This generation’s children are growing up with technology at their fingertips. Two year olds carry around the newest iPads and newborns are subjected to the newest kids show on PBS or Disney Junior. This isn’t really how smart, resilient, and confident kids grow up. Qualities such as these are most commonly found in young children who engage in risky and outdoor playtime.

Risky play is an activity that, of course, involves risk. However, it is always a thrilling, exciting, or stimulating experience. Risky play allows children to experiment with their bodies and their limits. It allows them to test themselves, so they know how much they can take and when to push themselves out of their comfort zone. This includes the possibility of injury, but that may not be such a bad thing. As kids experience this experimenting, they can assess a situation they’re faced with and decide if it’s too unsafe. They may possibly find a safer solution. Engaging the child in such a decision will provide a basis for their independence and help develop problem solving skills they’ll need for their future. If a child does happen to get injured it will set a boundary and they’ll learn a new limit for them and their body. This is often where the parents’ boundaries are tested. Common parental behavior is to intervene before their child gets hurt. They let their own fear get in the way of their kids’ experimenting. The chance of children getting hurt during risky play is actually very low. According to the @outsideplay.ca, children would need to engage in risky play for 3 hours every day for ten years before obtaining an injury requiring medical attention. Instead of hovering over them, give children a bit of space to figure it out on their own. If they’re stuck in the situation for an extended period of time, a little assistance may be necessary. When engaging in risky play, it is important for children to receive praise and encouragement so they can take as much as they can from the experience. 

Natural and outdoor play in itself is also constructive activity for children. I mentioned before that this generations’ kids are exposed to too much technology at very young ages and for extended periods of time. Getting outside is a great way to get a break from this excessive screen time. The reliance everyone has on technology is very unhealthy. It can result in people depending on it to keep themselves occupied and leading a sedentary life. When young kids are exposed to outdoor play, it encourages their sociability and their respect for the world around them. They will learn to connect with their peers and how to properly treat people and the environment. Moreover, unstructured physical activities will tire children out. A tired kid is the product of a good day of play. This could even improve their sleeping habits because of the energy they used during the day. This will even improve their mood the next day. The activity itself could even brighten a child’s day. Sitting around all day doesn’t allow the muscles or the brain to be properly stimulated, but playing outside does. The fresh air and running around will make children more awake and make their bodies more active. It results in a good day all around.

The world will never stop evolving. Technology is on the rise. This is the most important time to get kids involved in outdoor, risky activities. Creating lazy kids is not the way to improve the Earth and the lives of everyone on it. The world needs vigorous, confident, and resilient minds to continue to grow the way it is.