Children have an explorative mid-set. Taking a risk to achieve a goal requires courage to face the fear of uncertainty. In “The Role of Risk in Play and Learning” Joan Almon notes, “play means taking risks . . . Children are constantly trying out new things and learning a great deal in the process” (Almon 2013).
While playing, children use their muscles and senses in physical activities. When children are encouraged to take supervised risks, they learn to test the limits of their abilities and then risk going further, trying to do something they could not do until now!
Children think about how high they can climb, from what height they can jump, and so on. When they realize what they are attempting is not possible, they use problem-solving skills and think of alternative ways to get it done. This way children develop their character and resilience, they understand what they need to do to succeed or if it is better to abandon the task.
Parents and Teachers can help children to take supervised risks. Climbing, Jumping, and balancing are some of such activities where you can encourage them. Children like to engage in activities that are a bit beyond their capacity, not too easy and not too difficult.
So, encourage your child to extend his boundaries in a supervised way.