The Benefits of Risky Play
Introducing VAH Spielzeugmanufaktur - handmade toys and role-play costumes
Kate Kwijas | July 27, 2021
Risky and rough play can evoke mixed emotions in parents. On one hand, we know that it has some benefit and our children seem to seek this sort of play out, however, we also know that it often “ends in tears” and at times, makes us uncomfortable. So, should we let our kids engage in risky play?
In this article, Kate shares her findings on the benefits of risky play while introducing us to the wonderful range of handmade toys and costumes from new-to-Australia toy brand, VAH Spielzeugmanufaktur. Kate’s boys spent a fun afternoon product testing our VAH bows, arrows, crossbows, swords, shields and costumes – courageously guarding their Kingdom, fighting off mythical beasts and exploring new lands. But don’t assume they were out rescuing princesses! Oh no! The princesses were off on a dragon-fighting mission of their own! (Ask Simon's daughter Klara; she’ll tell you all about it).
What are the benefits of risky play?
There have been many studies and articles written about the benefits of risky or so-called rough play. One article published by the Australian Parenting Website, Raising Children, states that "rough play is probably a basic human instinct that helps children develop many skills, but mostly children like this play because it’s fun!" Rough play can help young children: - understand the limits of their strength - explore their changing positions in space - find out what other children will and won’t let them do - work out social relationships as they play roles, take turns and sort out personal boundaries - build resilience, persistence, confidence and independence - develop motor skills, particularly balance and co-ordination - learn to handle tools safely and with purpose - develop an understanding of consequence to action - problem solve
So, what exactly is risky play?
Risky play is a natural part of children’s play. It provides opportunities for “challenge, testing limits, exploring boundaries and learning about injury risk" (Sandseter, 2007, Little and Wyver 2008). In recent years, there have been many discussions about children’s safety in play environments. Consequently, risk-taking during play has become increasingly regulated, managed or removed altogether (Tovey, 2010). Many assume that by removing risks, children will be able to play in a safer environment. However, this approach fails to acknowledge risk taking as a positive feature of children’s play and learning (Tovey, 2011). It is thought that this may result in children whom are less physically fit, have less control over motor skills and are less able to manage risk (Sandseter, 2010).
How should I go about encouraging risky play at home?
In order to ensure that everyone enjoys their time playing, it can be a good idea to set some rules about what is and is not ok during risky/rough play. Involving your children in the process of determining what the rules might be will provide them with an opportunity to work in collaboration to set limits, consider action and consequence and feel a sense of ownership over the boundaries that are being set.
Tell me about VAH Spielzeugmanufaktur
One of the six different categories of risky play is using ‘dangerous tools’. Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter, a professor at Queen Maud University in Norway, explains that there is great satisfaction in being trusted to handle such tools, but also in controlling them.
VAH Toys are not only skilfully created, they are made for adventure. The moment they are placed in the hands of a child, that child is transported to a magical land of imagination. They see dragons, friends in need of protection, they become knights, princesses, emperors... They become lost in play, in a world where
they make the rules and are limited only by their imagination. They become capable of incredible things, not just of protecting kingdoms, but of being trusted with handling such an incredible tool.
Where will your child's next adventure take them?
