Our research shows outdoor parks offer the ideal place for children to engage in risky play. This may challenge parents who understandably wish to keep their kids ‘safe’ all the time.
Supporting play begins with parents attending to their own wellness and seeing children as drivers of their own play.
A 2019 UNICEF Canada report shows that only 21 per cent of children aged five to 11 engage in at least 1.5 hours a day of active play and unstructured activities.
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On the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, let’s remember children’s right to play.
‘Frozen II’ sees Elsa move towards being herself without fear of harming others. Here, Elsa, voiced by Idina Menzel, sprinkling snowflakes on Bruni, a salamander.
(Disney via AP)
Frozen II teaches children that venturing into the enchanted forest — stepping outside of comfort zones while looking to trusted guides or companions — can be a place of positive transformation.
Roaming with a group of kids unsupervised in the ‘80s was awesome and your kids deserve that when you assess they can handle the risks. Here, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin in 'Stranger Things,’ Season 2.
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The right age for an unsupervised Halloween is highly debatable, but it’s something parents should carefully consider. Some reasonable risk is important for development.
Children report being at their happiest when playing outside.
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Adults must let go of their fears of injury and kidnapping. Children need free outdoor play to build physical immunity, psychological health, executive functioning and social skills.