TODDLERS AND RISKY PLAY: UNLOCKING DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EXPLORATION

Written by Lucy Hall

In the busy life of a child, more so during toddlerhood, play is much more than entertainment. It is one of the stages in their growth that may influence the physical, mental. and emotional development. Risky play, such as climbing trees, moving through difficult landscapes or exploring new environments, has been identified to have many benefits. While many parents’ biological response might be to cocoon toddlers from possible danger, new research suggests that allowing little ones to take part in moderately risky activities may foster resilience and confidence while instilling curiosity for discovery.

Risky play allows toddlers to push their physical boundaries, challenging themselves in a way that keeps them safe. Climbing playgrounds, standing on logs or jumping from low levels are a few of the activities that present challenges to build strength and coordination. These physical experiences are part and parcel of a toddler’s developing years and enhance their motor skills and body awareness. By taking small risks like climbing up the slide ladder or walking on the beam, toddlers begin to learn about self-esteem and boundaries while developing physical skills. This type of exploration will also help them gain strength and agility, which will be useful as they get older.

Toddlers need to develop their own opportunities for problem solving as they face new challenges, this encourages their critical thinking abilities. It takes focus, planning and flexibility to figure out the best way up a flight of stairs or how to balance on an uneven surface. Each of these actions supports neural development by strengthening the connections in their brains. When given the freedom to explore, toddlers can come up with very creative ways to use their surroundings, like building a stick fort or finding unusual ways to use playground equipment. These approaches are essential for learning and solving problems in the future.

Another benefit of risky play in toddlers is it supports their emotional growth. Parents that empower a child to explore are allowing their toddler the freedom to make choices. This feeling of empowerment is what helps them gain self confidence in different situations. As toddlers navigate obstacles successfully, no matter how minor, they begin to believe in their abilities, which helps them develop the willingness to take on new challenges academically and socially as they grow. It teaches them how to deal with minor setbacks and it builds their resilience.

It is concerning to see the toddler climb or take risks, but there needs to be a balance between being safe and being free. Providing toddlers with the opportunity to take risks and play in age appropriate environments with safety measures in place can reduce anxiety for many parents while also encouraging toddler exploration. It could involve things like choosing playgrounds that have levels of challenge based on their toddlers age and ability, ones with soft landing areas and helping children get a feel for what they can do by guiding and encouraging them to explore.

It is essential that parents realise there is a thin line between supervision and hovering. Toddlers can actually learn very valuable lessons regarding safety and assessment of risks when they are allowed to engage in risky play. As long as the parents are there but are not too involved, toddlers will have freedom to make their own decisions and perhaps get a taste of natural consequences. Their natural instincts develop over time and they become better equipped to recognise the boundaries of safety.

In today’s parenting world, we have become more and more focused on our child’s safety, protecting them from any potential harm and dangers. Unfortunately this often leads to play experiences that avoid the challenges and excitement that toddlers need in their development. Being focused on only child safety does have good intentions, it can also impact a toddlers growth and limit opportunities for development. Parents need to support risky play in controlled environments to allow their child’s to explore while building the skills of independence and self-reliance.

Toddlers learn through fearless exploration and discovery of their surroundings. Risky play not only helps children strengthen their body and cognitive skills but also gives them emotional resilience that will help them face the complex world that lies ahead. Knowing the value that comes with taking risks helps parents raise stronger, more self-assured children who can handle all of life’s obstacles . After all, every climb, fall and victorious leap will mould them into the courageous individuals they are meant to be.