Learning to assess hazards and understand risks in life is a normal part of an adult’s every day – but how did we learn to do this – and how can we teach our children to do the same?

Taking risks and learning from them is an inevitable and important part of growing up. And as parents or carers, it is our responsibility to encourage healthy risk-taking behaviour. By understanding different types of such behaviour and the motivation behind them, you can set children up for success and reduce their risk of harm in future life.

Here´s our essential guide to risky play.

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Why is risky play important?

Children take risks for a number of reasons. As some children develop mastery of a task, they take risks to improve their skills; for example, as pre-schoolers, they may try balancing on logs in their favourite park, which can lead to them walking on top of a wall by a river as they turn into teenagers! Some risk-taking behaviours stem from an effort to assert independence and develop autonomy.

We tend to associate the term risk with dangerous activities, but risk-taking behaviours can be healthy, too. For example, when your child steps outside of their comfort zone and participates in a new activity, or when they are joining a new leisure club, or auditioning for a role in the latest school play – these all come with risk and sometimes disappointment, but isn’t that a part of learning how to deal with new situations when they are older?

Such healthy risk-taking behaviors are a normal and important part of child development and should be encouraged as your children learn to make good choices and become more skilled and independent.

risky play

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Guidelines for safe risk-taking

Providing children with opportunities to take controlled risks helps them grow, so how can we do this (without giving ourselves a heart attack)?

When it comes to facilitating risky play safely, it’s all about striking the right balance between freedom and safety. Here are some practical tips for parents and educators:

  • Adopt the “As safe as necessary” approach: Instead of trying to make everything ‘as safe as possible’, focus on making environments safe for children to explore risks without danger. 
  • Use the 17-second rule: Before stepping in, pause for 17 seconds to observe how a child handles a risky situation. This brief moment can provide insight into whether the child can manage independently or needs your help.
  • Create safe boundaries: Design play areas that encourage risk-taking within a safety framework. This might mean setting up a climbing frame with appropriate fall mats, choosing safe locations for playing near elements like water, or supervising activities that involve tools.

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Age-appropriate risky play and its benefits

Risky play is a dynamic way to support a child’s development. Not to mention that it teaches resilience and independence within a safe environment!

Let’s explore the types of risky play and their benefits:

  1. Play with heights: Climbing trees and structures allows children to develop their coordination and assess their limits. For toddlers, this means supervised climbing on low structures. Preschoolers can tackle more complex climbing challenges, and school-age children can ascend to greater heights under watchful eyes. risky play
  2. Experiencing speed: Activities like riding bikes or sledges give children a sense of speed and motion. Toddlers can enjoy gentle pushes on swings, preschoolers can start with tricycles, and older children can handle bikes and sledges on varied terrains.
  3. Using tools: Handling tools, such as building forts with real hammers or saws, teaches responsibility and fine motor skills. Supervised tool use starts simply with preschoolers, who might use screwdrivers under adult supervision, and expands to more complex tools for school-aged children.
  4. Playing near elements: Being near elements like water and fire can teach children about natural forces and safety precautions. Water play can begin with shallow paddling pools for toddlers; supervised beach trips are great for preschoolers, and you can explore more adventurous water activities like kayaking for older children, always under strict supervision.
  5. Rough-and-tumble play: Wrestling and play fighting help children understand social boundaries and physical capabilities. This form of play should be closely monitored to ensure it stays friendly and fun. risky play
  6. Disappearing games: Games like hide-and-seek offer independence and exploration. Toddlers can play peek-a-boo; preschoolers can enjoy hide-and-seek in safe indoor spaces, and school-age children can extend their play to larger yet secure outdoor areas.

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Your role in risky play

The tendency of parents to wrap children in cotton wool has transformed how some children experience childhood today. It is important to remember that risk-taking is a normal part of a child’s development; it allows a child to define his identity and grow as an individual.

When children play, they move from what they know and can do—and what is, therefore, familiar and boring—to what is engaging, exciting, uncertain, and new. By taking risks, children build their capabilities, explore their emotions, expand their horizons, and test boundaries. They also gain practical experience of taking responsibility for their own safety.

So, talk to your children about risks and discuss ways to reduce the negative aspects of risk. Give your child opportunities to participate in healthy risk-taking behaviour and model appropriate risk-taking behaviour. Be brave by stepping back and giving your child space, but ensure you’re within reach that´s comfortable for you!

 

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

 

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