


What to do when you and your partner disagree about risky play
I’m a risk-taker, while my husband is much more risk-averse. The lifeguard approach to risky play can help reduce conflict between you and your partner.

If in doubt, let them out: kids have a right to play
November 20 marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Be a lifeguard to your child’s “risky” play
Risky play is a hot button topic in parenting. Are you “overprotecting” your children? Or are you “putting them at risk” by allowing them to climb the monkey bars at the park? Researchers are telling us that risky play is necessary for healthy child development. It’s essential for developing confidence and the ability to manage … Continued

Safety hacks for kids’ active play
From parking lots to playgrounds, children will play anywhere they get the chance. They can’t help it—play is part of kids’ DNA. It’s important for parents to keep kids safe and coach them on how to assess the risks around them. This challenge is made easier by sharing little “hacks” that set age-appropriate limits for children … Continued

Six ways kids should engage in “risky” play
Your child gets ready to jump from the monkey bars and you get ready for a trip to the hospital. Is this a reasonable reaction? Unless there’s a pit of poisonous serpents or a bed of nails below, probably not. As Dr. Mariana Brussoni of the University of British Columbia points out, statistics show that … Continued

Risk in play – possibilities and opportunities
The problem is that making things too safe can starve children of the very experiences that best help them learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy. As rising numbers of children and teenagers struggle with emotional and social problems, it is all the more important to get this balance right. In the end, the … Continued

Does your child care centre encourage risky play? Here’s why it should
What to look for in a child care centre

Encouraging risky play is becoming more common worldwide
More are recognizing the benefits of risky play

The powerful mindset of Georgia Simmerling
Canadian skier talks about resiliency and her recovery

How to raise girls to be gutsy and brave
Listen to author of “The Gutsy Girl” discuss her book

Hockey great Ken Dryden says “Enough!” to head injuries
3 facts that cut to the essence of the issue for parents

Helping kids recognize and navigate risk with Canadian outdoor adventurer Will Gadd
Top adventurer shares tips he uses with his own kids

How to give kids outdoor independence
Think “age appropriate”, as opposed to “over protective”

Pop-up playground group tours Canada
Pop-up Adventure Play lets kids play freely

Concussion 101
What you need to know about concussions and kids

5 ways to help assess your child’s pain
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing discomfort

My 5-year-old daughter loves climbing the highest fence and I’m (mostly) okay with that
How to let your kids take risks

Are we raising our girls to be afraid?
Parents are four times more likely to tell girls than boys to be more careful

Stop talking about “risky play” for kids and use “adventurous” instead
Understanding the difference between objective and perceived risk

Why I would fight for cartwheels at recess
Without taking a few risks, kids can’t reach their potential

Does your kid suck?
How to deal with what’s real

Outdoor play gives your kids more than fresh air
It offers the myriad benefits of sensory stimulation

How to keep your kids from a failing grade on this important report card
Kids need plenty of unstructured activity, both at home and at school

When it comes to playtime, it’s no risk, no reward
Let your kids figure out for themselves what they can handle