HOME ◼︎ CHILDREN ◼︎ BUDDHADHAMMA ◼︎ WRITING ◼︎ TOPICS
About
Risky Play
Short Description:
A type of play where children engage with challenge, uncertainty, and physical risk to build confidence, resilience, and judgment.
About
Risky play includes climbing high, balancing on logs, jumping from heights, using real tools, or disappearing briefly from sight. It might make adults nervous—but for children, it’s vital. Through risky play, kids learn to assess danger, push their limits, and develop trust in their bodies and decision-making.
Rather than reckless or unsafe, risky play is a natural part of development. Research shows that children who engage in it are more physically capable, more confident, and better at managing real-world risks later in life. Shielding kids from all risk doesn’t protect them—it leaves them unprepared.
Outdoor environments are ideal for this kind of play: tree climbing, fort building, scrambling up rocks, or walking across fallen logs. But the key isn’t location—it’s permission. When we allow children to take appropriate risks, we show them that we trust their abilities.
Rather than eliminate risk, adults can support risky play by creating safe boundaries, observing carefully, and stepping in only when necessary.
How It Shows Up in Practice
You’ll see risky play in:
- Forest schools and outdoor classrooms where children climb, balance, and roam.
- Preschools with climbing structures, rough terrain, and real tools.
- Educators who say “Yes, let’s try” instead of “Be careful.”
- Environments designed for challenge, not containment.
References
- Sandseter, E. B. H. (2007). Categorizing Risky Play
- Brussoni, M. et al. (2015). Risky Play and Children’s Safety
- Risky Play Documentary. The Importance of Risk
Risky Play
Short Description:
A type of play where children engage with challenge, uncertainty, and physical risk to build confidence, resilience, and judgment.
About
Risky play includes climbing high, balancing on logs, jumping from heights, using real tools, or disappearing briefly from sight. It might make adults nervous—but for children, it’s vital. Through risky play, kids learn to assess danger, push their limits, and develop trust in their bodies and decision-making.
Rather than reckless or unsafe, risky play is a natural part of development. Research shows that children who engage in it are more physically capable, more confident, and better at managing real-world risks later in life. Shielding kids from all risk doesn’t protect them—it leaves them unprepared.
Outdoor environments are ideal for this kind of play: tree climbing, fort building, scrambling up rocks, or walking across fallen logs. But the key isn’t location—it’s permission. When we allow children to take appropriate risks, we show them that we trust their abilities.
Rather than eliminate risk, adults can support risky play by creating safe boundaries, observing carefully, and stepping in only when necessary.
How It Shows Up in Practice
You’ll see risky play in:
- Forest schools and outdoor classrooms where children climb, balance, and roam.
- Preschools with climbing structures, rough terrain, and real tools.
- Educators who say “Yes, let’s try” instead of “Be careful.”
- Environments designed for challenge, not containment.
References
- Sandseter, E. B. H. (2007). Categorizing Risky Play
- Brussoni, M. et al. (2015). Risky Play and Children’s Safety
- Risky Play Documentary. The Importance of Risk
Articles and Resources on This Site
A tribute to Bev Bos and the living legacy of Roseville Preschool—celebrating trust, play, presence, and the radical act of letting children tumble freely into becoming.
Reflects on risk, agency, and learning through the lens of Teacher Tom’s wisdom, honoring children’s capacity to navigate the physical world with courage and competence.
An invitation to rethink risk in childhood—how trusting children with real challenges builds strength, discernment, and responsibility, rather than fear or dependence.
External Links
Related Topics
