Yes to Adventure: Fostering Risk-Taking in Early Childhood

From an early age my son took every risk possible. Jumping off of tables? Sure did! Climbing trees and fences? Absolutely! Walking on broomsticks balanced between two kitchen chairs? You better believe it! I fostered this type of play every step of the way because I knew it brought him joy. With that being said, I stayed close enough that if he ran into some difficulty or needed me in any way, I was there! Now don't get me wrong, when I saw my son doing something I thought was dangerous I was always panic stricken but I knew that this type of play was important for his development and independence.

Children who create their own boundaries, when it comes to adventurous play, learn to understand their world and where they fit into it. Children have an inclination to engage in this type of play as this is how they learn what is safe and what they are comfortable with. Adventurous play does come with risks absolutely! But the benefits of adventurous play outweigh all the negatives. What is also so exciting about adventurous play is that it fosters child-led experiences. They feel a healthy amount of excitement, pride, thrill, and fear. And even more, children learn something new about themselves each and every time (whether they succeed at the task or not). By supporting our children's adventurous ways we help create confident, strong and independent children. Taking risks in early childhood helps reduce negative feelings and anxieties as they take on new challenges later in life. It sets them up for the future.

Looking back on my son's early years, I can clearly see that those experiences really did shape how he sees the world today. He takes on new challenges with ease, and asks for help when he needs it. He is a confident little dude that is always up for something new.

Let's set up environments of YES! Let’s allow children to take on adventurous play experiences. Let’s get comfortable with being uncomfortable. The differences you will see in your children will be life changing!

Written by Kelly Borden, RECE, Parent Support Coach