Risky Play

Is It  Risky Play Worth The Risk?

We want to thank Sarah Russell, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist with nearly 20 years of experience and a mum of two boys, one of them currently at Annabels in Year 1 for sharing her personal and professional insights on why risky play is such an important part of a child’s development.

“As a mother of two energetic boys, I often find myself in a heart-stopping loop: watching my children climb trees, launch themselves from walls, or race down slopes on their bikes at alarming speeds. In those moments, where my instinct screams “Stop!”; their play feels challenging, almost negligent on my behalf. I have to take a deep breath and remind myself of a crucial truth: Play is the work of childhood, and the 'risky' kind is essential for their well-being.

Working as a children’s Occupational Therapist with a passion for a slow, unhurried childhood, I personally and professionally believe in the necessity of outdoor play- and at that- risky play for children. From trees to mud, rocks to ramps; mother nature provides some of the most nourishing play experiences for children. The outdoors provides opportunity for various types of risky play- an element of children’s play which is essential for their development, especially for young boys (Pellegrini & Smith).

While we might theoretically understand the benefits, I’ve learned that allowing our children to embrace their own experiences and desires, often requires us- as parents- to examine our preconceived thoughts and opinions. Because, essentially our thoughts and feelings will bear an impact on our children’s decision making, exploration and ultimately what they deem safe and appropriate. I hope, like for me, this article helps you embrace the philosophy and practice that while risky, risky play is worth the risk.

What is Risky Play?

Risky play is characterized by thrilling and exciting forms of free play that involve inherent risks, such as the potential for physical injury, due to the uncertain nature of the activity (Beaulieu & Beno).

Examples of risky play include:

Why is it so Important?

In the current cultural context, where caution and protection often take priority, the idea of "risky play" can feel counterintuitive. Yet, research strongly supports that allowing children to engage in age-appropriate risk-taking activities has significant benefits for their development (Brussoni, 2012):

• Physical Development: It's a natural gym. Risky play develops strength, coordination, balance, agility, and spatial and body awareness. Also learn to explore and test their physical capacities and capabilities.

• Cognitive Development: Risky play requires children to assess risks, make often speedy decisions, and problem-solve on the fly (e.g., “Is that branch strong enough to hold me?”).

• Emotional Development: Successfully navigating a challenge boosts self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. 

• Social Development: Whether building a fort or play-fighting with sticks, risky play often involves teamwork. Children learn to plan, negotiate, compromise, and set shared rules with friends or siblings.

• Sensory motor development: One of my favorites, and a foundational area for higher level brain maturation and development, involves the integration of skills such as sensory processing, postural stability and security, primitive reflex maturity and motor planning. If we reference the developmental learning pyramid below, risky play allows children to explore many of the areas listed. This visual demonstrates the importance of play, such as risky play, for the development for higher level academic and cognitive learning. 

Pyramid of learning visual.

Reference: https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog/the-importance-of-the-pyramid-of-learning

What About the Risks?

Risky play wouldn’t be called risky play if it didn’t come without risks. It’s natural to associate risky play with injuries and to safeguard your child against any probability of injury. However, research indicates that the vast majority of risky play-related incidents result in minor injury—scrapes, cuts and bruises—that require little to no medical intervention. My professional opinion is that the biggest risk to our children and their childhood isn’t a fall; it’s over-restriction and over-protection, which can impact a plethora of wonderful learning opportunities.

How to Embrace Risk While Minimizing Danger

1. Consider a paradigm shift from keeping children “as safe as possible” to keeping them “As safe as is necessary.”

2. Play on wheels: A scooter/ balance bike/ bike./ rollerblades/ skate board etc. Get them and let them be on wheels. This might be a good place to start in terms of ‘risky play’ as these encompass lots of age and socially appropriate play, with speed and agility. 

3. Start Small: Begin with low-risk activities and gradually increase the challenge as your child gains confidence and competence. For example a scooter on artificial grass, building up to a concrete ramp. 

4. Provide Supportive Supervision: Supervision is crucial, not to prevent risk, but to be there if they genuinely need you. Watch their actions, and try create space for child to demonstrate agency and autonomy. Work together to understand what requires proximity and what requires physical support.

5. Reframe “Be careful” to more specific and informative language that encourages safety awareness and problem-solving skills:

6. “That tree branch looks weak; pay attention to where you put your weight.”

7. “The ground is uneven here; watch your footing”.

8. “Those rocks look sharp and slippery, I’m here if you need help, let me know!”

6. Support your helper/nanny to understand your position round risky play. Talk about situations that you feel comfortable with, those that wouldn’t be acceptable and importantly encourage them to check in with the child. There are some wonderful first aid classes at ‘Bumpsy Daisy Cafe and Community’ on Soi 31. This could be a great way for your helper (and family!) to feel better equipped to venture into the territory of risky play.

Embracing Risky play in Bangkok:

• Outdoor Play: Visit local parks- bring a moveable! If you have an outdoor space use it: If there are opportunities for climbing, balancing, jumping, running, tumbling, explore it!

• Creative Play: Encourage exploring natural materials: sticks and leaves can become forts/ camp fires/ fishing rods/ Thor’s hammer!

• Play fighting/ rough housing: Introduce shared rules—such as blunting the end of sticks or setting agreed-upon "no-strike" zones, a word that means “Game over”.

• Visit the Green Lung! A wonderful opportunity for the weekend. Escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature!

• Indoor Soft Play: While not as beneficial as an outdoor environment, there’s still plenty of beneficial opportunities. Instead if age appropriate try rocks climbing!

Key take away points:

• Risky play involves challenging activities with a perceived risk of injury, like climbing trees, building forts, or playing near water.

• Risky play is beneficial: It helps kids learn, grow, and become more resilient. 

• Any child can engage in elements of risky play appropriate to their development.  

• The occurrence of injury requiring medical attention is very minimal.

• Teach risk assessment: Help children understand and manage risks by helping them develop an awareness of perceived risk “the rocks are slippery, hold on” or “Pay attention to the broken tree branch when climbing the tree”.

• Remember: Risky play is a natural part of childhood development. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment, you can help your child reap the many benefits of this important type of play.

Risky play is a natural, developmental need for children. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment, you are giving your child the tools to grow into a resilient, confident, and capable young person!”

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and guidance only. It does not constitute professional medical or child development advice. Always prioritize the safety and well-being of your child.

References:

Pellegrini, A. D., & Smith, P. K. (1998). Physical activity and play. In W. M. Reynolds & G. E. Miller (Eds.), The encyclopedia of adolescence (pp. 577–581). Pergamon.

Beaulieu, E., & Beno, S. (2024) Healthy childhood development through outdoor risky play: Navigating the balance with injury prevention. Canadian Pediatric Society, Injury Prevention Committee.

Brussoni M, Olsen LL, Pike I, Sleet DA(2012). Risky play and children's safety: balancing

priorities for optimal child development. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 9(9):3134-48.

Bio: 

Sarah Russell is Pediatric Occupational Therapist with nearly 20 years of experience spanning Asia and Australia, including a decade of clinical practice in Bangkok. Sarah currently consults within a number of international schools. She is a strong advocate for a balanced, unhurried approach to childhood, including connecting children to nature and risky play, intentionally reducing technology and balancing rest and recreation. Sarah is a frequent writer for BAMBI magazine.