When we think about suitable learning environments for our children, the idea of letting them handle sharp tools or play with fire seldom comes to mind. However, research indicates that shielding them from what we label as “risky” outdoor environments may actually hinder their development.
“Risky play” encompasses unstructured settings where elements of danger are present. It includes activities like roughhousing, climbing to high places, engaging with potentially harmful tools, or playing near hazardous elements like flames, and even scenarios where children can easily wander off or get lost.
As parents, our instinct is to prioritize safety. We naturally want to protect our kids from harm, especially since they often don’t seem to grasp the meaning of phrases like “Be careful.” Yet, studies suggest that stepping back and allowing kids to navigate risky outdoor play can yield significant advantages.
1. Fostering Social Skills and Resilience
Through risky play, children learn to assess various levels of risk, discerning what is safe and what isn’t. They develop quick decision-making abilities while discovering how the world operates, collaborating with peers, and finding inventive solutions to problems.
2. Boosting Self-Esteem
Restricting kids from engaging in risky activities can lead to self-doubt. In contrast, children who partake in adventurous play experience positive feelings like joy, pride, and confidence. Granting them the freedom to explore risky play shows that we trust their judgment and capabilities, which can significantly enhance their self-esteem.
3. Negative Aftereffects of Overprotection
Conversely, children who aren’t exposed to risky play might struggle with decreased self-confidence and increased vulnerability. This lack of confidence can manifest in other detrimental ways, including a tendency toward sedentary behavior, anxiety, and phobias.
4. Risky Play Isn’t as Dangerous as It Seems
While we want our children to benefit from risk-taking, we certainly don’t want to end up in the ER. Fortunately, the actual risk of serious injuries from outdoor play is lower than we might expect. Research shows that injury rates during risky outdoor activities are lower than those associated with organized sports, with only about 0.15-0.17 injuries per 1,000 hours of play, suggesting that sports like Little League baseball may be more perilous than typical risky play.
5. Girls Missing Out on Risky Play
A notable finding from these studies is that girls are often less exposed to the advantages of risky play. Parents tend to encourage boys to engage in riskier activities more than they do girls, who are often taught to be more cautious. This disparity restricts girls from reaping the social and physical benefits associated with adventurous play, an area that clearly needs improvement.
Children thrive best when we empower them to face challenges instead of trying to shield them from every potential danger. By allowing them to take risks, we may be amazed at how well they adapt when given that responsibility. For more insights on how to support your kids through safe and age-appropriate risky play opportunities, check out OutsidePlay.ca.
This article was originally published on Oct. 3, 2017.
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In summary, allowing children to engage in risky play not only fosters essential life skills such as creativity and resilience but also enhances their self-esteem. By encouraging exploration and adventure, we help them develop confidence and independence, paving the way for their overall growth and well-being.