When kids grab, push, and play too rough: What it can mean
By Amanda Morin
Expert reviewed by Kristin J. Carothers, PhD
Quick tips for when kids push or play rough
- Quick tip 1Tell kids what to do (instead of what not to do).
Tell kids what to do (instead of what not to do).Rules often focus on what kids shouldn’t do, like “Don’t push.” But this can leave kids guessing about what to do instead. Be specific: “Keep your hands by your side when playing. When you need to tell someone something, use words — not your hands.”
Have you ever wondered why some kids play too rough and grab or crash into things? Sometimes, kids who seem “pushy” or aggressive have challenges that make it hard for them to realize they’re being rougher than is acceptable. It doesn’t mean they don’t care about other kids. Or that they have bad parents.
Kids may roughhouse because they struggle with:
- Knowing how much force they’re using. Kids may squeeze too tight when they hug or give a high five that stings. What they think is a light tap on the shoulder might be a shove.
- Reading social cues. Kids may not realize they’re standing too close or that a friend is upset about how rough they’re playing.
- Controlling impulses. Kids want that ball right now and don’t stop to think before they grab it. But afterwards, they might feel really bad about having been so rough.
- Hyperactivity. Kids may move so fast and abruptly that they bump into people and things. They lack self-control.
It can also be hard for kids to know what’s appropriate from one situation to another. For example, maybe a concerned adult grabbed a child’s arm once in a busy parking lot. If the adult didn’t explain that they only did that for safety reasons, the child may think that grabbing is OK to do with friends.
Dive deeper
Playing rough: What’s age-appropriate?
Helping kids learn social cues
Hyperactivity, ADHD, and excess energy
Next steps
About the author
About the author
Amanda Morin is the author of “The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education” and the former director of thought leadership at Understood. As an expert and writer, she helped build Understood from its earliest days.
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Kristin J. Carothers, PhD is an expert in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral interventions. She also provides co-parenting therapy for families experiencing high conflict.
