Jonathan Haidt, in his book The Anxious Generation, emphasises how important risky play is for children’s development. He explains that activities like climbing trees or roughhousing or hard play aren’t just fun, they help children build resilience, learn problem-solving, and manage their emotions. These kinds of play let children face fears, judge risks, and gain confidence in handling uncertainty and controlling their environment.

Haidt points out that today’s parenting often focuses heavily on safety, which means children get fewer chances to engage in risky play. While this is meant to protect them, it can backfire by preventing children from learning how to cope with challenges and setbacks. Research shows that children who take these manageable risks tend to be less anxious later on because they’ve practiced dealing with failure and uncertainty early in life.

He challenges the current “safety-first” approach and urges parents and educators to find a balance-supervising enough to keep children safe but also giving them freedom to explore and take risks. This isn’t about neglect; it’s about helping children grow into independent, resilient adults ready for the real world.

In essence, Haidt’s message is clear: letting children take part in risky play is crucial for their mental and emotional growth, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive as adults.