A parent's guide to risk

Of course, no parent wants their child to come to harm. But unfortunately we cannot protect them effectively without some manageable risk. Children need to learn all the skills that will enable them to be self-reliant. Young children learn a lot through play, especially pretend play when they imagine themselves into situations that we would not yet allow them to do for real. But your children also need help to learn practical life skills within the family, at an age when they are likely to listen to your advice and imitate your safe actions.