Do you call it RISKY PLAY ??
Do you have a sharp intake of breath?
Adventurous play v Risky play
When we constantly refer to some types of play as ‘ Risky play’ we are using a word that has negative connotation.
When we talk about ‘Risky play’ it instantaneously makes us think of all the dangers, hazards & fills us with nervous anxiety or worry.
HOWEVER when we say ‘Adventurous play’ - we instantaneously think of the wondrous benefits, fun & adventures these children will be having!
We view the BENEFITS opposed to just focusing on the risk ! 🙌🏼
In this 21st century, we are becoming risk adverse & as adults we can sadly underestimate children’s capabilities & abilities to have a go, test their own skills and to learn from mistakes.
When children hear “ Don’t do that you might fall.” The brain instantaneously deletes the negative word
& ALL they hear is “ you might fall !”
“You’ll hurt yourself”
Our words become a self fulfilling prophecy & children take on OUR worries, our concerns & our apprehensions.
The constant negativity drip feeds into their subconscious & gradually depletes their confidence to have a go. Those characteristics of Effective learning.
Our once confident, adventurous children become self doubting & uncertain, timid & reluctant to seek adventures, climb, clamber & balance.
As mindful adults we must look to the positive & see benefits when children are engaged in ‘ Adventurous play.’
Change what we say
Change what we think
Change what we do