"If a parent worries that unsupervised play is dangerous, the [Canadian Public Health Association, with support from the Lawson Foundation] responds:[Pic from Let Grow]
"'It is understandable you’re concerned for your child’s safety, and these concerns are appreciated. Children actually learn new skills when we allow them to engage in unstructured play, and they’re less likely to have more serious injuries later on. They are able to learn about their physical capabilities which allow them to rely less on adults to manage their environments.
"'Preventing access to unstructured play can deprive children of the opportunity to develop risk-management skills that are necessary for them to thrive as they grow older. These skills include learning how to navigate risky circumstances and environments, knowing personal physical limits, how to cooperate with peers, and solve unforeseen problems.'"
~ from Lenore Skenazy's post at 'Let Grow': 'Let My Kids Play Outside With All Those Strangers and Cars??? An Evidence-Based Response'
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1 comment:
Real name Donna Brown. My experience as early childhood educator, neuro science /child development practitioner, mother and grandmother can only lead me to agree totally. Children must have the opportunity to experience risk factors in everyday life. We as their concerned adults can still supervise from a safe distance to be there to shield them more from dangerous people and to monitor risk factors. I write this as I sit in my car with my 96 yr old mum watching two of my grandies playing at our beautiful Kowhai Childrens Park in Whanganui New Zealand - my daughter would stressing frantically she was here. Oh no she wouldn't - she won't bring them
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