Let’s chat about tickling – it’s not all fun and games! I was catching up with my friend Sarah when I heard her little one, 9-month-old Mia, shrieking in the background. “Is everything okay with Mia?” I asked, slightly concerned. “Oh, she’s not crying, she’s laughing!” Sarah laughed. “Mark is playing Tickle Monster with her.”
My heart sank. “Are you sure she’s enjoying it?” I inquired, cautiously. “Absolutely! Why do you ask?” she responded, as if expecting a punchline. “Well, just because a baby laughs doesn’t mean they’re having a blast…” I began, but she cut me off, “Seriously? She loves it!” And then the call ended.
I regretted bringing it up, but how could I stay silent? You can’t just tickle a defenseless baby! Like many, Sarah and Mark seemed to interpret Mia’s giggles as pure joy, but tickling often leads to mixed signals. It can trigger laughter and physical reactions similar to humor but doesn’t always mean enjoyment. Richard Alexander, an evolutionary biologist, once pointed out that ticklish laughter can quickly shift from giggles to tears with just a bit too much pressure.
Historically, tickling has been used for torture – from ancient Rome to cultures that saw it as a form of punishment. Today, many have overlooked its darker implications. I’ve heard some pretty harrowing stories about tickling experiences from others: “I hated being tickled as a kid; it felt suffocating,” one person shared. “My mom would tickle me even when I said stop. I felt so powerless!”
It makes me wonder if parents genuinely misread their kids’ laughter or if they choose to ignore those cries for help. It seems tickling has become this go-to tool for parents to lift their children’s spirits or reinforce bonds. I once witnessed a dad sneak up on his daughter, who was busy coloring, and tickle her. She grimaced, clearly annoyed. “Stop it!” she groaned. But he insisted it was all in good fun.
It’s also worth noting that tickling can be a way predators groom children. Tracy Lamperti, a psychotherapist, explains how these “gateway” behaviors might facilitate abuse. While not every adult who tickles has malicious intent, it’s a reminder that respecting a child’s “No” is crucial for their understanding of personal boundaries.
I’m not saying to banish tickling altogether; many kids do enjoy it! Just consider these guidelines:
- If they’re too young to communicate, skip the tickling.
- Always ask before you start; it’s playful and respectful.
- Establish a clear signal for “Stop” if they’re laughing too hard to voice it.
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To sum it up, tickling can be a tricky area when it comes to kids. While some might love it, it’s important to listen to their signals and prioritize their comfort.
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