I have always hated being tickled. When I was small, it was uncomfortable but tolerable. It didn?t invoke rage or make me want to kick, bite, hit, and scratch to defend myself as it does now. I simply didn?t like it and I said so.
I grew up in the eighties in a family that required unquestioning respect of parents and elders. I learned that my opinions and preferences didn?t matter, and it was easiest for everyone if I was a good girl.
When family tickled me, I was expected to be polite. Even though I wanted to claw at their eyes, I kept my fingernails tucked into my palms while trying to squirm free. Everyone else seemed to enjoy it and I would ruin the fun with anything other than giggles and a cunning escape.
I know many children like tickling and most adults have happy memories associated with it. When goaded by my kids, I have even played with them this way. The difference is that my boys have a choice; I didn?t.
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This mom's cute video is the perfect way to teach kids about consent?Tickling can deepen feelings of love and attachment for both the child and the parent,? says Colleen Cira, psychologist and founder of The Cira Center for Behavior Health in Chicago. But continuing when the child wants to stop can cause distress. ?The negative e...