What is Risky Play??
Let’s play a game!
First - Think back to your own childhood?
I remember a swing set in the backyard - it was green and white and was Sesame Street (yes - I was a child of the 80’s) I remember how when we would swing really high it would rock a bit more than it should (by today’s standards). It had a green bar to hang from….and YES we would hand by our knees - upside down - and even got so brave to flip off!
I remember at preschool we had a climbing dome - you reached the top you were on top of the world. In elementary school, there were monkey bars… ones the teachers could walk under! Sure at first we would “monkey” our way across but soon that was easy or our blisters burst open and we had to take a break… Then we started to climb on the top and sit ON THE TOP of the monkey bars.
Do you have memories like that??
Now think to your own child…. your preschooler, or young school aged child….. will your children have those types of memories?? Our world is different and more watched and controlled but these memories we have were vital to our decision making, confidence and physical development!
What defines “Risky Play”?
Risky play can be defined as any play that is thrilling or exciting and involves some risk of injury. There are six key factors of risky play:
Height and Elevation: Climbing trees or structures.
Speed and Momentum: Activities like swinging, sliding, or riding bikes.
Use of Risky or Adult Tools: Handling tools like knives, saws, or hammers.
Interaction with Natural Elements: Playing with water, fire, or other natural elements.
Play with a Chance of “Getting Lost”: Playing hide-and-seek or exploring wooded areas.
Rough-and-Tumble Play: Play fighting or chasing games
When we talk about risky play, sometimes called adventurous play, we’re referring to activities that are thrilling and exciting, often with an element of risk. While this might sound a bit nerve-wracking for parents, it’s important to understand the multitude of benefits that come with allowing children to engage in risky play.
Benefits of Risky Play:
Cognitive: Risky play is a fantastic way for children to develop essential cognitive skills. As they navigate various challenges, they learn to problem-solve, make decisions, and assess risks. This type of play encourages them to think on their feet and develop critical thinking skills that are invaluable throughout life.
Physical: Engaging in risky play helps build strength, endurance, and coordination. Activities that involve climbing, running, and balancing not only keep children active but also enhance their physical development. It’s through these physical challenges that children gain a better understanding of their bodies and their capabilities.
Emotional Benefits: Risky play can significantly boost a child's confidence and self-esteem. By facing and overcoming challenges, children learn to cope with stress and build resilience. This process of encountering difficulties and finding ways to overcome them helps build grit and a positive self-image.
Pitfalls of Overprotective Parenting
While it's natural to want to protect our children, being overly cautious can have some downsides:
Limited Skill Development: Children may miss out on important developmental opportunities if they’re not allowed to engage in challenging activities.
Decreased Confidence and Self-Esteem: Without the chance to test their limits, children might not develop the self-assurance that comes from overcoming obstacles.
Increased Anxiety and Fear of Failure: Children who are shielded from risks might become more anxious and fearful of failure, as they haven’t had the chance to learn how to handle these experiences.
Decreased Physical Development: Physical growth can be stunted if children aren’t given the freedom to engage in physically challenging activities.
Practical Tips for Encouraging Safe Risky Play
While we want to encourage risky play, it's essential to ensure safety without stifling these valuable play opportunities.
Trust Children to Know Their Own Limits:
Children are motivated to explore their boundaries but usually know their capacities. Create an environment that allows them to take risks within safe limits. Don’t hover or stand too close - allow children to make choices about the risk without fear of interruption from adults. Be an observer.
Assess Risks and Eliminate Hazards:
Conduct risk-benefit assessments to identify which risks are acceptable and which hazards need to be removed. This helps balance safety with opportunities for growth.
Support Children to Struggle and Overcome:
Allow children to face challenges without intervening too quickly. This enables them to develop problem-solving skills and resilience. Ask if they would like help before you just jump in to “save” them. Use words to guide or talk them through situations before physically helping.
Encourage Critical Thinking:
Ask open-ended questions to help children think critically about their actions. Avoid projecting your own fears and instead, guide them to make thoughtful decisions.
Allocate Time for Risky Play:
Allow time in your child’s schedule for unstructured, adventurous play. Flexibility is key to allowing spontaneous and meaningful experiences.
Risky play is a natural and essential part of childhood. By providing a balanced approach to safety and risk, we can help our children grow into confident, capable, and resilient individuals. For more insights on the benefits of risky play, check out resources from NAEYC, Outside Play, and Open Access Government.
