I ascribe to the theory that tickling is a mechanism children instinctively use to learn important survival skills. The seemingly contradictory behavior of want

I ascribe to the theory that tickling is a mechanism children instinctively use to learn important survival skills. The seemingly contradictory behavior of wanting something while also not wanting it makes perfect sense in this light. Appearing to want tickling encourages others to "attack," while truly not wanting it motivates a child to vigorously defend. Relatedly, children seem to universally enjoy games of hide-and-seek and chase. Even more fun, are combinations of these such as an adult acting as though they are a horrible monster while chasing children who hide and do their best to avoid a tickle mauling. Similar behavior appears in a variety of juvenile animals who actively encourage being chased and play-attacked. A child who learns to perform well in these play scenarios can apply such skills to the real world when they truly need to evade, hide, or defend themselves while still small and weak. I think that trying to impose adult consent behaviors upon young children in these areas is unnatural and counter productive.