Reasonable risks are healthy for child development. Ellen Sandseter, a professor of early childhood education identifies six kinds of risky play:
1. Exploring heights or getting the "bird's perspective" -- high enough to invoke the sensation of fear.
2. Handling dangerous tools - scissors, hammers, knives.
3. Being near dangerous elements - water, fire.
4. Rough and tumble play -- wrestling, play-fighting so they can learn to negotiate aggression and cooperation.
5 Speed -- at a pace that feels too fast.
6. Exploring on one's own.
The last one, she believes, is the most important because when they are left alone, they take full responsibility for their actions and it's a thrilling expedience.
By engaging in risky behavior, they are effective subjecting themselves to a form of exposure therapy where they are forced to face what they fear and overcome the fear.
Summer is the perfect time to send the kids outdoors to play and discover themselves and their courage.
When was the last time you let your child explore unsupervised?
No comments:
Post a Comment