As a parent, you want to shield your children from danger and injuries. However, if you never allow kids to take risks, you may eventually stunt their confidence. One way kids learn is by having adult permission to run, jump, climb, and play, burning off excess energy while strengthening their bones and muscles and developing their motor skills.
Kids whose parents encourage them to be self-sufficient and solve problems independently are more likely to be mentally healthy later in life. How can you strike a balance between your instinctive desire to keep your kids safe, while still allowing them to take risks that help them grow and thrive? Consider these benefits of risk-taking skills for kids.
1. Improved Physical Health
Most childhood risk-taking involves some physical activity, whether it is walking to a friend’s house, swimming in a community pool, or trying new tricks at a skate park. Discouraging your child from doing these things can reduce the amount of exercise they get. Consider how much time your kids spend being active every day. Most kids don’t get the minimum 60 minutes of daily exercise they need to be healthy as they grow up.
2. Less Screen Time
If you think back to your childhood, you may fondly recall long summer days spent outside playing with your friends, riding your bike, and having adventures. Unfortunately, kids today are less likely to enjoy those experiences than their parents and grandparents did. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, the time children spend outdoors decreases every year, and devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets are the probable culprit.
Screen time is a sedentary activity requiring hardly any energy expenditure. Excessive technology use can adversely affect your child’s sleep schedule, cause weight gain, and increase their risk of mood and attention disorders. In contrast, risk-taking activities are inherently dynamic, getting kids up and moving in various ways.
3. Increased Self-Esteem
To gain confidence, kids must try new things. They need you to remind them that practice makes perfect. Eventually, they can gain the self-esteem boost that comes with mastering different skills. Most kids naturally make gradual progress instead of immediately trying to tackle the biggest or most intimidating obstacle they can find. By taking their time and overcoming their fears one step at a time, they are practicing persistence and resilience.
4. More Family Involvement
All children benefit when their parents are supportive and engaged in their lives. Don’t immediately tell your child no if they want to do something that seems risky to you. Instead, pay attention and provide coaching as needed. If you have more than one child, stay sensitive to their personality differences by observing how each one handles challenges. Some children seem to be fearless, while others prefer to be more cautious. Both approaches are OK.
Create Unforgettable Memories With Your Child
Due to hectic schedules, family members are less likely than ever before to spend quality time together. Many families struggle to find enough time to strengthen their bonds and enjoy each other’s company without distractions like homework, schoolwork, and technology getting in the way.
Instead of spending your downtime playing the same tired board games, why not try something new and exciting? At Adventureworks, we have four zipline and aerial adventure courses where you and your family can climb, zip, and swing through a beautiful treetop canopy. Make new memories in an exhilarating outdoor environment you and your kids will love.
Our courses are ideal for young thrill-seekers aged 8 and up. To learn more and book your family adventure, contact our experienced team today.
