HOOK

44 HOOK scrapes, bumps, or even broken bones. There's also the weight of judgment from others who might see risky play as careless. But it's important to remember that calculated risk is not recklessness. By providing clear boundaries and supervision, we can create an environ- ment where children feel free to explore while staying safe. When we give our children room to take risks within safe boundaries, we're not only preparing them for life's challenges, we're teaching them that they are capable, resilient, and worthy of trust. This founda3on of confidence and independence is a gi# they'll carry beyond child- hood. As children grow, the les- sons learned from risky play extend far beyond the play- ground. They develop a mind- set of curiosity and perseverance, quali3es that are invaluable in aca- demics, rela3onships, and their future ca- reers. Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of the Reggio Emilia approach, fa- mously said, "Our task, regarding crea3vity, is to help children climb their own mountains." By giving them room to climb, both literally and metaphorically, we offer them a wellspring of inner strength to draw from for the rest of their lives. The next 3me your child reaches for a branch a li4le higher or takes on a challenge that feels just beyond their grasp, resist the urge to intervene too quickly. Instead, stand back, watch, and cheer them on. These moments of risk and reward are not just part of childhood; they are essen3al steps in growing into confident, capable adults. www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn/201404/risky- play-why-children-love-it-and-need-it www.fron3ersin.org/journals/educa3on/ar3cles/10.3389/feduc.20 24.1379372/full portunity to develop mental focus and physical agility. By adolescence, risk-taking o#en shi#s to ac3vi3es requiring more planning and strategy, like building a treehouse or navigat- ing a new hiking trail. These ac3vi3es teach responsibility, pa- 3ence, and problem-solving, preparing them for the challenges of adulthood. As parents or caretakers, finding this balance isn't always easy. When I let my children wander in a nearby field or wooded area, I o#en keep an eye on them from a distance, so they can explore independently. They learn to find their way, make decisions, and handle unfamiliar situa3ons—essen3al skills for naviga3ng new environments and challenges as they grow. Risky play can also include using tools like hammers and nails for small building proj- ects. Handling tools builds hand-eye coor- dina3on, responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment, helping children ap- proach tools with respect and confidence. Similarly, climbing teaches children to as- sess their physical limits and make calcu- lated choices. This kind of play builds resilience, adaptability, and a sense of control. Even rough- and-tumble play, like wrestling with siblings or friends, serves an essen3al purpose. It helps kids learn boundaries, communica3on, and how to manage their strength—skills that are founda- 3onal for healthy peer rela3on- ships. When my children were younger, we o#en explored on hikes. One spring morning, we headed out on a new trail that wound up a hill and through a small creek. My children, always curious, took off ahead, hopping from rock to rock as they crossed the stream. My youngest got stuck on a slippery rock midstream, and I saw the hesita3on in his eyes. Ins3nc3vely, I wanted to li# him to solid ground, but I held back, watching as he steadied himself and tried again. With a final push, he leaped onto the bank, triumphant. This small moment reminded me of the importance of le5ng kids find their foo3ng, even when it's a bit messy. That leap taught him confidence and self-trust, a small victory that was huge in his eyes. When I hold back and let them solve things on their own, I see them grow in ways I couldn't pre- dict. It's not always easy, but these moments are worth the dis- comfort of stepping aside. Many parents and caretakers share understandable fears about risky play, concerns about injuries or social judgment from oth- ers. It can be daun3ng to watch children climb higher, jump far- ther, or test their physical limits, knowing there's a chance of .... spending so much time 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.

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