What Is Risky Play? Why It Matters for Your Child’s Development

What happens when we stop trying to eliminate every risk from childhood? In this episode, Tammy and Shannon explore the important role of risky play in helping children build confidence, resilience, body awareness, problem-solving skills, and independence as they embrace challenges. From climbing and rough-and-tumble play to using real tools, they discuss the difference between healthy risk and genuine hazards, and how parents can create safer opportunities for children to stretch their abilities without letting their own fears take over. Highlights: The episode encourages parents to examine their own tolerance for risk and avoid automatically transferring their fear to their children. Sometimes the most helpful thing a parent can do is step back and allow the child to explore, learn, and build confidence. ● Risky play is different from hazardous play. ● Appropriate risk supports development. ● Reasonable risk can help children be safer. ● Risky play helps build perseverance and resilience. ● Parents need to manage hazards without removing every challenge. ● Parents’ reactions matter. We’d love to hear from you! Submit your parenting questions to info@guidingmindset.com and we’ll share our perspective in an upcoming episode. About the Hosts: In addition to being Mom to four kids in a blended family and a “Gammy,” Tammy Ulrich, MA has always been passionate about making a difference for children and families. For more than 40 years, it has been her life's work—as founder and administrator of a Montessori preschool for 24 years, a college instructor in Child & Family Studies, and now through The Guiding Mindset. Tammy helps parents truly see and understand the unique little human before them. Through practical principles and tools, she supports parents as they nurture and guide their child while navigating their parenting journey with greater confidence and ease. Shannon Achilles is Tammy’s daughter and the original guinea pig for the Guiding Mindset. Shannon’s a working mom with an exciting job as a grant analyst and is a 20+ year military spouse. She is attempting to train for a sprint triathlon, loves reading, and building LEGOs. Shannon is parenting her own son with the Guiding Mindset framework. She is well versed in the challenges facing parents in our ever-changing world. Shannon is excited to share The Guiding Mindset with other parents and families so we can all add more ease and joy to the adventure that is parenthood. Connect with Tammy & Shannon: Website: https://www.theguidingmindset.com LinkedIn:   / tammy-ulrich-43604028   Instagram:   / theguidingmindset   Facebook:   / theguidingmindset   YouTube:    / @theguidingmindset-tdu   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TheGuidingMindset Our gift for you: As parents it seems there is always a reason we need to say “No!” But saying “Yes” eliminates the need for kids to push back. It’s hard to argue with yes! Claim your gift: https://theguidingmindset.com/power_o... The Guiding Parent Podcast is proud to be on the Inspired Speaker Network, in partnership with AmplifYou (https://amplifyou.com/). ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Don’t forget to follow, rate & review. It helps us reach more people who want to use their voice to create positive change in the world, like you. ⭐Check out More Shows from the Network and connect with our podcasting community at https://inspiredspeakernetwork.com/ ⭐Visit our GIFT VAULT - updated weekly for more gifts from other guests on this podcast and other podcasts in our network. https://network.inspiredspeakernetwor... ⭐Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment! We’d love to hear from you!