Young children’s perspectives regarding rough and tumble play: A systematic review

Authors

• Pirkko Siklander University of Oulu, Finland
• Julie Ernst University of Minnesota Duluth, U.S.A
• Rune Storli Queen Maud University, Norway

Keywords:

play, rough and tumble play, risky play, children’s perspectives, play environment

Abstract

Play types and play environments often are influenced by adults, with children having little agency in organizing their own play. This is particularly illustrated in the context of rough and tumble play (RT), which is a type of play pursued by children, but often discouraged by adults. When adults prohibit RT play, they limit opportunities for children to benefit from the outcomes associated with this form of play. A systematic review of literature was conducted toward understanding children’s perspectives regarding RT play and how children have been included in RT research. The results suggest, despite having several roles in RT research, there is a noticeable absence of children’s perspectives on RT play. This absence points to a need for research that captures children’s perspectives on specifically RT play in ways that involve children not just as the subjects of observations, but as active participants with voices, preferences, ideas, and agency.