Rough play and tumble time means that children can get rid of a bit of energy and aggression, take some risks when it comes to pushing their physical boundaries and let go a little. For many carers and parents, the idea of rough play is something that should be avoided: too dangerous, too aggressive, too uncontrolled. However, in a controlled environment, where the rules are clear, rough play can be great fun and beneficial to children.

Boys may find rough play easier than girls; they are more inclined to be physical and use gross motor skills. It gives boys a chance to get close to each other and have contact with other boys in a way that they can understand.

Aggression should be curtailed though; it's not a fight!  Parents need to supervise carefully and make the rules clear.  If anyone looks unhappy its turned from a fun tumble session into something that is not fun so this would need investigation

Make sure everyone has a get out clause.  Make it a rule that if someone is unhappy with the game or where it is heading that they can say, "Stop, I don't like it" and the game will stop while that person gets out or steps aside for a moment.  This has to be clear from the outset.

Ideas for rough and tumble play:

• Tug of war
• Skipping with ropes
• Obstacle course
• Kicking balls into a net or basket
• Running around fast and furiously
• Running races
• Bouncing on the trampoline
• Climbing trees

Getting active with the children is not always as easy as it sounds: how can you fit any more activity time in an already busy day? Here are some simple ways to increase the activity levels in your family. Remember, every little bit counts, so keep a note of all these activities and work out your daily total of minutes spent being active.

• Music Time - turn on some groovy music and have a good old dance together!
• Encourage your toddler to walk up the stairs or to the car rather than being carried.  For older children, encourage them to tidy up after themselves or put away toys or washing at the end of the day.
• Walk to the shops and post box rather than take the car.
• Get the little ones involved with household chores: digging in the garden, sweeping the floor, washing down the garden shed.
• Go for a walk as a family - find somewhere with woods and climb up the trees or balance along fallen tree trunks.
• Have a time limit on TV watching.
• Think about some old fashioned games that are fun to play outside: hop skotch, skipping, chase, hide and seek, hoolahoop, flying a kite.

Children should do about an hour of physical activity each day.  See how close you are and praise them each time they want to do something physical.  It is so good for them to start out actively as children, because then they are more likely to stay active as they grow older.