RISKY BUSINESS
The rock wall instead of the steps
Hanging upside down off the monkey bars
Leaping from the boulder to a superhero landing
Is there a benefit to us as parents relaxing our thoughts on these “risky” behaviours?
Paediatric Physios ↗ have always been in the yes corner, and now the scientific evidence has entered the chat and it agrees with us.
What is risky play?
Risky play is generally thought of as exciting and thrilling forms of play that involve the potential risk of injury. Seeking risky play is a natural urge for children, it can come in the form of the environment they are playing in:
rocks
climbing
unstable surfaces
or the characteristics of the play (i.e. the challenging way they move their body):
climbing
jumping
falling
However, there is a subjective perception of risk, what is risky to one child would be no risk to another, and similarly, what is risky to a parent may not be risky to the child.
Every child is different is what is “risky” to them?
Typically, risky play is challenging for the child and has an element of fear, however it is very dependent on the individual child. For example a proficient climber may feel completely confident scaling a giant rope structure, however for another that may seem an insurmountable task. On the other hand, the second child may find jumping from platform to platform a breeze when others look at that as out of their depth. Likewise, “risky’ play changes with age. Toddlers doing a simple log balance is a little risky for them, but this is a breeze for a child. The risk is always changing based on the skill of the child, their changes in development as well as the unique environments they are accessing.
Parents vs child assessment of risk
There is often a dissociation between what is risky to a child and what is risky to the parent. Possibly even worse between grandparents and children (I joke, but no seriously). When this happens it is tricky to navigate giving enough freedom but also feeling comfortable as a parent that your child is safe.
However what we know is that imposing too many restrictions on children’s risky play can hinder their development. What I suggest as both a mother and a Paediatric Physio ↗ is try to find the balance between the joy and possible benefits of thrilling play and your safety concerns.
Strategies for Supporting RIsky Play
How do we find the balance between the joy and possible benefits of thrilling play and your safety concerns? These are my strategies:
1. Asking “what’s your plan?”
This is a simple question encourages your child to focus on the activity, how they will move from A to B, what movements they are hoping to execute. It simultaneously encourages problem solving for the child and also gives the parent or caregiver an insight into their level of risk. It is an easy opportunity to suggest some alternatives if the activity seems a bit too advanced or bordering on recklessness, but not taking away from their opportunity for play.
2. Take a step back
Hovering too close will not aid in anybody’s confidence in the task. By taking a step back, you will remain close enough to offer assistance if needed but also provide encouragement to your child that they will be successful.
3. The mantra “firm feet, safe hands”
This is a favourite of mine personally. It makes the task a very conscious pursuit for kids and gets them focusing on their body and what it’s doing.
Orienting themselves to their own body helps them understand where they are in space and how to navigate their next steps. By focusing on firm feet children are aware of the need for a solid and safe placement of their feet, as well as safe hands to know they need to be holding on.
In essence trying to always maintain a safe 3-points of contact.
4. Doing Dangerous things Carefully
My firm belief is children doing something a little bit dangerous but doing it carefully with healthy concern is fine, even encouraged.
So ask yourself, is it a bit dangerous? Are they going it carefully and with intentional movements? Yes and yes? Play on.
Why is it Important to them?
Play is paramount to healthy childhood development, play needs to be holistic for children involving sensory experience, imaginative endeavours and also to test out their physical capacity.
Risky play has been found to be positively associated with children’s wellbeing, inclusion in play with others and greater levels of physical activity. By providing children with opportunities for risky play they appear to gain confidence, body awareness and are more likely to participate in all activity.
Risky play builds crucial skills in assessing risks, solving problems and learning what their body can do.
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References
Brussoni, M., Olsen, L. L., Pike, I., & Sleet, D. A. (2012). Risky play and children's safety: balancing priorities for optimal child development. International journal of environmental research and public health, 9(9), 3134–3148. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph9093134
Sando, O.J., Kleppe, R. & Sandseter, E.B.H. Risky Play and Children’s Well-Being, Involvement and Physical Activity. Child Ind Res 14, 1435–1451 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12187-021-09804-5
Sandseter, E. B. H. (2009). Characteristics of risky play. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 9(1), 3–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/14729670802702762