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News Topical, Digital Desk : We often think of tickling children as an innocent, fun, and sweet moment. The child laughs, and the parents are happy—as if everything is going well. But is every laugh truly a joy? Probably not.
As cute as tickling babies may seem on the outside, their bodies are telling a different story. Sometimes, this laughter isn't out of joy, but rather a reflex, and it's not necessarily because the baby is actually having fun.
The truth about tickling
When a young child is tickled, certain changes occur in his body that we often don't notice:
Laughter is a reflex, not always happiness
Babies do laugh, but it's mostly an automatic reaction. The body is designed in such a way that touching certain areas makes them laugh involuntarily—even if they don't feel good inside.
feeling of breathlessness
Many children may momentarily stop breathing. Tickling can cause a sudden feeling of tension in the body, which can alter their breathing patterns.
increased heart rate
Sometimes the body interprets tickling as a sudden fright rather than fun, and this can increase the heart rate.
muscles become tight
Babies' entire bodies tend to contract when tickled. This is also a reflex, but it can also cause discomfort.
Stress hormones may increase
We think we're making our child laugh, but their body can interpret it as stress. Sometimes, they can't tell if they're having fun or feeling nervous.
Then why do children laugh?
Because the body is designed to automatically laugh at tickling. A baby can't tell whether they actually enjoy the tickling or are just reacting. This laughter doesn't indicate consent.
Is it wrong to tickle?
Tickling isn't entirely bad, but the risk increases if:
- be tickled continuously and for a long time
- The child may be saying no, but his words may be taken lightly because of laughter
- She doesn't feel in control of her body
- He tries to escape but is stopped.
- He may startle, become restless, or appear irritated when tickled
Tickling can sometimes cause overstimulation for the baby – that is, so much stimulation that the baby does not feel safe.
How to understand that the child is uncomfortable?
Every child gives us some signals, we just have to learn to read them:
- pulling the body back
- try to stop with your hands
- rapid breathing
- Face shrinking or eyes enlarging
- keep an eye out
- to suddenly become silent
- bending the body to stop
If you see these signs, stop immediately – even if the child is laughing.
Understand the child's consent
Children should feel at a young age that their body belongs to them.
If you tickle them every time you ask,
"Should I tickle you?"
"Is that enough?"
"Should I do more or should I stop?"
This small step helps them understand body safety and consent. This habit empowers them to speak up for themselves in the long run.
The right way to tickle
- Very light and short tickle
- Always watch your child's body language
- Stop occasionally to ask if he or she is okay.
- If the child runs away, let him go.
- Play games that children can control, such as "Who touched whom?" or "Where did you touch?" Fun touch games
Children enjoy it only when they have choices, that is, when control is not taken away from them.
The fun of tickling is only when the child is ready.
Tickling is not wrong, but tickling unnecessarily, for a long time or without their consent can put stress on their body and mind.
Read More: Eating chickpeas and jaggery every morning has 7 amazing benefits; just know the right amount.
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