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Parenthood means to protect young ones from injuries and pain but it is distressing feelings that help children learn about their surrounding environment. Youngsters need to explore and learning of risk and safety is a part of growing up both physically and mentally.
There’s a certain cap to this, of course. There are activities you will classify as appropriate risk and others absolutely inappropriate.

Fast definition of risky play
At Montessori Nature we know that risk play is a form of ecstatic play that helps children overcome stimuli via uncertainty, unpredictability, and risk of physical or mental discomfort. Risky play stands for thrills, excitement, and tears as children learn to fall only to stand on their own.
When you leave children on their own, it is the difference between risk and hazard that draws the line:
- Risk is what young ones can foresee and analyse.
- Hazard stands for harm children do not see.
The risk from a child’s perspective
Risk-taking is as exhilarating by instinct. However, bear in mind that what seems insignificant to you, could be scary for your child. This could be walking down staircases on its own, jump in the water or getting feet wet on the beach.
By experience and physical senses, risk-taking teaches youngsters how to cope with uncertainty and unpredictability in life. Just as kittens learn to hunt, younglings need to explore and figure out how injury, pain, and fun work together.
What’s included
A dose of healthy risk in child play can nourish courage, curiosity, and passion.
What children love the most:
- Heights and high grounds
- Speed and fast play
- Rough or tumble games
Monkey play is a form of risky behavior preferred by children. A child can behave in ways not favored, such as jumping from high spots, climbing furniture, trees, and even mock-aggression.
While toddlers love to climb, preschoolers adore jumping, running, various races, ball games, skateboarding, cycling, and the list goes on. Such activities strengthen muscles, bones, cardio and lung activity, as well as practice persistence, and resilience, too.
Gameplay with loose materials such as cardboard boxes to name one, allows children to construct, destroy, feel sad, and joy, thus developing creative thinking and adaptivity. Sharp edges and flimsy structures stand for bad risks.
How risk-taking benefits children?
Risk-taking is crucial for the healthy development of physical and personal qualities in young boys and girls. While some are risk-averse, others will push it to the limit. Both ways, here’s a list of the benefits of age-appropriate risk:
1. Risk-taking enhances physical and emotional health:

To gain confidence, kids need to fail big only to try again. By overcoming the difficulty of assessment real learning happens. Human beings learn courage and bravery when stakes are high and discomfort is at hand.
Fact is, most kids avoid the biggest and scariest obstacle. Instead, many rather take it slow until confident enough. It takes minutes, hours, days or even months, depending on how risky the challenge is. Of course, you might encounter the contrary – hyperactive behavior as a result of overexcitement. Taking it one step at a time allows children to overcome fear in a natural and constructive way.
Kids are often on a swing or dangling upside-down from the monkey bars. Heights involve quick, unordinary moves that develop the vestibular system to nourish instincts and reflexes. It’s a fact that growing those particular skills helps young ones cope with emotions and strengthen attention at school.
The Many Benefits of Learning in Nature
2. Risk-taking encourages individualism and self-observation
When a child undertakes a risky choice, it both experiences and learns what and how decision-making is.
By evaluating steps taken, consequences, loss, and reward, children develop strategic thinking, ideation, and most importantly – vision. Through this, young boys and girls grow independent, knowing what it takes to achieve the desired goal.
3. Improves social skills
Risk-taking happens mostly while children communicate with each other. It’s how they learn each other to express themselves among friends. Wild games help young risk-takers build assertiveness and self-reliance.
These strong features have a positive impact on further social interactions. Thanks to acceptable risk, kids are more likely to balance self-confidence with respect and kindness.
Another crucial skill acquired is the ability to realize and accept different opinions.
4. Helps self-confidence
When in reasonable dangerous play, younglings are safe to risk it, mess up, and thus learn good, and bad. It’s how toddlers grow brave too, later on, overcome all real-life obstacles, that follow.
When introduced to balanced risk play from an early age, children desire to take part in school activities, sports, or playground games. By taking risks, young ones figure out the importance of not giving up and trying harder, regardless of being outside their comfort zone.
The excitement of accomplishments is essential for the healthy psychological development of children.
6. Acceptable risks ensure safety and prevention of real hazards
If you restrain children from gameplay with appropriate risk, they might seek it to rebel and thus get hurt for real.
Here is where you, moms and dads, should focus your efforts on discipline.
A good piece of advice for parents to focus on and communicate the risk of consequences in a descriptive and vivid way.
By saying “Hold my hand while we cross the street because if you run on your own, you will scare me greatly and also really sad.” instead of “A car might hit you,” is how you can focus on what will scare a child rather than your own fear. This way you’ll aid the young one in figuring out what’s appropriate and what isn’t. Be a play buddy, start small, and use common sense, while leaving the young one lead.
Parents – role and concerns
Parents take care only to diminish hazards to the levels of acceptable risks.
Where risk & benefits meet
When in doubt, ask yourself these two questions:
- What is the worst to happen?
- What is the best to happen?
Parents are prone to act based on worries and fear, instead of what’s actually at hand. That’s why these two questions could help you make unbiased decisions.
Keep overprotection in mind
Popular cultures, media, and researchers stand for the overprotection of children. Of course, when raising up a child, safety does come first, but parents tend to put too many limitations on little ones’ play.
Turns out that children being restricted too much face a bigger chance of health issues, such as obesity and mental health concerns. Тhere are more worries to follow – learning deficiency, self – insufficiency, problems with communication, judgment, and more.
So, what’s the solution?
You, as caregivers, have to set limits and still give your child the freedom to take age-proper risks.
- Be sure to stay nearby for actual danger is right behind the corner.
- Be aware of the real threats to their well-being.
- Avoid being fussy and shielding while with them.
Unfortunately, it takes time, a lot of it. That’s why you need to fully commit and arm yourself with patience.
- When out and about, encourage your younglings to act brave. Evaluate the possibility of serious injury. Children can have different ideas of a risky play.
- Let yourself and your child benefit of a risky play – the physical skills it develops, the many adventures involved, the connection with nature and the surrounding environment. It’s how children grow their strength, coordination, agility, and self-belief.
- Be constructive. Remind your child about jeopardy when necessary. The trick is to use a positive attitude and wording rather than the opposite. Encourage young ones to talk you through their decision-making process. Show that you are proud and give them praise.
- Make sure to spare enough time. Many play accidents happen because parents are in a rush or not paying attention. Be generous when sharing time with your child. Home or outdoor, be there to help with taking appropriate risk.
Final remarks,
To conclude, risk in play and everyday life of children is responsible for important life skills, such as:
- Persistence and confidence
- Coordination and orientation
- Awareness of limits and ability span
- Sense of unacceptable risk
- Self-confidence and well-being
- Cause and effect
- Creativity and imagination
- Eagerness and curiosity
- Problem-solving
- Joy

Exploring Nature - Children's Books and Learning Resources
Nature Journal Children's Activity Book with Prompts I see I wonder I create
Visual Storytelling Prompts with Nature | Drawing, Creative Writing
Animals of the Seven Continents - Nomenclature and Information Cards
Nature Curriculum in Cards Ever Growing Bundle
Insects and Crawling Creatures Preschool Pack
Biomes of the World - Nature Curriculum in Cards - Montessori
Major Biomes of the World is a set of 3-part cards, information posters, and worksheets for students to learn about the major biomes of the world. It includes a map, 3-part card activities, descriptions, follow-up coloring, handwriting, and sorting activities.
Three Types of Rocks Sort: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic
Three-part cards and sorting activity with three major groups of rocks – Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic. Rocks are often a great point of interest for lower elementary students. It is easily translated into a hands-on experience for children who enjoy looking up various types of rocks and learning their origin and proper name pronunciation.
Types of Clouds Printable - Nature Curriculum in Cards
Types of Clouds – 3-part card activity and handwriting sheets.
Seasons in Nature Printable - Nature Curriculum in Cards
Seasons in Nature Printable contains:
4 work mats for sorting
24 picture cards for sorting (6 for each of the seasons)
Sun and Earth rotation poster to place in the middle
British and American versions
Natural Wonders of the Continents Montessori Sorting Cards
Montessori Nature Printable with 49 sorting cards featuring real photos of the wonders of nature.
Fascinating and most incredible places on earth categorized by location – the seven continents.
2D Shapes in Nature Printable - Nature Curriculum in Cards - Montessori
2D Shapes in Nature matching activity and handwriting sheets.
Montessori Printable for Preschool Children Colours in Nature
Montessori-inspired printable for preschool children to learn visual discrimination of the colors using gorgeous photographs of nature. Photographs of the natural world – 11 different colors;
Montessori Nature Printables
Patterns in Nature cards for sorting out 10 different categories of patterns found in nature: clouds, water, plants, animals, reflections, landscapes, corals, ice and snow, rocks, and trees.
Birds and Their Eggs Three-Part Nomenclature Cards
The printable features photos of birds and eggs. Each card set comes with a photo of a bird + a label, a label card, and a photo card of eggs including a picture of the bird that laid them. This makes it easier for children to connect the right picture of eggs to the right bird without assistance.
Plant Life Cycle - Montessori Nature Printables
This printable is perfect to include in your Spring and Summer unit and present to the students before they start planting seeds in the garden.
Honey Bee Life Cycle - Nature Curriculum in Cards
Two sets of Honey Bee Life Cycle activities with student worksheets and Honey Bee 3-part Cards
Nature Themed Phonics - Nature Curriculum in Cards Series
The Deciduous Forest Biome - Nature Curriculum in Cards
Five Classes of Vertebrates Sorting Cards - Nature Curriculum in Cards
Leaf Shapes Printable - Nature Curriculum in Cards

Nature's Treasures
From a fragile and beautiful bird egg to a glittering meteorite from space, discover more than 100 intriguing natural objects with fascinating tales to tell in this beautifully illustrated wildlife book for children.
This unique nature reference book has a fun, new approach that teaches children about nature through objects. It includes:
• More than 100 amazing objects that you can find in nature made by geological processes, or by plants and animals.
• Four chapters: Animals; Plants, Fungi and Algae; Minerals and Rocks; and Made by Nature.
• Illustrated diagrams that support understanding.
• Large, detailed photographs of truly fascinating objects.
• Eye-catching jacket finishes: gold foil, holographic foil and metallic gold edges.

Kids Nature Journal Drawing Sketchbook
NATURE JOURNAL: Exploring nature with children through fun journaling. These activity books were created by parents who found a way to guide kids to discover and observe the outdoors with simple drawing and sketching. When given a purpose and excitement for finding plants, animals, and landmarks, your kids will enjoy learning to draw on this illustrative workbook in their own backyard.

Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail: What Will You Find?
Jump-start curiosity with this take-along field guide for children ages 4 to 8. From worms, birds, and spiders to trees, flowers, and clouds, young explorers learn what to look and listen for wherever they are — whether in a nature preserve, an urban park, or a suburban backyard. Seek-and-find lists, on-the-trail art projects, and discovery games get kids engaged in hands-on learning about nature, and a real pull-out magnifying glass helps them get a close-up glimpse of leaf veins, seed pods, and tiny insects. Filled with activities, checklists, and stickers, this interactive nature guide belongs in every kid’s backpack.

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World
See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

My First Nature Book: All About the Natural World for Kids
From the smallest speck of sand to the stars that blanket the sky, nature is full of incredible things to explore. Inspire little ones to learn about the world they live in with this colorful and imaginative choice in nature books for kids. It’s packed with fascinating info and full-page photos that teach children about the weather, seasons, plants, animals, and more.

Awesome Outdoor Science Experiments for Kids
Kids are full of big questions like “What makes plants grow?” or “Why does the moon change shape in the sky?”. Awesome Outdoor Experiments for Kids can help them find the answers! It’s a treasure trove of outdoor adventures, with more than 50 fun experiments that show kids science in action as they play outside.

National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry
When words in verse are paired with the awesomeness of nature, something magical happens! Beloved former U.S. Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis curates an exuberant poetic celebration of the natural world in this stellar collection of nature poems. From trickling streams to deafening thrunderstorms to soaring mountains, discover majestic photography perfectly paired with contemporary (such as Billy Collins), classics (such as Robert Frost), and never-before-published works.

Adventure Girls!: Crafts and Activities for Curious, Creative, Courageous Girls
Girls can do anything, and Adventure Girls! proves it! Packed with exciting activities and crafts for girls (ages 6 to 12), this book inspires young adventurers to be curious, innovative, and bold. From stargazing and animal tracking to making a pinhole camera and building a shadow theater, Adventure Girls! is not one of your typical craft books.

The Backyard Bug Book for Kids
Crawl into the wonderful world of bugs—a fun photographic adventure for kids ages 3 to 5
Take your child on an educational adventure bursting with the kinds of colorful photographs you need in bug books for kids.
The Backyard Bug Book for Kids has everything you’d want in bug books for kids: a story, pictures, and activities combined. Introduce your little one to the types of bugs they’re likely to see during their day, then help them remember what they’ve learned with fun, on-the-page challenges.

Curious Kids Nature Guide: Explore the Amazing Outdoors of the Pacific Northwest
Filled with fun facts and 100 full-color, beautiful, and scientifically accurate illustrations, this nature guide will inspire kids to go outdoors and discover the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest.
Did you know that baby raccoons are smaller than a bar of soap? Or that salmon smell using little pits in the front of their eyes? Curious Kids Nature Guide is filled with full-color illustrations and fun facts about the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, encouraging kids to discover and explore nature in their own backyards and beyond.

The Organic Artist for Kids: A DIY Guide to Making Your Own Eco-Friendly Art Supplies from Nature
Immersed in the natural world, The Organic Artist for Kids inspires creativity by connecting kids and their adults to our wilderness roots.
In addition to offering a wide variety of fun, collaborative projects using nature as a source for art supplies and inspiration, this book also introduces the concepts of awareness and perception that are fundamental to the creative process.

Outdoor Kids in an Inside World
In the era of screens and devices, the average American spends 90 percent of their time indoors, and children are no exception. Not only does this phenomenon have consequences for kids’ physical and mental health, it jeopardizes their ability to understand and engage with anything beyond the built environment.

Exploring Nature Journal for Kids
Wild creatures, cloud formations, plant habitats, and more―nature is full of wonders to behold and explore! In this nature journal, young naturalists will get all of the guidance they need to study and record their experiences of the natural world.

The Nature Connection: An Outdoor Workbook for Kids, Families, and Classrooms
Clare Walker Leslie shows kids how to experience nature with all five senses, whether they live in the countryside, a major city, or somewhere in between. Guiding children through inspiring activities like sketching wildlife, observing constellations, collecting leaves, keeping a weather journal, and watching bird migrations, The Nature Connection encourages kids to engage with the world outside and promotes a lifelong love of nature.

50 Things To See With A Telescope - Kids: A Constellation Focused Approach
From the author of the bestselling book 50 Things to See with a Small Telescope, this colorful edition explores the constellations with young readers, guiding them to dozens of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. Every page features a helpful “telescope view”, showing exactly how objects appear through a small telescope or binoculars.

Nature Anatomy Activities for Kids: Fun, Hands-On Learning
Get ready to explore the sky above, the ground below, and all the plants and creatures in between! Made just for kids, this nature anatomy book teaches you about the incredible forces and living things that exist in nature.

Nature All Around: Plants
Balancing child-friendly facts with colorful illustrations, this perfect introduction to plants is sure to inspire the budding naturalist in every child. From crowded cities to open prairies, deserts to wetlands, plants grow everywhere!
This comprehensive introduction will open children's eyes to the plants that surround them every day and how important they are to life on our planet. It covers the basics of plants, such as their parts, life cycles and growing zones.

The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups
The birds, the bees, the flowers and the…TREES! How do trees grow? Why do leaves change? What kind of tree is that? The acclaimed Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s guide answers all kids’ (and their parents’) tree-related questions in an easy-to-understand way. It features 33 different trees that grow in North America, from rural Georgia to the streets of New York City to the California suburbs.

Survivor Kid: A Practical Guide to Wilderness Survival
Anyone can get lost while camping or on a hike and Survivor Kid teaches young adventurers the survival skills they need if they ever find themselves lost or in a dangerous situation in the wild. Written by a search and rescue professional and lifelong camper, it’s filled with safe and practical advice on building shelters and fires, signaling for help, finding water and food, dealing with dangerous animals, learning how to navigate, and avoiding injuries in the wilderness.

Mrs. Peanuckle's Hiking Alphabet
With playful text, bright illustrations, and sturdy pages, Mrs. Peanuckle's alphabet books will engage toddlers, and take them on an alphabet adventure through the natural world!
Explore the wondrous world of hiking while learning the ABCs with Mrs. Peanuckle!
Mrs. Peanuckle takes on the outdoors and shares all her favorite animals, plants, and more in her latest tour of the ABCs!