Show Notes
Get ready to tumble, climb, and maybe even take a little leap! In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty talks all about risky play. What is it? Why does it matter? And how can a scraped knee actually be a win?
Rusty introduces the six types of risky play and explores our role as adults in letting it happen organically and free of hazards. He leads us to balance freedom with safety and find the line between letting go and stepping in.
Rusty includes real-life examples and thoughtful insights to help us see how risky play builds resilience, sharpens decision-making, and boosts confidence—without tossing caution completely to the wind.
Stay tuned through the end to hear listener questions centered around Risky Play. Rusty tackles the tricky topic of setting boundaries, knowing when to say no. And he answers a question about how to chat with licensing bodies who might raise an eyebrow at all this free-range fun.
Bottom line? Kids need room to roam, and it’s up to us grownups to create that space—safely, smartly, and with a whole lot of heart.
Resources Mentioned:
ellenbeatehansensandseter.com
10 Ways to Support Risky Play FREE Download
Risky Play Roundtable Online Course
10% off Discount Code for Play Nature Podcast Listeners! [Use code: PLAYNATUREPOD]
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide
More from Play Nature Podcast
Think about this…the best thing we can do for children is…less and then more. Less directing. Less correcting. Less rushing to the rescue. More mud. More mess. More wonder!
What if the answer to better learning, happier kids, and even easier classroom management is just outside the door?
What if play didn’t need a lesson plan? Or an outcome? Or a grown-up standing nearby explaining what’s supposed to happen next?
What happens when one kid climbs up the slide while another is coming down? Is going up the slide really dangerous? Or is it just one of those playground rules we’ve inherited without thinking too hard about it?
What happens when children meet a muddy hill, a dangling rope, and a whole lot of possibility? They climb. They slip. They tumble. They try again.