)

England v Australia, 11.15am 
New Zealand v Ireland, 2.15pm

Sunday

Wales v France, 11.15am
Japan v South Africa, 2.15pm

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs

Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed

Power: 271 and 409 horsepower

Torque: 385 and 650Nm

Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000

Test

Director: S Sashikanth

Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan

Star rating: 2/5

Updated: November 18, 2024, 7:45 AM