When it comes to tickling, different parents will have a different view. Some parents feel that this is a harmful experience for their children and do not allow tickling in any form. Other parents may see the benefits of tickle games and how they can not only allow parents to bond with their children, but also give you a chance to teach your child about boundaries, good and bad touches, and how to make others respect their right to say “No.”
You see, playing tickle games, just like many other games, gives you a chance to connect with your child in a loving and safe way. You can also use a tickle game time to teach your children that they should always be in charge of their own bodies. One mother shared that she only has one rule when it comes to tickle games. If her child says the word “No,” even just playing, the game is over immediately.
This teaches your child a couple of things. First of all, your child learns that “no means no.” With this type of rule, children learn early that their personal space should be respected and that it is wrong for someone to touch them when they do not want it. It also teaches them that it is okay to stop something, even if they said it was okay in the beginning. It will also teach them not to say “No” unless they really want to stop.
With all of that said, it is easy to see how tickle games for your kids could be very beneficial as well as a bonding experience with your child. Here are a few of the top tickle games for your kids.
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The Favorite Kisses Tickle Game
The favorite kisses game is one that combines a lot of bonding time with a tiny bit of tickling. This game series is good for those kids who don’t really love being tickled as much as they love the chance to connect with Mommy or Daddy.
This game can also be embellished by allowing your child to come up with their own kisses. It works really well for a bedtime ritual since it is not overstimulating. Let your kids choose which kisses they want. Here are a few suggested by Heather Taylor, Certified Gentle Sleep Coach:
- The Butterfly Kiss – This kiss is just as it sounds, you lean down over your child after tucking them in and brush your eyelashes against his or her cheek, and then let them return the favor.
- The Eskimo Kiss – In this kiss, you lean over your child and rub your nose against his or hers. This usually ends up with a giggling child who reaches to brush their nose against yours as well.
- Puppy Kisses – This one can be kinda gross, which will, of course, make your kids choose it even faster. It is merely a long swipe of the tongue on the cheek. This one might work better if you let the child kiss you… so you can wash your face later instead of having to let the child out of bed to wash his or hers. Your child will love grossing you out with sloppy kisses!
- Kitten Kisses – These little kisses are simply when you place a tiny little peck on the end of the child’s nose, and they peck yours in return.
- Ghost Kisses – This “kiss” is done by gently blowing on the ears or down the back of the neck, and usually produces lots of giggly squirms.
- Kisses n Hugs – Embrace your child in a strong hug and kiss them on the forehead.
- Tummy Kisses – With this kiss, the parent blows raspberries on the child’s stomach.
- And the final suggestion is called the “Mommy Kiss” (but I am sure it works just as well for Daddies). This kiss features the strongest tickle of all of the kisses. Simply pin your child’s hands gently by his or her sides and rapidly kiss all over their face and neck. Stop suddenly and ask, “Do you know how much Mommy loves you now?” If the child says, “yes,” pretend that you can’t believe them and start kissing again. If they say that they don’t know, act shocked and kiss them even more.
The One Man Band Tickle Game
The One Man Band tickle game is also a series of different types of tickles that can be a great learning and bonding experience for your child. Not only does your child get some fun and loving one-on-one time with you, but they will learn about musical instruments and how they work.
To play this game, simply ask your child if they would like to play the One Man Band tickle game. If they answer “yes,” then let them choose a song that they want to play and one of the following instruments:
- Drum – If your child chooses the drum for his or her one man band, use your fingers as drumsticks on their belly while you both sing the song that they picked.
- Trumpet – Have your child try to keep singing while you blow raspberries on their tummy or gently blow down the necks.
- Piano – Have your child lay on their tummy and sing with you as you “play the piano” on his or her back, using the spine for piano keys.
- Guitar – This one is also played on the child’s back. Simply sing along with them as you “strum the guitar” on their ribs.
- Violin – Run your finger back and forth on your child’s side while you both try to sing without giggling.
You might want to let the child have a turn playing instruments on Mommy or Daddy, but be careful to teach them where it is ok to touch and where it is not.
The Guessing Tickle Game
This game can be an excellent way for you and your child to learn about each other’s likes and dislikes. It can also be modified to teach about pretty much anything in the world.
To learn more about each other – Have the child start the game off by asking you a question about themselves, such as, “What is my favorite color” If the parent guesses right, they get to tickle the kid and it is their turn to ask a question. If the parent guesses wrong, the kid gets another turn.
To learn anything else – The same could be played with basically any subject. Have the parent start off by asking a question. Of course, this would depend on age, so questions could range from, “Where is your nose,” to “How many planets are orbiting Earth.”
If the kid gets the answer correct, he or she gets to tickle the parent. If the kid gets it wrong, it is the parent’s turn again. You can check your answers with Google.
Miss Pointer Tickle Game
This is a cool tickle game for those cold days when the kids are stuck in the house and seem to be feeling sad and bored. The instructions, as well as the game, are simple:
- Hold up your index finger and say, “Uh oh, I think Miss Pointer is cold!”
- Wiggle your finger and make a silly voice for Miss Pointer, who is complaining about how cold she is.
- Wave your wiggling finger in the air as you move towards the nearest kid.
- Make the kid’s armpit be the new warm home for Miss Pointer.
- Have Miss Pointer wiggle around in the armpit, trying to get warm.
Of course, you should be fair and let the kids have their turn at being Miss Pointer, too. As always, remember that if someone says “No,” it means no and the game must immediately stop.
The Buzzing Bee Tickle Game
This tickle game is more for babies than it is for older kids. Even the most exhausted Mommy who simply doesn’t feel like getting out of bed to bond with the baby can use this one for playtime. You simply raise your index finger into the air and wiggle it, making a “bzzzzzz” sound. Wave the finger closer and closer to the baby, getting louder and louder with the sound. Maybe move the finger away and let the sound get quieter.
Do this for a few seconds and then wave the finger back towards baby, getting louder again. Finally, let the finger gently tickle the baby’s belly. The baby will soon learn this game and just the bussing sound and sight of the finger will be enough to produce giggles. Since babies are not big enough to say “No,” you should make sure that your finger is very gentle and only tickles for a fraction of a second… not long enough to make them feel helpless and uncomfortable.
Those are just a few tickles games for babies, toddlers, and kids. Remember, although this can be a loving and learning experience, the word no always means that it is time to stop.