Why Risk Assessment is a Crucial Life Skill

Children thrive when they are given opportunities to assess and manage risks. While it may seem safer to step in and stop them before they climb too high or jump too far, over-intervention can prevent children from developing essential decision-making skills.

Instead of waiting until they are already in the middle of a risky moment, parents can help children develop risk-awareness long before they reach the decision point. This allows children to build confidence in their own judgment rather than relying on adults to determine what is safe.

How to Teach Risk Assessment in Everyday Life

Children need more than permission to take risks—they need guidance on evaluating them. Integrating small discussions about risk into daily routines helps them develop confidence in their own judgment.

Model Risk Assessment Through Everyday Actions

Children learn by watching. Narrating your own decision-making process helps them understand how to approach risk thoughtfully.

Examples:

• When walking on uneven ground, say: “This path looks a bit slippery. I’m going to test if it’s firm before stepping fully.”

• Before climbing stairs, point out: “I’m holding the railing because it helps me keep my balance.”

Observe and Discuss Risks Together

Watching how others handle risks gives children valuable insight into safe decision-making.

Examples:

• At the playground, observe other children: “That child is using their hands to steady themselves while climbing. That looks like a smart way to stay safe.”

• When crossing the road, ask: “How can we tell if it’s safe to go?”

Ask Open-Ended Questions Before Risky Play

Before a child climbs or jumps, rather than saying “Be careful!” (which doesn’t offer guidance), try asking questions that encourage them to think through their next steps.

Examples:

• “What do you think would help you keep your balance here?”

• “Where will you put your foot next?”

By embedding these conversations into daily life, children develop an internal ability to assess risks rather than waiting for an adult to step in at the last moment.

Common Concerns About Risky Play

"What if my child gets hurt?"

While minor scrapes and bruises are part of learning, research suggests that children who engage in risky play are less likely to suffer serious injuries over time. By developing better judgment and self-protection skills, they become more capable of managing real-world challenges.

The key is to remove hazards (unpredictable dangers like broken equipment or sharp objects) while allowing challenges (manageable risks like climbing or balancing).

"My child is too cautious."

Some children are naturally more hesitant when it comes to risky play. While this is normal, gentle encouragement can help them build confidence.

How to support a cautious child:

• Start with low-risk activities like stepping onto uneven surfaces or balancing on a curb.

• Offer reassurance rather than pressure, and let them take the lead.

• Praise the effort rather than the outcome—“I saw you try something new today!”

Supporting Safe Risk-Taking with Confidence

• Provide varied opportunities – Parks, nature trails, and open spaces offer natural challenges that encourage movement.

• Observe before intervening – Children often self-regulate their risk-taking when given space. Step in only when necessary.

• Trust their instincts – Research suggests that children naturally seek risks they can handle and will often adjust their behaviour when something feels too challenging.

By teaching children to assess and manage risks independently, parents help them develop lifelong confidence, problem-solving abilities, and resilience.