Is this an HSP thing? A woman thing? A me thing?
When my daughter wrestles, jumps and crawls on me it can really stress me out. I have such a low tolerance for when she accidentally kicks me, grabs my neck, or pulls my hair. The bigger she gets, the harder this time is for me. I feel like such a wuss.
As I learn more about my HSP tendencies, I can totally see why I don’t like (and have never liked) rough play. HSPs can be more sensitive to pain. We might worry more about injuries. We might be more ticklish, and need a little more personal space. I definitely prefer quiet, calm play- puzzles, origami, art projects, reading. I always joked that I’m a nerd, but I think I just like to be calm within my own body. That’s how I liked to spend my time as a kid, and that’s how I’d like to play with my kids.
I wish it weren’t so because she just loves to play that way. She’s always asking for “wild time on the bed” which is a routine we’ve done since she was an infant. It’s our time to bounce, roll around, have pillow fights- to burn off excess energy before bed. It was easy when she was a baby, but now she’s bigger and is a firecracker of flailing limbs. There are lots of articles about the benefits of roughhousing, and I see firsthand how much joy it brings her. She is in the BEST mood after some wild play with me, dad or friends. I know it’s necessary and good.
Is it ok that I don’t like playing in this way? Can I honor my own needs/preferences, or am I depriving my kids of something essential? Can I leave the wild play to dad, who genuinely enjoys it and doesn’t worry as much about injuries? Would love to hear your thoughts.