HOOK

are increasingly vital in a rap- idly changing world. By pushing boundaries within safe limits, children learn to adapt and grow. These experiences are building blocks for their ability to navigate life's uncertain3es, teaching them to face chal- lenges head-on rather than avoiding them out of fear. Risky play comes in many forms, each with unique bene- fits that evolve as children grow. For young kids, jumping off a swing or balancing on a fallen tree helps build coordina- 3on and spa3al awareness while boos3ng confidence in their physical abili3es. As chil- dren grow older, play involving speed—like riding a bike down a hill or rollerblading—offers the thrill of control and the op- SET SAFE BOUNDARIES, NOT BARRIERS Encourage your kids to explore while giving them reasonable boundaries. For example, if they're climbing a tree, agree on a safe height they can climb to. The goal is to let them experience the chal- lenge without completely removing all limits. LET THEM SOLVE PROBLEMS If they get stuck in a situation—like not knowing how to get down from a high climb—resist the urge to jump in immedi- ately. Give them a chance to assess the situation and fig- ure out a solution on their own. This builds problem-solving skills and self-confidence. TEACH BASIC SAFETY, THEN STEP BACK Make sure they understand the basics of safety for the activity they're doing, whether it's wearing a helmet for biking or using tools with care. After that, give them the space to man- age their play independently. MODEL CALMNESS AND TRUST It's natural to feel nervous when kids engage in risky play but showing calm and trust helps them feel safe. Children pick up on parents' anxieties, so letting go a little allows them to feel secure and focused on the task. Encouraging Healthy Risky Play "To raise resilient kids, we have to let them experience failure and give them the freedom to take risks and make mistakes." Jessica Lahey HOOK 43

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