As summer begins and children spend more time outdoors, many parents and educators find themselves asking: How much risk is too much?

In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, pediatric occupational therapist Aimee Ketchum and professor of education Crystal Loose explore the fascinating research behind risky play—the thrilling, child-led activities that involve challenge, uncertainty, and manageable risk.

Drawing from the study The Prevalence of Risky Play in Young Children's Indoor and Outdoor Free Play by Sandseter, Kleppe, and Sando (2021), we discuss what risky play looks like in real life, how often children naturally engage in it, and why it is essential for healthy development.

You'll learn:

• What researchers mean by "risky play"
• The eight categories of risky play
• The difference between risks and hazards
• How risky play supports motor skills, executive functioning, confidence, resilience, and problem-solving
• The connection between risky play and anxiety prevention
• Why school readiness is about more than academics
• Practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers to support risky play safely

We also share specific phrases adults can use instead of saying "Be careful!" to encourage children's critical thinking, self-awareness, and independence.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, therapist, or policymaker, this episode will help you understand why allowing children to test their limits may be one of the most important gifts we can give them.

Research Article
Sandseter, E. B. H., Kleppe, R., & Sando, O. J. (2021). The prevalence of risky play in young children's indoor and outdoor free play. Early Childhood Education Journal, 49(2), 303–312.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-020-01074-0

Book Referenced
Dearybury, H., & Jones, D. (2020). Playful by Design: Your Stress-Free Guide to Raising Confident, Resilient, and Creative Kids.
https://www.playfulbydesignbook.com

Music isn’t just an extracurricular—it’s a powerful developmental tool that begins in infancy. In this episode, we challenge the idea that children should wait until elementary school for music instruction. With expert insights from Christyn Rutter, we explore how early music experiences support everything from brain development and motor skills to literacy and social connection, giving children a strong foundation before they ever step into a classroom.

In this powerful episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, we sit down with internationally recognized child development expert Dr. Jacqueline Harding to explore the science behind why play is essential for healthy brain development. Drawing from her bestselling book The Brain that Loves to Play, Dr. Harding breaks down what is actually happening in a child’s brain during play—and why it builds neural pathways in ways that traditional academic tasks cannot.

We dive into the fascinating connection between imagination and biology, including how play may even influence gene expression, and what early childhood classrooms would look like if we truly followed the science of how children learn. Dr. Harding also shares her expertise from advising the UK government and shaping digital media standards across Europe, offering practical insights on screen time, children’s programming, and how parents can make more informed decisions in today’s digital world.

From AI-powered toys to the future of play, this episode challenges us to rethink childhood in a rapidly changing world—and leaves listeners with one simple, actionable strategy they can start using tomorrow.

The Brain that Loves to Laugh: A Visual Guide to Humour and Human Connection in the Early Years
https://www.routledge.com/The-Brain-that-Loves-to-Laugh-A-Visual-Guide-to-Humour-and-Human-Connection-in-the-Early-Years/Harding/p/book/9781032953915

Little Brains Love to Talk (Book Series)
https://www.routledge.com/Little-Brains-Love-to-Talk/book-series/LBLT