Nurturing Resilience in Preschoolers through Risky Play
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Hey Reader! The term “risky play” has gained some attention over the last few years in the world of early childhood development. Our natural instinct is to protect our little ones from potential harm, but research suggests that allowing controlled, purposeful risk-taking can be a crucial component of healthy development. “If we want children to be prepared for risk, we need to allow them to come into contact with risk.” says Prof Rolf Schwarz of Karlsruhe University of Education, who advises councils and playground designers in Germany. (HERE is the full article from 2021) Risky play involves activities that push the boundaries of a child’s comfort zone, such as climbing, jumping, or rough-and-tumble play. When children engage in activities with an element of risk, they learn to assess and manage dangers, developing essential decision-making skills. Playground designer David Köhler stated (in the same article) “Children may feel insecure when they first climb in our nets, but this is actually what makes the structures even safer. Because when you are feeling insecure, you are also extra careful.” As preschoolers navigate challenges and conquer fears, they develop a sense of mastery and autonomy. This newfound confidence becomes a foundation for future risk assessment and decision-making in various aspects of life. Basically, as they encounter risk and choose to power through, or slow down, they get better and better at making decisions for themselves. By providing well-designed spaces and maintaining a watchful eye, adults can support preschoolers in exploring their limits safely. Embracing risky play is not about encouraging recklessness, but rather about recognizing the profound benefits of allowing children to navigate the world with a sense of adventure, resilience, and confidence. What risks are you willing to allow in your early childhood environment to encourage these youngsters to build resilience and confidence in their own abilities to problem-solve and master hard challenges? Listen in to our latest podcast episode to hear a conversation with Debbie Tonne Jones about even allowing children to <gasp> climb UP the slide! Can’t wait to hear your feedback!
Cheering you on this week! -Your ECCN team
Colossians 3:16 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” |
