OT in the Open:
A Nature-Based OT Blog
Risky Play
Image of a child climbing a log elevated from the ground.
What is risky play?
Risky play is any play that is thrilling or exciting and involves some risk of injury. Key factors of risky play include: height and elevation, speed and momentum, use of risky or adult tools, interaction with natural elements, play with a chance of getting lost, or rough and tumble play. Some of these elements are more commonly encountered in outdoor play and therapy.
Many parents and caregivers of children are naturally hesitant about risky play. Read on to learn about the benefits and ways to support kids…
What are the benefits of risky play for kids?
Studies have shown that risky play helps children develop:
Resilience
Executive functioning skills
Self-confidence
Risk assessment abilities
Reduces the likelihood of phobias in adulthood
Improved physical-motor competence
Spatial-orientation skills
Enhanced social skills
Overall improved health
Isn’t risky play dangerous?
Studies show that the likelihood of injury is incredibly low. It would take a child 3 hours a day of engaging in risky play for 10 years before they were likely to get an injury that required medical attention.
Although parents have good intentions when trying to remove risk for their children, there is a limit to benefits and can actually have negative effects over the long run.
Studies show that by having the opportunity to navigate risky play situations children actually have decreased risk of sustaining an injury due to increased awareness and problem solving.
How can parents/caregivers respond differently?
Ways to facilitate risky play:
Use the 17 second rule when possible: When you feel uneasy about how your child is playing, step back for 17 seconds and observe what they are doing before intervening.
Ditch the playground and structured play for natural landscapes, organically designed play structures, and moveable loose parts.
Ask leading questions to allow children to assess risk themselves and to come up with solutions. Avoid using the general phrase “Be careful!” which isn’t specific and doesn’t help children plan ahead…if they hear it too often, they may tune you out. Some alternate phrases to foster more awareness may include:
“Notice how…..”
“Do you see…..”
“What’s your plan?”
“What can you use…”
*Thanks to Lauren Stuart, 2024 OT Fieldwork Student with Forestways OT, for assisting with the information for this post.
Building Connection Before Camp Begins
Welcome to Summer at Forestways!
I’m so excited for the start of Forestways Summer Camps and our summer occupational therapy sessions—coming up in just a few weeks! This is a big transition time for kids (and adults too!), so I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and our amazing summer student volunteers. My hope is that this blog becomes a space for sharing, connection, and helping new families feel supported from the very start.
What Is "Felt Safety"?
You might be wondering what “felt safety” actually means. It refers to our personal sense of how safe we feel—based on our environment, the people around us, and even the sensations inside our own bodies.
Children are incredibly perceptive. They’re constantly scanning for signs of safety or danger. If they’re tired, hungry, overwhelmed, or feel threatened, their brain may shift into a protective mode—commonly called fight, flight, or freeze. In this state, it's much harder for them to learn, play, or connect.
What helps them feel safe again? Calm, regulated adults. This process is called co-regulation, and it’s something we prioritize deeply in our work. Through playful connection, validating emotions, shared movement, and time in nature, we help children return to felt safety.
Building Connection, One Step at a Time
We know every child is unique. That’s why our first goal is always to build trust and connection. To help with that, I’m sharing a photo and a few fun facts about myself and our wonderful student volunteers below.
We’d love for you to share this post with your child—and maybe even ask them some of the questions we’ve answered. It’s a great way to start building that bridge of familiarity before camp begins!
Lindsey Stamper, OT & Owner of Forestways
Favorite Outdoor/Nature Activity-Hiking in mountains
Favorite Occupations-Yoga, gardening, reading, and spending time with family & friends
Random Fact-I’ve lived in 7 states since college and returned home to Ohio 4 years ago
I am looking forward to seeing lots of familiar faces this summer and welcoming new kiddos to camp!
Addie Chileski, Marion Tech OT Assistant Student
Favorite Outdoor/Nature Activity-I love going on hikes, kayaking, and gardening
Favorite Occupations-I love everything music. I have sang ever since I was little. I also enjoy embroidery and water coloring.
Random Fact-I have lived in Ohio my whole life and I love it here.
I am really excited to see how the outdoors can be used in occupational therapy. I have worked at summer camps in the past but never in a therapy setting.
Amanda Sinden, Marion Tech OT Assistant Student
Favorite Outdoor/Nature Activity-Finding new hiking trails to walk/ride bikes with my kiddos & sitting by a campfire
Favorite Occupations-Water coloring, anything crafty, and exploring new areas/cities with my boys
Random Fact-I have lived in many different places in the last 10 years due to my husband’s time in the military including Washington state, Maine, and Sicily, Italy!
I am so incredibly excited to have the opportunity to do my Level One Fieldwork with Forestways. I have never heard of an OT program that is mostly outside in nature! It's such a fantastic concept, and I'm excited to put skills to practice that we have learned thus far in the OTA program!
Ellie Hauger, Marion Tech OT Assistant Student
Favorite Outdoor/Nature Activity-Camping with my family! We are seasonal campers and spend most nice days at the camper
Favorite Occupations-Spending time with my boyfriend golfing or shopping & getting coffee with my mom
Random Fact- My boyfriend and I just bought our first home!
I am looking forward to spending time with the children and learning more about my future career!