Issue link: http://janet.uberflip.com/i/1531206
Text by Dana Daly Photography by Dana Daly and Janet A. Wortendyke The air was cool with that late winter chill, children's laughter echoing through the trees. I watched as my son climbed higher into the sturdy old oak, his face a mix of excitement and determina3on. Beneath him, his sisters watched, daring him to reach new heights. My heart pounded, a blend of nerves and pride, but I resisted the urge to call him down. This was one of those moments where I saw my children tes3ng their limits, finding courage in the thrill of the climb. I grew up like this, taking risks, spending so much 3me by the ocean, climbing trees, racing bikes down hills, and learning through scraped knees and bruised shins. These memories shaped my resilience and confidence, and I want the same for my kids. But in today's world, which o#en feels more focused on safety, I wonder what are we losing when we deny children the chance to explore, get scraped up, and build resilience through risky play? What if these very moments are key to helping children grow into capable, well-rounded individuals? As a mother of four, I've learned to balance my protec3ve in- s3ncts with my desire to see my children grow confidently and independently. Allowing them to take risks like climbing trees, wrestling, or hammering nails into wood may sound in3midat- ing, but I believe it's essen3al for their development at every stage. For younger children, manageable risks build gross motor skills, physical strength, and coordina3on. As they grow, these experiences become founda3ons for learning how to handle challenges, assess risks, and understand their limits. Research supports what many parents and caretakers in- s3nc3vely know: children who engage in risky play develop cri3cal life skills that can't be taught in a classroom. Whether it's climbing, exploring, or roughhousing, these ac3vi3es teach kids to make decisions and handle consequences, skills that are crucial for mental toughness and confidence One study published in Fron3ers in Psychology highlights how risky play fosters resilience and risk management, two a4ributes that Why Kids Need Risky Play For Healthy Development HOOK 41