Risky play is a type of play that involves intentionally seeking out or engaging in activities that involve risk or danger. While it may seem counterintuitive, engaging in risky play can actually be beneficial for children’s development, as it allows them to explore and test their limits in a controlled and safe environment.
One of the key benefits of risky play is that it helps children develop important skills and abilities, such as problem-solving, decision-making, risk assessment, and physical coordination. By engaging in activities that require them to think critically and take calculated risks, children can learn how to evaluate potential dangers and make informed choices about how to proceed.
In addition to the cognitive benefits, risky play can also have a number of physical and emotional benefits for children. It can help them build strength, endurance, and coordination, as well as boost their confidence and self-esteem. Engaging in activities that challenge them and push them out of their comfort zone can also help children learn to cope with stress and adversity and develop a sense of resilience and grit.
Children can engage in many risky play activities, including climbing, playing sports, exploring nature, and participating in outdoor games and activities. It’s important to ensure that children have access to various play opportunities and that they are supervised and supported by adults who can help them navigate any potential risks and challenges.
Overall, risky play is a crucial aspect of children’s development, and it’s something that parents and caregivers can encourage and support in various ways. Whether by providing children with access to playgrounds and outdoor spaces or by encouraging them to take on new challenges and activities, risky play can help children grow and thrive in a healthy and meaningful way. However, it’s also important to ensure that children are safe and protected while engaging in risky play and to help them develop the skills and judgment they need to evaluate and manage risks effectively.
Are we raising our children in a “cacoon”?
Do you allow your children the same freedoms you enjoyed growing up – spontaneous and unstructured play? Riding a bicycle with friends in the street, playing with mud, and climbing trees. Do you think children are now growing up sheltered in a protected and shielded environment?
There are several potential pitfalls of raising children in a “cocoon” or highly controlled environment, where they are not allowed to take risks or engage in activities that involve some level of uncertainty or potential for error. Some of these pitfalls may include:
- Limited opportunities for skill development: By not allowing children to take risks or challenge themselves in a controlled and safe environment, parents may be limiting their children’s ability to develop important skills and abilities such as problem-solving, decision-making, risk assessment, and physical coordination.
- Decreased confidence and self-esteem: Engaging in activities that challenge children and push them out of their comfort zone can help them build confidence and self-esteem. If children are not allowed to take risks or challenge themselves, they may miss out on these important benefits.
- Increased anxiety and fear of failure: Children who are not allowed to take risks or make mistakes may develop a fear of failure, as they may not have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and develop a sense of self-agency and control over their own learning and development. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and insecurity.
- Reduced social and emotional skills: Risky play and other activities that involve social interaction and communication can help children develop important social and emotional skills such as collaboration, conflict resolution, and empathy. If children are not allowed to participate in these types of activities, they may miss out on these important benefits.
- Decreased physical development: Engaging in physical activities that challenge children’s strength, endurance, and coordination can help them develop important physical skills and abilities. If children are not allowed to participate in these types of activities, they may miss out on these important benefits.
Overall, it’s important for parents and caregivers to strike a balance between safety and risk, and to provide children with the opportunity to explore and learn through trial and error in a controlled and supportive environment. This can help children develop the skills and abilities they need to navigate the world around them with confidence and resilience.
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Programs offered at ExcellED Montessori Plus include:
✔️Infants (10 Weeks – 18 Months)
✔️Toddlers (18 – 36 Months)
✔️Primary (3-6 Years)
✔️Kindergarten
✔️Mother’s Day Out
✔️Spanish Immersion / Dual Language
✔️After School Programs and Summer Camp (6 – 12 Years)
Music, Spanish, and Yoga are other programs included as part of the tuition.
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