Dr. Laura Markham also is a fan of rough play for kids. She suggests setting guidelines before the play begins, and keeping them consistent.

"Laughter vents anxiety and transforms the body chemistry to reduce the stress hormones that are circulating. Laughter creates more oxytocin, the bonding hormone, so when kids laugh with another person, it strengthens that relationship. Moving helps work out emotion and is essential for brain development.," Markham writes.

"Roughhousing even builds self esteem as kids experience their own physical strength, especially for kids who are less assertive, or smaller than other kids their age."

Markham goes on to discuss safe limits, and winding down from exuberant play.

Read about her roughhousing rules here.