It's sooooo tempting to stop the games as soon as we see kids 'playing rough'. We've seen it all before, and it ended in tears, and it feels intrinsically wrong to let them bundle all over each other. 

BUT. Play fighting is very different to actual fighting, and it's something that's important for their development. It's pretty easy to spot the difference. If they're laughing, and smiling, then if you look closely, you'll spot that there's some important lessons being practiced around boundaries, self regulation and social skills. It's physical enough to be challenging, but not so much that people get hurt. It's a good way to teach consent, and that 'stop', and 'I don't like that' should always be immediately respected. It can look like pushing, wrestling, chasing, climbing, tumbling, jumping. 

Set a few rules when they're playing with each other, or with you: No kicking, biting, hair pulling. Take off all clothes (like belts) that might cause an injury. Play in a safe space. Stop immediately if one person isn't enjoying it. 

For all those mamas who feel so overtouched, and can't really bear the idea of encouraging their kid to climb all over them, then try setting a timer for 5 or 10 minutes, and then tell your kid that they can choose whichever they'd like, but when the timer's up then the roughousing is over. 

Here are some ideas for inspiration: 

Airplane

The grown up lies on their back with bent legs, and their child climbs on to be moved around through the air like an airplane. 

Squishing

One person sits on the chair, and the other pretends they can't see them. They then get very gently squished, while the sitter declares things like 'Why is this chair being so noisy?'

Pillow Fight

Hit each other with pillows. 

Upside-down Catch The Thief

One that we made up. The kid is in prison (a couch or bed), they escape, and you chase them round the house. When you catch them, you carry them upside-down through the house. When you've returned to 'prison' then carefully throw them back onto the couch or bed. 

Obstacle Course

Top tip: Wriggling through tunnels, or under tables can be especially great for kids who need a little more sensory input. 

Foot Dancing

Put some tunes on, and let the kids step on your feet as you waltz them around. 

You could also consider: 

Jump on the Trampoline

Horsey Rides

Stomping

Snowball Fight