Are we protecting our kids too much? Today we tackle the controversial topic of risky play — climbing trees, speeding down hills, roughhousing, even handling tools. The things that make parents anxious might actually be the very things kids need most. Discover why risk is essential for resilience, confidence, and courage — and how to give your child the freedom to play without pushing them too far.

KEY POINTS

• Why “risky play” isn’t dangerous play — it’s just play the way we grew up.
• The Canadian Paediatric Society’s 9 types of risky play (and how to try them at home).
• Why broken arms aren’t the worst thing, but bubble-wrapping kids might be.
• The surprising link between risky play and lower anxiety in children.
• Five simple ways to say yes to risk while keeping things developmentally appropriate.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“You want your kids to be as safe as necessary — not as safe as possible.”

RESOURCES & RELEVANT LINKS

• Jonathan Haidt, After Babel Substack
• Healthy childhood development through outdoor risky play: Navigating the balance with injury prevention  | Canadian Paediatric Society
• Roald Dahl quote on kids and risks
• Playing It Safe May Be The Biggest Risk Of All [Article]
• Resilience: Developing strength, calm and kindness in our kids [Webinar]
• #50 Risks and Rolling Down Hills [Happy Families Podcast]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Say yes more often when your child wants to try something new.
2. Get kids outdoors — nature is the best playground.
3. Encourage rough-and-tumble play and sports.
4. Ditch screens when possible; real play builds real skills.
5. Step back — give your kids space to take age-appropriate risks.