This reflective piece explores how perspectives on risky play have changed over time, highlighting its importance for children’s development. Darren Barkhouse draws on personal experiences and cultural comparisons – challenging today’s risk-averse attitudes and advocates for supportive environments where children can explore, take risks, and grow. The article and podcast episode invite educators and families to reconsider their own approaches to risk in play.

 

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/changing-perspectives-on-risky-play/

 

This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop

Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.

 

To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home

 

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

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Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

·       A nature-deficit childhood by Julia Packwood - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-nature-deficit-childhood/

·       The therapeutic nature of outdoor play by Jenny Smillie - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-therapeutic-nature-of-outdoor-play/

·       The science behind outdoor play by Dr Gemma Goldenberg - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/author/gemma-goldenberg/

 

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Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome & introductions 04:30 – Reflecting back to early experiences of risky play 08:25 – Positive stress situations & building resiliency 13:00 – Controlled learning environments for exploration 18:00 – Teaching children to risk assess for themselves 20:00 – Less risky play or a different type of risky play? 22:00 – Asking why rather than saying no 28:00 – A cultural lens on risky play 34:00 – The power of boredom 35:00 – Control, scaffolding learning & Vygotsky 37:00 – The impacts of media and technology 43:00 – Building relationships and trust 46:00 – Your own toolbox as an educator or parent/carer

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com