There is no doubt that children (and adults) love to play. Unfortunately, however, sometimes it is no longer play. But children do not realize this. However, it is not so difficult to know what is still play and what is no longer play. But this applies not only to children, but also to adults. So let us consider what we should be aware of.

First of all, we should ask ourselves whether we are hurting anyone (whether another person or an animal) by playing. One of the basic rules of the game is that all participants should enjoy it. If any participant feels discomfort or pain, it is no longer a game.

This tends to be especially problematic for young children whose empathy is not yet developed. Some overzealous behavior has been observed, such as tying a canned food to a cat\’s tail. The children are not yet aware that they are causing the animal distress and simply cannot empathize. Therefore, it is up to the parents to explain to their children why this behavior is inappropriate.

Another warning sign is when play intentionally damages the property of others. This tends to be a temptation for children, not because they want to destroy it, but because of the adrenaline of trying not to get caught. If successful, the endorphin rush is really big. So, for example, don\’t just destroy things, ring a bell. Again, it is a good idea to explain to the children why this is a bad thing to do and offer alternatives that will give them the same satisfaction.

It should be noted that not all of the above applies only to children (although of course it applies primarily to children), but also to some adults. Most are people of low emotional intelligence. They, too, need to be told why they should not do so. Just keep in mind that change in adults is much more difficult than change in children. Yet, we must not give up.

There is no doubt that children (and adults) love to play. Unfortunately, however, sometimes it is no longer play. But children do not realize this. However, it is not so difficult to know what is still play and what is no longer play. But this applies not only to children, but also to adults. So let us consider what we should be aware of.

First of all, we should ask ourselves whether we are hurting anyone (whether another person or an animal) by playing. One of the basic rules of the game is that all participants should enjoy it. If any participant feels discomfort or pain, it is no longer a game.

This tends to be especially problematic for young children whose empathy is not yet developed. Some overzealous behavior has been observed, such as tying a canned food to a cat\’s tail. The children are not yet aware that they are causing the animal distress and simply cannot empathize. Therefore, it is up to the parents to explain to their children why this behavior is inappropriate.

Another warning sign is when play intentionally damages the property of others. This tends to be a temptation for children, not because they want to destroy it, but because of the adrenaline of trying not to get caught. If successful, the endorphin rush is really big. So, for example, don\’t just destroy things, ring a bell. Again, it is a good idea to explain to the children why this is a bad thing to do and offer alternatives that will give them the same satisfaction.

It should be noted that not all of the above applies only to children (although of course it applies primarily to children), but also to some adults. Most are people of low emotional intelligence. They, too, need to be told why they should not do so. Just keep in mind that change in adults is much more difficult than change in children. Yet, we must not give up.