| According to new research, it may be beneficial for | | | | gonna make it!" during a video game or a |
| fathers to be a kid again, at least for a little bit. | | | | good-humored "You think you can take down the old |
| For some fathers, wrestling and playing video games | | | | man? Have at it!" before some playful wrestling. |
| with their kids can lead to some light teasing on both | | | | The key, according to the researchers, is to make |
| sides, especially if you are losing. While it may not | | | | sure everyone is laughing and having a good time. |
| seem like it, recent studies have found that this | | | | They suggest fathers use their parenting skills to |
| practice of teasing can be a helpful parenting skill in | | | | identify if the teasing crosses over to bullying. |
| improving a child's social development. | | | | If some slight aggression does emerge from the |
| New research from the National Communication | | | | teasing, fathers can use the opportunity to teach their |
| Association found teasing can be a positive | | | | child about the difference between teasing and bullying, |
| experience in child development because it teaches | | | | which may help the child in a school environment. |
| them "how to show affection and deal with conflict." | | | | This somewhat loose approach toward parenting can |
| "Research shows us that even very young children | | | | benefit a child's social, physical and intellectual |
| can recognize that teasing is not always bad; that | | | | development, according to Dr. Kyle Pruett, a professor |
| sometimes it can be a fun way to play with friends | | | | of child psychiatry at Yale and author of Fatherneed. |
| and family," said Carol Bishop Mills, one of the authors | | | | By engaging children in this nontraditional manner, |
| of the study. | | | | fathers may also develop strong bonds with their kids |
| This may include a light-hearted "I don't think you're | | | | that may not have been formed another way. |