The word ‘risk’ is often associated with a negative connotation and indicates some level of uncertainty. Often there is a debate whether children should be raised to be risk-takers or taught to be risk-averse. Parents who display overprotection to keep their kids safe may be doing more harm than good. This habit restricts youngsters from taking advantage of bold opportunities and even developing a belief that the world is a scary place to be in.
So, let us learn what positive risk-taking means! Taking risks can actually help kids push their boundaries and evolve from their ordinary state of existence. As the saying goes, ‘great things never come from comfort zones’. A safe environment is barely challenging and doesn’t stimulate young ones to think & act differently.
As children grow, they need the freedom to explore their environment with confidence and cope with challenging situations, independently. Sowing these seeds at a young age will be helpful even later on in life, because, we know that the world around us is highly uncertain, and to thrive fully, one needs to demonstrate boldness and courage in all endeavors.
Risk is a part of our everyday life and kids may experience risk in different scenarios such as;
- Crossing the road and taking the school bus
- Interacting with friends for group projects
- Involving themselves in an activity that is challenging
- Asking questions in front of peers in class
- Not being able to do homework independently
- Unable to participate in annual events due to stage fear
- Feeling afraid to visit the toilet by themselves
So, basically, risk can manifest anywhere, at any time, and cause the child gripping fear, if they are not prepared in advance or taught to tackle changing situations. Here are some of the advantages of inculcating positive risk-taking in early childhood;
#1 Builds Confidence
Every successful person would have taken some risk at any point in their life. To truly achieve your goals in life, risk-taking is a given. By taking a risk, one learns to build confidence and deal with the worst-case scenario to emerge even stronger. Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, risk-takers have the faith to believe in their capabilities and deal with setback; small or big, with maturity. And of course, there’s a lot of learning in taking daring chances.
#2 Improves Self-Esteem
The more you learn to take risks, the higher one’s self-esteem is boosted. Children now get an opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally, by embracing free-play activities. Don’t hold them back when your little one wants to play it rough and speed down the slope on their bicycle or hang on the tree like a monkey. Falling teaches kids to stand back up and get going. The LEGO® Learning System has introduced excellent modules to spark joy in classrooms across Dubai & UAE, and make STEAM learning fun, alongside giving students the opportunity to experiment & take risks. Some of their popular learning sets include; LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime Set, LEGO® Education BricQ Motion Essential set, and others alike.
#3 Teaches Resilience
Resilience is the capacity to bounce back or overcome any difficult situation. Children who take risks are naturally resilient, as they know how to be tough and deal with difficulties in a positive manner. They are able to cope with changes rather easily and quickly adapt to experiences like; changing schools, moving to a new city, illness of a family member, etc. Any problem that arises next time, is a cakewalk because, with the art of resilience, children have learned to master their emotions & be mentally strong.
#4 Instills Independence
Fostering independence in any situation, means children need to be given the freedom to learn from their own experiences and own up to their mistakes. Out-of-the-box solutions are possible when one has fully taken control of their situation and want to make the best out of it. Free play is the first step to initiating independent thinking and doing, in children. To inculcate STEAM-based free-play, simply hand over the LEGO® Learning System play sets to students, and watch them build amazing models, while even learning to code. For availability of the latest LEGO® Learning System sets in GCC or any other Middle East region, contact knowledge Hub Dubai.