Wild Wednesday: Balancing

We come to Westminster Ponds pretty regularly throughout the week. There is a small pond that we often pass that India has been eyeing for a while now. Today was the day she wanted to try and cross that pond on a large fallen branch. We talked about the depth of the water and the temperature but she was still game so off she went! Slowly balancing along the log until she came to the middle; she assessed the rest of the journey and decided it was best to turn back.

Risk vs danger. This is a really important skill to teach our little ones. Risky play teaches our children to assess new situations and listen to their bodies. They cant learn what they are capable of without trying! India really wanted to try and cross this little pond. There is risk here for sure. If she falls off, she’s going to get wet and perhaps get a scrape; she will be cold, mucky and probably a little upset. But there is no danger, the pond is very shallow and the weather is above 10 degrees. It’s difficult as a parent to watch your children take on something new when you know the outcome might be unpleasant to them. We never want to see them upset but this type of risky play is so important for their brain development and sense of self, not to mention a lot of fun! 

Written by Abby Dique, Fanshawe ECE Student