The Influences of Societal Factors on Parents' Comfort With Risky Play Behaviors

• In Event: Teacher Education, Teacher, and Pedagogy

Abstract

There is evidence that children are naturally drawn to physical play that is thrilling and feels risky (Little et al., 2011). Parents have to navigate how to keep their children safe while also allowing them chances to take some risks. How parents perceive what is risky and whether they promote or discourage risk taking is related to cultural factors. Parents living with their children cross-culturally may notice differences in the expectations other parents have for their children’s play. This research explored some of the factors that influence what play behaviors parents feel comfortable allowing their children to participate in by investigating how parents who have lived with their children in more than one country perceive their experiences in each country.

Author

• Kate Puckett, Eastern Oregon University