133. Bridging Science and Parenthood with Dr. Cindy Hovington

Risky Play

Risky play is essential for children's growth, helping them learn to trust themselves and take risks. Cindy Hovington explains that activities like climbing and jumping off high places teach kids about their boundaries and build confidence 1. She emphasizes that while parents can guide their children, they should avoid controlling their play 2.

There's so much learning and we can guide them, but we can't control play. It's their job. They've got it.

--- Cindy Hovington

Allowing children to engage in risky play fosters a sense of self and decision-making skills that are crucial for their development.

   

Parental Support

Parents play a crucial role in supporting risky play while managing their own fears. Cindy advises using 'time in' instead of 'time out' to address unsafe behavior, emphasizing the importance of staying with the child and discussing the situation 3. She also suggests using play to help children navigate big transitions, like starting preschool, by reenacting scenarios to make them feel more secure 4.

If a child is nervous and gets anxious around transitions, through play, we need to reenact it.

--- Cindy Hovington

This approach helps children build emotional resilience and better handle new experiences.