Helping children grow through safe challenges
Children learn best when they can explore, take chances, and test their abilities – sometimes in ways that might feel a little bit risky. This type of play, known as ‘risky play,’ is about challenge and growth – rather than being reckless.
It’s about giving children the freedom to challenge themselves in safe, age-appropriate ways, building confidence and resilience along the way.
Q: What is risky play – and why does it matter?
A: Risky play happens when children take part in exciting, unpredictable, or physically challenging activities – like climbing, balancing, or exploring – while staying within safe limits. This helps children learn, grow, and gain confidence. Children who engage in appropriate risky play develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and physical confidence that they may otherwise miss out on.
Q: How does risky play benefit children?
A: Risky play supports many different areas of development:
- Thinking and problem-solving: Children assess situations and learn to make quick decisions.
- Physical skills: Activities like climbing and running improve coordination, strength, as well as spatial awareness.
- Emotional resilience: Facing challenges safely builds confidence and satisfaction from achievement.
- Social skills: Interacting with their peers teaches communication, teamwork, and negotiation.
Q: What does appropriate risk look like?
A: Safe challenges depend on age and ability. Children benefit from opportunities to test their skills, make decisions, and explore their environment – safely. The type of challenge should match their developmental stage:
- Toddlers: Supervised stairs, playground climbing, exploring textures.
- Preschoolers: Building with loose parts, using simple tools, navigating varied outdoor spaces.
- School-age children: Tree climbing, complex constructions, physical challenges that test limits.
Q: How do educators support risky play?
A: Educators guide children to take safe risks by:
- Modelling careful risk assessment.
- Asking questions to encourage problem-solving (“How could you test if that branch is strong?”).
- Creating safe, challenging environments.
- Providing support only when needed, allowing children to succeed independently.
Q: What does research say about risky play?
A: Studies have shown that children encouraged to take appropriate risks develop stronger motor skills, emotional resilience, and confidence. Overprotective environments can increase anxiety and limit physical development.
Q: What’s the goal of risky play?
A: The aim isn’t to create ‘reckless’ children, rather, it’s to raise capable, confident children who can assess challenges, make informed choices, and navigate an unpredictable world. Supporting risky play gives children tools for life.
Learn more about how we support children to develop skills for life. Find your local Guardian centre and book a tour.
