Whenever you think of risky play in the early years everyone always panics, but in reality risky play, plays an important role in their development and is normal and healthy for children to engage in risky play. When children are given the opportunity to be involved in experiences that are thrilling but also exciting it gives the child time to test out how far their limits are and extend their learning. Some benefits of Risky Play include:
- Developing self-confidence
- Building resilience
- Enhancing executive functioning abilities
- Improving risk-management skills
- Increasing physical activity
- Developing social skills
- Learning to adapt to environments and fears
- Moderating the potential of future anxiety disorders
- Encouraging problem-solving skills
- Supporting children’s natural curiosity
- Developing confidence, persistence, and resilience
Some fun activities of risky play are:
- Climbing up high objects (climbing on a chair and jumping off)
- Experiencing speed such as biking fast, sledding, sliding
- Being near risky elements such as fire or water
- Rough and tumble play with others
- Disappearing games, such as hide-and-seek
- Play involving impact (repeatedly crashing into objects)
Try some risky play at home!
