Importance of Play: Risky Play's Role in Child Development

Occupational therapists know the importance of play in childhood development. One area of play that sparks concern among parents, caregivers, and schools is risky play. When you watch a child climb a tree, test limits on a playground, or race their bike, it is natural to feel worry: "What if they hurt themselves?" Risky play carries the potential for bumps and bruises. But research shows that it also carries powerful benefits for a child's development, mental health, and resilience.

Two studies help explain why. Sandsetter and Kennair (2011) looks at risky play from an evolutionary perspective, and Hinchion, McAuliffe, and Lynch (2021) listens directly to children about how they feel when they take risks in play. Together they show that what might feel a little scary for adults is often exactly what the child needs.

What is Risky Play

"Risky play is thrilling and exciting form of play that may involve the potential of physical injury. It primarily takes place outdoors, often as challenging and adventurous physical activities, children attempting something they have never done before, skirting the border of feeling out of control (often because of height or speed) and overcoming fear" (Sandsetter & Kennair 2011). It is the kind of play where kids push their boundaries a little, providing them a exciting experience, while simultaneously helping develop confidence as they face their fears and not avoid them. Examples of risky play include but are not limited to experiences like climbing heights, moving with speed (bike, running, skiing), or exploring new environments.

Why Kids Seek Out Risky Play

Researchers Ellen Sandsetter and Leif Kennair (2011) suggest that children are built to seek out risks. When kids get to test themselves in challenging ways, they build confidence, learn how to cope with fear, and discover just how capable they really are. The research article discusses that in today's society, there is a strong focus on keeping children safe, including during play. This focus on safety is important to prevent injuries, but being overly cautious can sometimes hold children back. Kids benefit from challenges and new experiences in play to grow and develop in healthy ways: both physically and emotionally.

From an OT perspective, each time a child engages in risk and overcomes it, they learn that their environment is manageable. They strengthen coping skills and build confidence in their bodies and the world around them.

Children's Voices: Fun, Fear, and Learning During Risky Play

Hinchion, McAuliffe, and Lynch (2021) looked at the lived experiences of children 6-8 years old. The kids described risky play as both frightening and fun, a blend that highlights its developmental power. Children spoke about learning to manage their fears, trying new things, make decisions for themselves, and practicing self control. Importantly, the study highlights outdoor play as unique setting where a child's autonomy, emotional regulation, and decision making skills flourish. These are the capacities OTs aim to nurture in practice.

Interestingly, children in the study also expanded categories of risky play to include not just physical risks but also social ones, like rule breaking or challenging authority. This reminds us that risky play isn't only about playground heights, it is also about testing social boundaries and building competence in navigating the wider world.

Why This Matters

As adults, it's tempting to step in and remove all risk and the potential of injury from play. But there are wonderful developmental benefits from allowing your child to engage in risky play. These two studies underscored its importance as an occupation of childhood that fosters physical, emotional, and social development. Here are ways you can support your child:

• Teach safety without shutting it down: Instead of saying "be careful, look at what you are doing" try asking "where will you put your foot next?"

• Celebrate bravery not just success: acknowledge the effort it took to try.

• Assist children with anxiety or sensory processing sensitivities by scaffolding their participation in risky play in ways that support their individual differences and allows opportunity to experience the benefits.

• Climbing opportunities: let kids climb trees, walls, or even furniture within relative safety. Encourage them to figure out how to get up and down on their own. Before stepping in ask, "Can you figure this out on your own, or do you need my help"

• Engage in rough and tumble play: wrestling, fencing with sticks, play fighting

• Encourage participation in activities that provide opportunities for speed: Swinging, running, riding bike, skateboarding

Risky play matters. If this sounds scary to you, start small and remember that it isn't about letting children get hurt. It is about letting them stretch, explore, and discover what they can do. When kids are allowed to take small risks, they're also building courage, resilience, and independence.

Hinchion, S., McAuliffe, E., & Lynch, H. (2021). Fraught with frights or full of fun: Perspectives of risky play among six-to-eight-year olds. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 29(5), 696–714. https://doi.org/10.1080/1350293x.2021.1968460

Sandseter, E. B., & Kennair, L. E. (2011). Children’s risky play from an evolutionary perspective: The anti-phobic effects of thrilling experiences. Evolutionary Psychology, 9(2), 257–284. https://doi.org/10.1177/147470491100900212