S7E158: Why We Want Our Kids To Take Risks

This community conversation was all about risk taking. 

My friends Kelly Edwards and Tira Hunter joined me to lead this this community conversation on the importance of allowing our kids (and teens) to take risks and what that looks like in our lives.

In This Episode

Kelly Edwards is the founder of the 90 Minute School Day. She is a homeschooling mom to her 3 daughters, ages 15, 8 and 5. Tira Hunter unschooled her daughter Zoi who is now grown, runs a business and is a mom to Zoi, a professional artist.

This conversation brought our community of parents that come from different backgrounds, places, ages, races and circumstances to share their ideas, and ask questions. 

Here's what we explored in this conversation:

• What is risk taking?
• Risky play- the benefits, examples and balancing safety 
• Risk taking at different ages
• Trust- the element that makes risk okay
• Parent Fears
• Why are some parents more risk-adverse? 
• Tools, knives, guns and independent experiences
• Risk and Race

And let's not forget, risk taking in choosing to homeschool!

Resources

We shared some fantastic resources- podcasts, books and articles throughout this discussion.

Books

Teen Mind, Teen Brain-What Parents Need To Know To Survive The Adolescent Years by Dr. Ron Clavier

Free To Learn- Why Unleashing The Instinct To Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self Reliant, and Better Students For Life by Dr. Peter Gray

Articles and Research

The Nature Of Things- Risky Play For Children- Why We Should Let Kids Go Outside And Then Get Out Of The Way

National Library of Medicine- Risky Play and Children's Safety: Balancing Priorities For Optimal Child Development

outsideplay.ca -Helping Caregivers and Educators Gain The Confidence and Skills To Support Children's Outdoor Play

Podcast Episodes

Free To Learn with Dr. Peter Gray

Supporting Passions and Unschooling To Adulthood with Tira and Zoi Hunter

Finding Freedom Within Structure with Kelly Edwards

Supporting Passions and Unschooling in the Teen Years 

Homeschooling Support

Join Our Community

One on One Coaching Support

Clubhouse Community 

OUR SPONSORS

Sponsor support allows me to continue to create this podcast and allow it to be easily accessible for you. 

This episode was brought to you by Fearless Learners by Success Codes and