Find yourself saying, “Be careful!” on repeat?
You’re not alone. It’s only natural to want to protect our children from harm. But overusing phrases like “Be careful!” can actually do more harm than good.
Let’s dig into what to say instead and why risky play is so important.
Why risky play matters?
Childhood is a valid stage in its own right, not just a dress rehearsal for school. That includes the freedom to get muddy, move fast, and climb high. Yes, children fall sometimes. But learning how to fall safely is part of learning how to get up, try again, and grow.
Risky play helps children:
- Build physical strength and co-ordination.
- Learn how to judge risk and stay safe.
- Boost self-confidence and emotional resilience.
- Experience the thrill of mastering new skills.
It’s not about throwing caution to the wind. It’s about helping children stretch themselves in a safe, supported environment where you as the adult help them assess and manage risk.
The problem with “be careful!”
We’ve all said it. Often out of love and sometimes just sheer fright, but, “be careful!” is vague at best and alarming at worst. It can:
- Shake a child’s confidence.
- Distract them at a crucial moment.
- Teach them to avoid risk instead of trying to manage it.
- Prevent valuable learning about their own bodies, limits, and abilities.
Instead try:
- Check if that log is wobbly before you step.
- Look where your feet are going.
- Is there space for your friend too.
- Can you see how far it is to jump?
- What can you hold onto to help you balance?
These phrases invite children to think critically, engage their senses, and make safe choices. You’re not removing the challenge, but you are helping them rise to it.
The role of the adult
Children need our support to take risks safely. That doesn’t mean wrapping them in cotton wool. It means:
- Modelling calm, confident body language.
- Staying nearby without over-directing.
- Encouraging small challenges like climbing higher or balancing longer.
- Talking through risks out loud eg, “That branch looks thinner. Is it strong enough for your foot?”
- Including them in real risk assessment out and about.
If you are confident, they will feel confident too. If you look worried, they may doubt their own abilities.
There’s no such thing as bad weather
Make time for children to play outside, rain or shine, because it’s one of the best places for children to:
- Build large motor skills (which believe it or not will help with handwriting later).
- Soak up vitamin D.
- Learn in a natural, ever-changing environment.
- Take part in active, inclusive, and often messy play.
Chief Medical Officer guidance is that under fives should have at least 180 minutes of physical activity a day. Risky play is a big part of that.
Building skills for life
From our garden to the park, and from climbing frames to community outings, we support children to:
- Navigate uneven ground.
- Jump, climb, balance, and test limits.
- Make decisions about safety.
- Respect the risks of roads, railways, and public spaces.
Today’s play, gives rise to tomorrow’s safety. Children who learn to assess risk in preschool are better equipped to do so as they grow older.
What this looks like at Play B C Preschool
At Play B C, we’re proud to be more than a preschool, every day is a learning adventure:
- Outdoor play is offered every day, whatever the weather.
- Risky play is supervised, supported, and encouraged.
- Children are helped to think about what’s safe and what’s not.
- We use the language of challenge, not fear.
- Our environments are designed to be both safe and stimulating.
We believe children should be allowed to enjoy the freedom, mess, noise, and joy of childhood. Through supported risky play, they learn not just to stay safe but to thrive.
Still have questions?
We are always happy to talk about our approach to risky play or outdoor learning. Just ask away.
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Play B C has settings in Wallington and Carshalton, and offers term-time or 48 week places with a teacher-led team, high adult ratios, excellent enrichment and a well-resourced, nurturing environment.
If you are looking for a great preschool it really is as simple as Play B C!
What to read next…
Find out more about our learning approach at Play B C here.
