Part of the growth and development of kids and teens is building skills and adjusting to changes in our bodies and the environment as we grow older. The 8 types of risky play lists the actions that contribute to skill-building, independence, and age-appropriate problem-solving:
Height--tree climbing, playgrounds, rock climbing
Speed--riding a bike, skateboard, or scooter, running downhill
Dangerous Tools--power tools, toy swords, playing with sticks
Dangerous Elements--playing near water, playing on uneven ground, starting a fire
Impact--jumping off things, jumping on a bed or trampoline
Rough and Tumble--physical contact, wrestling, play fighting, chasing each other
Getting Lost--being outside while parents are inside, walking to school alone, exploring nature
Vicarious Play--watching others engage in risky play
We like the emphasis put on the process of playing and the benefits for children of all ages. A quick note which we've borrowed from the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute:
Height, speed, danger, and other elements of risky play are all relative to the child's size, strength, and skill. Parents know their children best and should be prepared to intervene if a child believes he/she is capable of playing in a manner that is likely to cause damage to him/herself or others.
Check out these resources for more info on the importance of play and benefits to kids:
1.Play England:
2. The Austrailian Parenting Website:
3. The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute:
4. New York Times article on risky play: