'Break an arm, we'll fix it': New report embraces 'risky play' for child development
Are parents bubble-wrapping their kids too much?
A new report by the Canadian Paediatric Society is emphasizing the crucial role of risky play in fostering physical, mental, and social development among children.
- Sign up now for our nightly CTV News Ottawa newsletter
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
The national organization issued new recommendations Thursday that encourage kids to engage in unstructured outdoor play -- and "risky play" in particular.
It said that type of play varies by child, but is generally defined as "thrilling and exciting free play that involves uncertain outcomes and the possibility of physical injury."
Shawna Sanford, a mother of two, agrees with the importance of challenging children.
"I say just do it. Break an arm. We'll fix it," she said.
Sanford believes it builds a sense of adventure and awareness of limitations.
"If you hurt yourself, you know not to do it again," she said.
The organization encourages activities such as, supervised use of tools like axes, saws, knives and climbing ropes, playing near elements like water and fire, and venturing into neighborhoods or woods without direct supervision.
"During risky play, children learn to recognize and evaluate challenges, developing confidence in their decisions and abilities," said chair of injury prevention at the Canadian Paediatric Society, Dr. Suzanne Beno.
"This encourages creative, spontaneous play, offering a plethora of physical, mental and social-emotional benefits."
The report also emphasizes the importance of balancing safety with exploration and allowing kids to test their limits.
Grandparents Pat and Yvonne Lychak support the idea of promoting risky play with their grandchildren.
"It teaches them coordination. It teaches them boundaries. It teaches them how to understand what their limitations are and how far they can go. It's fine within reason."
Yvonne adds, "You've got to let kids explore, as long as you monitor and ensure they're not putting themselves or others at risk."
The report highlights that risky play contributes to building resilience and can aid in preventing or managing issues such as obesity and anxiety.
Kyle Mclean, a father, says there are many positive aspects of risky play.
"It can give them more confidence when they overcome fear," said Mclean.
When asked about the riskiest thing she's done, Shawna Sanford's 10-year-old daughter admits, "Probably jumping off a play structure," she said.
For Sanford and her daughter, risky play is about life lessons.
"I think it's good for her to build her own ideas of what's comfortable," said Sanford.
"Unless you do, you don't know."
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.