{"id":23007,"date":"2025-11-17T20:17:51","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T20:17:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.celebree.com\/franklin-cool-springs-tn\/?p=23007"},"modified":"2025-11-17T20:19:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T20:19:12","slug":"why-risky-play-is-important-for-early-childhood-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.celebree.com\/franklin-cool-springs-tn\/blog\/why-risky-play-is-important-for-early-childhood-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Risky Play Is Important for Early Childhood Development"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”44px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

“You’re Going too Fast!”<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

We have all been that parent, watching your child take off at top speed, still looking at you while shouting, and then <\/span>CRASH<\/span><\/i>. Children are experts at going too high, running too fast, and pushing every limit. Enter the term \u201crisky play\u201d, coined in the early 2000s when scientists began studying why children take risks and what made those risks so developmentally important. Today, with parenting on full display and under constant commentary, allowing children to take risks can feel daunting. At Celebree School of Franklin-Cool Springs<\/a>, we understand the importance of risky play and how to support it safely and intentionally.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Risk?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Brains identify risk in any activity where an outcome is unsure. In children, this looks very different than for adults. For example, a child no longer wants a toy that he\u2019s playing with, so he throws it across the room. As adults, we see the risk if that toy hits another child or if it breaks into small pieces. But for a child, the outcome is simple: they wanted the toy gone, and now it is gone.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now ask that same child to throw a beanbag into a basket. For an adult, we can assess how hard we need to throw, judge the angle, and get reasonably close to the target. But for a child, they don\u2019t know how much force they need to use or how to hold their bodies, so they don’t fall forward when they throw. For a child, throwing a toy is risky play.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Developing Brains Need Risk<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Adults constantly assess distance, speed, priorities, and physical limits without realizing it. What we take for granted is that those skills are developing in our brains as toddlers. Children need opportunities to try things that feel risky. They need to climb what feels \u201ctoo high\u201d so that they can learn how it feels to judge height. They need to go too fast so they can learn how to control their body as they move. These experiences help shape decision-making, coordination, and confidence.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vestibular and Proprioceptive\u202fSensory Input<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Learning how to move our bodies safely is one of the most important things we teach children. Even early milestones, like bringing hands together, take tremendous brain coordination. Risky play strengthens two key systems: the <\/span>vestibular system, which supports balance and movement, and the <\/span>proprioceptive system, which helps children understand where their bodies are in space. Without chances to challenge these systems, tasks like hanging backpacks, managing clothing, or standing in line can feel overwhelming once children reach kindergarten.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Interoception Awareness<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Risky play also builds <\/span>interoception, the sensory system that tells us how our body feels on the inside. It helps children notice rapid breathing, muscle fatigue, or a fast heartbeat. When a child climbs a tall structure and realizes their heart is pounding, they can recognize that as fear and decide: \u201cI want to keep going,\u201d or \u201cThis doesn\u2019t feel right for me right now.\u201d That kind of autonomy builds emotional regulation and confidence, and might even prevent a parent from having to climb up and rescue them!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Encourage Risky Play<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Not all risky play is created equal. We want to create play spaces that are challenging, but not dangerous. But giving children space to be \u201crisky\u201d allows them to learn to trust their own abilities. Try phrases like:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n