Why Risky Play in Early Childhood Is Important—And How to Support It Safely

When you hear the word risky, you might instantly think dangerous, reckless, or unsafe—especially when it involves young children. But in the world of early childhood education, risky play isn’t about putting children in harm’s way. It’s about offering developmentally appropriate opportunities for children to challenge themselves, test limits, and grow.

What Is Risky Play?

Risky play refers to thrilling and exciting physical play that carries a perceived risk of injury, such as climbing, running fast, balancing, rough-and-tumble play, or exploring unfamiliar environments. Think of a child climbing a tree, balancing on a log, or building a fort out of loose materials. These experiences may look risky, but they offer essential opportunities for learning.

Why Risky Play Matters

Here’s what children gain when we support safe risk-taking:

• Confidence & Independence: When children test their own limits and succeed, they develop a strong sense of self and belief in their capabilities.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Risky play encourages critical thinking and decision-making as children assess situations, calculate risks, and adjust accordingly.

• Physical Development: Climbing, balancing, and jumping support motor skills, coordination, and body awareness.

• Resilience & Risk Management: Children learn to manage fear, cope with failure, and make safer choices when they’re allowed to experience small risks in a controlled environment.

How to Support Risky Play Safely

Supporting risky play doesn’t mean saying “yes” to everything. It means setting the stage for safe exploration within clear boundaries. Here’s how educators and families can foster healthy risk-taking:

1. Know the Difference Between Risk and Hazard

• Risks are challenges children choose to take, like climbing a rock.

• Hazards are dangers they’re not aware of, like broken equipment or sharp objects.
  Do regular safety checks to eliminate hazards, but allow age-appropriate risks.

2. Create a Yes-Space for Play

Design environments where children can climb, balance, build, and explore safely. Loose parts, outdoor play structures, and nature-based areas are great for encouraging movement and creativity.

3. Model and Guide, Don’t Hover

Stay nearby to offer guidance, but resist the urge to intervene too quickly. Ask questions like, “What’s your plan to get down?” or “Does that feel stable?” to prompt children to assess risk for themselves.

4. Talk With Families

Some families may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with risky play. Share the benefits, show examples, and invite parents to observe how children build skills and confidence through active exploration.

5. Reflect With Children

After risky play moments, talk with children about what they did, what they noticed, and how they felt. Reflection builds awareness and encourages safer choices in the future.

Final Thoughts

Risky play isn’t about recklessness—it’s about giving children room to grow. When we support safe, developmentally appropriate risk-taking, we empower children to become confident, capable problem-solvers. So next time a child heads for that climbing log or builds a tall tower, take a breath, stay close, and cheer them on. Growth happens just beyond the comfort zone.