When Sandseter reviewed several studies on risky play, she found that children who played unsupervised or had independent mobility are more physically active and have better social skills than their peers. They’re also better at judging risk, which can help them later in life, when they’re no longer monitored by adults. Sandseter argues that the overall positive health effects of risky outdoor play are greater than those associated with avoiding it. She also notes that risky play makes children better able to master peril. When adults restrict children’s risky play, it hampers their ability to
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