Rough-and-tumble play is inevitable, particularly with boys. It seems to satisfy innate physical and cultural drives. As long as all participants are enjoying the play and are safe, I don’t intervene. Play is the basis of learning in all domains.20 Play is, indeed, the basis of learning. And the boy’s superhero play is no exception. Researchers have found that by allowing “bad guy” play, the children’s conversation and imaginative writing skills improved.21 Such play also builds their moral imagination. It is through such play, say the authors, “that children learn about justice . . . and
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