Opinion

Helping children to manage risk

We live in a risk-averse society, but without risk-taking children will not reach their potential, argues Michelle Wisbey

During the first period of a man’s life, the greatest danger is not to take the risk – Soren Kierkegaard

Children naturally push the boundaries and take risk. Recently, there has been an increase in research carried out around risky play, particularly in the outdoors, but there is little research around decision-making and children’s assessment and management of what they perceive to be risky. Understanding the process of children’s risk-taking is a foundation on which we can build our support for the children we work with and empower them in their decision-making. Risk for children is an inevitable part of their everyday life. In giving them the appropriate tools we can support their learning and guide them towards good and thoughtful risk-taking.  

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