I grew up in a family of seven children. Four boys. Three Girls. I’m the youngest, which means I became a good punching bag and an even better runner. I love my brothers and my brothers love me. We definitely did plenty of rough-housing when we were kids. Nothing crazy. Nothing serious. I am sure blood was drawn more than once, honestly, I can’t remember. I do remember a few concussions. No grudges. I’m sure we drove our parents crazy. My brothers and I collectively specialized in beatings that “didn’t leave a mark.” No mark, no penalty. Now as a dad I definitely view the idea of horseplay differently. Especially nowadays.

…Juvenile play fighting has been found to stimulate the release of certain chemical growth factors in the cerebral cortex, an area the authors describe as the “social brain.” Among the structures in the social brain is the orbitofrontal cortex, an area known to be involved in social discrimination and decision. As logic would tell us, the less growth is promoted in this area, the greater the likelihood of impaired movement coordination, perception of social cues, and the like.” ~ ScienceDaily.Com, Your Mom Was Wrong: Horseplay Is An Important Part Of Development