• Manage Risk

We are all concerned for children's safety - especially when it comes to doing things that may result in their injury. However, play is a great way for children to learn where their limits are and judge the risks of a situation. In fact, allowing children to take risks has a beneficial outcome, it teaches children to judge for themselves whether risk exists in a situation and prepares them for being more independent, helping them to stay safe.

It also helps to build their confidence and develop self-awareness. Furthermore, as they master tasks safely, they will be encouraged to challenge themselves which will give them a great sense of achievement.

Children have many ways of measuring themselves against others, one of these is "look what I can do", so allowing a child to master a skill or activity helps them to build their confidence and become self-aware.

What do we mean?

• Camp fires
• Digging holes
• Making dams in streams
• Climbing trees
• Skateboard stunts
• Adventure parks
• Dares
• Playgrounds for younger children; swings, roundabouts, climbing frames.

Once children learn how to manage risk they will be able to take part in lots of activities, knowing how to assess a situation and being able to stay safe whilst doing so.