Did you know that it is important for children to take risks when they play? Research tells us that if you look at childhood development and the way children learn, they need to be able to take gradual risks so they can learn consequences. Children need to test themselves and find out what happens. By taking risks they become more physically active, develop social skills and learn how to manage risks and keep themselves.

One of the best ways to do this is for children to play outdoors – jumping in a pile of leaves, playing in a puddle and being exposed to natural elements that change – grass growing high, leaves that fall, trees that grow. But only about 37% of Canadian children play outdoors every day. A large number of children don’t enjoy the same outdoor play experiences that many of us had when we were growing up.

Why? We worry that our children will get hurt. Yes, anytime children are active there is a chance of an injury but most injuries associated with risky play are going to be bruises and scrapes. We worry about traffic. Luckily for us in Richmond, we have many parks and trails where children can play away from traffic. We worry about stranger danger. But there has never been a safer time to be a child. The likelihood of a child being kidnapped by a stranger in Canada is 1 in 14 million – the same odds as winning the lottery!

Are you interested in exploring how you can give your child more opportunities to play outdoors? Check out OutsidePlay.ca, an online tool developed by BC Children’s Hospital and the University of British Columbia. This online tool can help you gain the confidence to allow your kids to experience more outdoor play.

Photo Credit:
Leo Rivas-Micoud