Risky and unstructured play encouraged at upcoming events

In 2016, the Canadian Public Health Association said “risky play is essential for child development.” It also helps to keep kids physically fit, it said.

A commentary on the association’s website said “parental overprotection and societal attitudes that lean toward parental supervision have contributed to eliminating the active, independent, unstructured (risky) aspect of outdoor play.”

Children require this type of play, it said, “as it contributes to their physical, emotional and psychological development which supports the skills necessary to thrive as adults.”