Tag Archives: Risk

When every parent’s worst nightmare comes true, how should we respond?

memorial candleThe terrible events that have been unfolding in Machynlleth force those of us who call for a more balanced approach to risk in childhood to take stock. How can we reconcile our views with the searing reality of such an apparently senseless act?

Continue reading →

A child is taught to ride a bike – and see how many people are helping him

Here’s a video of a young boy being taught to ride a bike. (It’s in Dutch – but you really don’t need to know the language.)

Continue reading →

Returning to Oz

Kangaroo saying "Back again? Strewth!I am very pleased to announce that I will be returning to Australia in late October for a couple of weeks or so, visiting Melbourne, Queensland and Perth. In Melbourne, I’m talking at the new Royal Botanical Gardens Cranbourne site, just a few days after it is fully opened to the public. I’m also renewing my connection with VicHealth at an invitation-only masterclass for senior regional local government.

Continue reading →

There are paedophiles in the bushes

A bush in Butterfield Green, HackneyIn this guest post, Eleanor Image describes how she took up the trusty sword of truth, and vanquished a myth. Eleanor is Play Development Worker at Play Association Tower Hamlets (PATH). Tower Hamlets, in East London, includes some of the most disadvantaged parts of the capital.

Continue reading →

It’s health and safety gone sane!

Glamis Adventure Playground double swingI see what you did there. So I take it you are not about to share another crazy story about kids being wrapped in cotton wool.
Indeed not. Today is a good day for getting rid of the white fluffy stuff. You see, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a statement that promotes a balanced, thoughtful approach to safety in children’s play.

Continue reading →

“To be nowhere at home but in life itself”

dribble sculptureHere are some finely crafted lines on the role of adults in children’s education, from the German poet H H Dreiske:

One should teach children to dance
on a tightrope without a safety net,
to sleep at night alone under the sky,
to row a boat out on the open sea.

Continue reading →