Risky Play - Part 2 - Addressing Common Concerns Parents Have with Risky Play
Addressing Common Concerns Parents Have with Risky Play
Parental and Caregiver Fears of Injury
It’s natural for parents and caregivers to worry about their child getting hurt during risky play. However, the benefits of allowing children to engage in these activities far outweigh the minimal risks when proper safety measures are in place. At a nursery in Dubai or a preschool in Dubai, adopting frameworks like Forest School and the Froebel approach ensures that children experience nature-based play in a structured yet exploratory manner.
Injury Risk is Low with Supervision and Age-Appropriate Activities
While accidents can happen, research shows that the injury rate in outdoor play is relatively low, especially when play is supervised and adjusted to the child’s developmental level. The type of injuries that do occur tend to be minor (scrapes, bruises), which are an important part of learning about their own physical limits. Play-based learning environments, such as those influenced by Playworks UK and Reggio Emilia, emphasize the importance of supervised yet independent exploration to foster resilience.
Risk is Inherent in Learning
Just like riding a bike or climbing trees, children need opportunities to push their limits safely. It’s through these small risks that they develop important life skills like balance, confidence, and resilience. In preschools in Dubai that integrate Playworks UK methodologies, children engage in structured yet adventurous play that builds teamwork and social confidence.
Prevention Through Preparation
Encouraging proper safety gear (like helmets for biking) and ensuring the environment is child-safe (with soft surfaces for falls) can minimize the risk of more severe injuries. Many nurseries in Dubai design their play areas with elements inspired by the Froebel approach, incorporating natural materials and open-ended play spaces to encourage safe risk-taking.
Balancing Risks and Benefits
Parents often wonder how to strike the right balance between encouraging risky play and ensuring safety.
Supervise, but Don’t Micromanage
Observe your child’s play from a distance, stepping in only when necessary. Allowing them the space to navigate risks independently helps them develop confidence in their own abilities. Nurseries in Dubai that adopt the Reggio Emilia approach prioritize child-led play, allowing children to assess and navigate risks in a supportive environment.
Create a Safe Environment
If you’re concerned about certain risks, focus on providing a controlled environment where the risks are manageable. For instance, a playground with cushioned flooring, or supervising them as they climb trees or rocks, ensures they can push their limits without being in danger. Forest Schools use natural landscapes to create engaging yet safe risk-taking opportunities.
Set Reasonable Boundaries
Encourage your child to take on challenges within their current physical ability. Don’t push them into activities that feel too scary or beyond their skill level, but provide them with opportunities that are appropriately challenging. The Froebelian approach advocates for open-ended play that allows children to explore their capabilities without unnecessary restrictions.
Statistical Evidence Showing Manageable Risks
Research and studies consistently show that risky play is safer than many parents assume.
Injury Rates in Outdoor Play
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the rate of serious injuries during outdoor play is low. Most injuries are minor (like cuts and bruises), and the benefits of allowing children to take risks far outweigh these minimal injuries.
Risk of Injury in Well-Supervised Play
A study from the University of Exeter found that children who were allowed to take risks had no more injuries than those who were more restricted in their play. In fact, the presence of adult supervision helps to mitigate serious risks without limiting their play experiences.
Overall Health Benefits
Studies also show that risky play fosters a greater sense of well-being, including physical, emotional, and psychological health, which leads to improved academic performance and overall happiness. Preschools in Dubai that integrate Playworks UK approaches emphasize the importance of movement and social play, contributing to overall child development.
Examples of Successful Implementation
Many communities and schools have successfully embraced risky play and found it to be incredibly beneficial.
Forest Schools
These schools encourage children to explore natural environments, where climbing trees, jumping in puddles, and navigating uneven terrain are integral parts of the curriculum. Research from Scandinavian countries, where these practices are more widespread, shows that children who engage in such play develop stronger problem-solving skills, better emotional regulation, and stronger social bonds. Some nurseries in Dubai are beginning to integrate Forest School principles to enhance outdoor learning experiences.
At Kid’s Island Nursery in Dubai, we embrace these principles through The Inspire Philosophy, which prioritizes outdoor, nature-based learning as a fundamental part of child development. Our outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to encourage hands-on exploration, risk-taking, and sensory-rich experiences, allowing children to develop resilience, confidence, and a deep connection with the natural world. By integrating Forest School elements into our curriculum, we create meaningful opportunities for children to climb, balance, dig, and engage with their surroundings,fostering independence and curiosity in a safe, nurturing environment.
Adventurous Playgrounds
These playgrounds are designed with less traditional, more risky structures, such as climbing ropes, tire swings, and uneven surfaces, where children are encouraged to explore and take risks. Studies show that these playgrounds help children develop greater confidence and improve their physical skills while still being relatively injury-free. Reggio Emilia-inspired preschools in Dubai create flexible and stimulating environments where children are encouraged to engage in open-ended, self-directed play.
Practical Tips for Encouraging Risky Play
Age-Appropriate Activities
Risky play doesn’t look the same for every age group, and that’s a good thing! Tailoring activities to your child’s developmental stage helps them enjoy the thrill of exploration while building their skills safely.
Toddlers (1–3 years): For younger children, risky play involves simple, low-to-the-ground activities like climbing small steps or crawling through tunnels. Even something as simple as balancing on a low beam or jumping off a small curb can help improve their coordination and confidence.
Preschoolers (3–5 years): At this stage, children are ready for more physical challenges, like climbing short ladders, swinging on ropes, or navigating playgrounds with soft surfaces. You can encourage activities like jumping over small obstacles, balancing on narrow surfaces, or exploring uneven terrain in safe outdoor environments.
School-age children (5+ years): As kids get older, they can handle more complex challenges. Let them climb higher, try running across bridges, or navigate rock walls. They might also enjoy more adventurous activities like biking on trails, exploring forests, or jumping from greater heights (while supervised). Always assess the difficulty and safety of the activity according to your child’s skill level.
Teens (12+ years): Older kids and teens can take on even more physically demanding activities like mountain biking, skateboarding, or rock climbing (with proper equipment). They may be more independent in assessing risk, but still need guidance on pushing limits safely.
Conclusion
Risky play is an essential part of childhood, helping children develop critical life skills, confidence, and resilience. Nurseries in Dubai and preschools in Dubai that integrate Forest School, Reggio Emilia, Playworks UK, and the Froebel approach provide children with a well-rounded, safe environment to explore risk in a meaningful way. By balancing risk and safety, parents can foster a sense of adventure and independence in their children, preparing them for a lifetime of learning and exploration.