How Risk Play Can Benefit Kids — Episode 024

On today's episode, we chat with Tom Norquist, president of the
International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA),
about how risk and adventure play is stepping back into the
limelight and can help kids' independence and creativity.


Typically, when we think about play, the idea of risk or danger
may be a little scary, especially if we’re talking about children
playing. However, this kind of unstructured, hands on, risk
play is making a comeback. Taking a risk and coming out on top
provides kids with a great sense of accomplishment. Taking a risk
also has consequences, which can also help kids develop critical
decision-making skills. Incorporating some type of risk into play
can teach kids lessons and skills that they can take with them
for the rest of their lives, and truly benefit their development
physically, mentally and socially.


Listen to the full episode to hear Norquist's reasons for why
risk and adventure play is such a vital component in kids' lives.
You'll also want to hear about his own adventure playground that
he built in his backyard — it's so cool that one NBC Nightly
News reporter cancelled her flight back home to stay longer!