When children are trusted with challenge, they are given opportunities to build confidence, resilience, and real-world problem-solving skills. This Risky Play Resource Packet is designed to support adults in understanding, facilitating, and communicating about risky play in thoughtful, developmentally appropriate ways.

Created by a pediatric occupational therapist, this full-color packet blends research, reflection, and practical tools to help teams move beyond “be careful” and toward confident, intentional support of play that includes challenge and uncertainty ... without being reckless or unsafe.

This resource is intentionally flexible. You do not need to use every page at once. Select the sections that best fit your setting, role, and current goals.

What’s Included (14-page PDF)

This comprehensive packet includes:

• Risky Play Reflection Checklist: A structured tool to assess program culture, policies, environments, and team comfort with risk
• Mini-Guide to Risky Play: Clear explanations of what risky play is, why it matters, and how to distinguish risk from hazard
• Adult Language & Coaching Prompts: Practical alternatives to “be careful” that support awareness, planning, and self-regulation
• Scaffolding Risky Play: Visual examples and progressions that show how to support challenge over time without pushing or rushing
• Common Concerns & Reframes: Supportive responses to common worries from staff and families
• Research Snapshots: Accessible summaries connecting risky play to physical development, executive function, emotional regulation, social skills, and long-term mental health
• Risky Play in Small or Urban Spaces: Creative, low-cost ideas for supporting risk even without forests, large playgrounds, or natural terrain
• Parent Communication Tools: Talking points, newsletter blurbs, and simple responses to common questions
• Staff Reflection & Discussion Scenarios: Conversation starters and real-life scenarios for team meetings, onboarding, or professional development
• Reference List: Research-informed sources for further reading

Who This Resource Is For

This packet is well suited for:

• Early childhood educators and teachers
• Occupational therapists and other related service providers
• Nature-based play programs, forest schools, and other outdoor learning environments
• School administrators and program directors
• Homeschool groups and learning co-ops
• Professionals facilitating staff trainings or workshops

How This Resource Is Used

This packet can be used for:

• Staff training and onboarding
• Team reflection and professional development
• Program philosophy alignment
• Parent communication and education
• Supporting confident supervision during play
• Building shared language around risk, safety, and development

This is not a script or a checklist to follow perfectly. It is a supportive tool designed to encourage thoughtful decision-making, shared understanding, and trust in children’s capabilities.

Important Notes

• This resource is intended for educational and supportive purposes and is not a substitute for individualized therapy, assessment, or professional judgment.
• Licensed for use by the original purchaser only. Redistribution is not permitted.

Why I Created This Resource

I created this resource after years of supporting children, families, and educators who wanted to say “yes” to challenging play, but weren’t always sure how to do so confidently. In my work as a pediatric occupational therapist, I’ve seen how thoughtfully supported risk builds regulation, resilience, and real-world problem-solving skills. This packet was designed to bridge the gap between research, professional judgment, and everyday practice ... offering practical tools that feel usable, not overwhelming.

Created to support real kids in real moments.

— Wildly Practical