Let them climb just a bit higher: The case for risky — not hazardous — play

Spring has sprung since last I wrote! Days are longer and brighter, and although our weather is certainly temperamental, the mercury is trending warmer. Many of us are emerging from our homes for longer stretches outside. This is a good time of year to reevaluate our young children’s outdoor experiences. I’m here today to advocate for risky play!

The Canadian Paediatric Society differentiates “risky” play from “hazardous” play by noting that “a risk arises in situations where a child can recognize and evaluate the challenge and decide on a course of action based on personal preference and self-perceived skill. For example, how high to go on a climbing structure or how fast to run down a slope. A hazard is posed by situations where the potential for injury is beyond the child’s capacity to recognize it as such or to manage it. For example, an improperly anchored slide could topple under a child’s weight, or a rotten tree limb may break.”

Risky play, particularly that which happens outdoors, has many benefits for children. A great place to start learning more about why risky play is important is this short overview from Boston University. Engaging in this type of play allows children to develop their own sense of awareness about boundaries, challenge themselves, and build confidence.

We talked about “risky play” in my ECFE classes last week. We shared what feels comfortable and what feels too dangerous to each of us individually. The space between those two areas is where I want to challenge parents to stretch themselves a little bit. A really helpful first step for many parents to do this seems to be shifting language from fear-based, limiting language, to that which encourages awareness and supports exploration. The Child and Nature Alliance of Canada has a nice article that suggests different awareness prompts for children, and Backwoods Mama offers a printable PDF of prompts for these situations.

Finally, if you’re looking for an even deeper dive into this topic, Angela Hanscom may be your very best guide. You can read her book, Barefoot and Balanced (we have a copy in our ECFE library, available for check-out). Alternatively, you can read this interview with her to learn more about her philosophy around children and outdoor play (bonus: this interview was done by another great resource: 1000 Hours Outside).

Have fun out there, friends. Just like sticks and rocks, children, too, need space!