Risky Business

Risky play is a great way for boys to build confidence, resilience and problem-solving skills.

But for parents, allowing your son to make silly decisions or do something that could cause a minor injury in the playground can feel like a giant step backwards when you’ve spent the first few years of their life fiercely protecting them. 

When boys take on a challenge—like climbing a tree or jumping off a rock—they’re learning to test their limits and make decisions about safety. Each time they push the boundaries, they discover what they’re comfortable with and when it’s time to stop and think.

This kind of play helps kids become better at assessing risks, which can actually prevent injuries in the long run. They start to recognise when something might be too dangerous and think of ways to make it safer.

Letting your son come up with solutions helps to build their confidence and sets them up for making smart choices in the future. Plus, they’ll feel proud knowing they figured it out on their own.

Some risky play ideas for your son:

1. Climbing trees: This encourages strength, balance and decision-making as they figure out how high to climb and which branches are safe.
2. Jumping from heights: Whether it’s jumping off playground equipment or a big rock, it helps them test their limits and manage fear.
3. Rough-and-tumble play: Wrestling or play-fighting with friends can teach boundaries and self-control in a fun, energetic way.
4. Balancing on tree branches or small walls: Walking across narrow surfaces like branches or low walls helps improve balance and coordination.
5. Exploring nature: Wandering off the path, climbing over rocks, or crossing shallow water lets them explore and problem-solve in real time.
6. Using tools: Supervised use of child-friendly tools like hammers or screwdrivers to build or fix things introduces a bit of risk while teaching responsibility.

These activities help boys learn to assess risk, build confidence, and develop important life skills. As parents, it can be challenging to let them make mistakes, and of course it is important to remember the following:

• Always follow important safety rules like wearing helmets, using car seats, life jackets, or stair gates.
• Never leave kids unsupervised in dangerous areas, like playing near traffic.
• Don’t push your son to do things he’s not ready for or feels uncomfortable with.

Risky play is about letting kids explore within safe boundaries, with the right support in place. Have fun!

Brought to you by Brighton Grammar School