Active Play and Why Risky Play Matters More Than You Think

Ever have one of those playground moments where you pause between “be careful” and letting your child figure it out?

That risky play matters more than you think! The climbing. The jumping. The speed.

In this episode of Active Play, Every Day, Dr. Emily Greenwald talks with Dr. Mariana Brussoni, a global leader in risky play research, about why these moments are not reckless play–it is essential play.

In this episode, we cover:

• What risky play actually is
• How it supports confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation
• The difference between risk and hazard
• Why “be careful” often backfires
• Dr. Emily's Active Play prescription for families learning how to step out of their comfort zone

Full episode notes

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This podcast is sponsored by Nex Playground, an active play gaming system that helps kids move indoors through full-body games that support learning, coordination, and joy.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.