Is Tickling Not On?

[jwcpgh]

<june.diamanti at b...> wrote:
<snip> 
> Kids get more reluctant about physical horseplay as they mature - 
I suspect this is as they become less confident bodily as their 
bodies change. Not surprising I think.  
> 
> This is a sad part of growing up I think because I remember how 
> affectionate my daughter was at say 5 - when children will 
> cheerfully hug and kiss you in public.  Then the dreaded daywhen 
you are told not to kiss them goodbye at the school gate 
> because other kids will make fun of them...  A sad moment that.  
> 
> Poor Harry indeed - from a remembered child's point of view and as 
a parent I think the innocent physical affections of childhood are 
> very special and important.  I believe that it is contact like 
this that helps children grow up to become confident about their 
bodies - in a non-sexual way, just comfortable in their skin.  
> 
> Here's one I remember - even madder and it might squick some 
readers though I hope not - getting a raspberry blown on the tum is 
rather fun when you are small too.
> 
> Okay - wierd maybe.

Laura:

June, I think you're right about the importance of physical 
affection for kids.  Not only is it natural (since feeding and 
cuddling go together) and reassuring for kids, but it teaches them 
what non-sexual touching is, so they can tell the difference when 
the time comes.  A person who's never touched with affection will 
tend to sexualize all physical contact.

We're lucky-our kids (18 and 15) will still give us hugs in public.  
Sometimes they'll even initiate a hug!

I thought everyone did that with their kids' bellies-we sure did!  
Babies' bellies are irresistable for that.  Necks are good too.  :-)