Letting Kids Be Kids - The Benefits of Roughhousing

It is an order that has passed through the lips of many a parent: "Quit that horsin' around!" However, a better option may be to loosen the reins a bit, according to one expert. 

Larry Cohen is a licensed psychologist who encourages roughhousing. He said physical engagement between children gets them some of the physical activity they need and can also help with mental and emotional development.

"There's been some research that children who do more roughhousing at home and with their peers, they do better in school," Cohen said. "They have more emotional intelligence, which is basically knowing your own emotions, understanding them and being able to read and understand other people's emotions."

Roughhousing can also help build bonds between parent and child, Cohen added.