Does Risky Play Scare You? Why Tree Climbing, Nature Play & Outdoor Freedom Help Kids Grow Safer and Stronger | Josée Bergeron

Does risky play make you nervous as a parent? In this episode, we explore why tree climbing, nature play, outdoor freedom, and healthy risk-taking help kids become safer, stronger, more confident, and better at judging real-world risks. Welcome to Part 2 of the Screen Less Play More conversation with Josée Bergeron of Backwoods Mama, author of "Beyond the Front Door: Embracing Nature for a Happier and Healthier Family." Josee and host Cynthia Dvorak talk about why tree climbing, nature play, loose parts, sit spotting, and outdoor freedom are some of the most powerful ways to help kids become safer, stronger, calmer, and more confident. We dive into the science and real-life parenting side of risky play for kids, including why children who are allowed to climb, jump, spin, run fast, and test their physical limits actually become better at judging risk later in life. Josée shares practical ways to help kids engage in healthy outdoor risk without pushing them beyond what their bodies are ready for, including one of my favorite takeaways:  never place your child into a risky play position they can't get into on their own. We also explore: why tree climbing is so good for child development how risky outdoor play improves balance, motor skills, and body awareness what to do when your own parental anxiety kicks in how to slowly introduce outdoor freedom if your child has been overprotected why nature-based play helps kids become less anxious and more resilient how children learn better safety judgment through experience Beyond risky play, this conversation opens up beautiful ways to help children feel deeply connected to the outdoors through: sit spotting and mindfulness in nature grounding exercises for anxious kids nature journaling prompts "interview a tree" imagination activities creating a simple nature table indoors bird feeders and wildlife-friendly family traditions screen-free outdoor activities for every season This episode is perfect for parents who want: less screen time more outdoor play calmer kids confidence-building activities nature-based parenting ideas practical ways to raise independent children If you've ever wondered whether tree climbing, risky play, and outdoor freedom are actually good for your child's safety and development, this conversation will completely reframe the way you think about outdoor childhood. Screen Less Play More is the best parenting podcast for families asking, how much screen time is too much, how to reduce screen time for kids, and how do I increase outside play for kids? Host Cynthia Dvorak shares practical tips for parenting, expert advice, screen free activities for kids, and outside activities for kids. This is the show that  gives you practical tools for reducing screen time battles, ensuring online safety for kids, and age-appropriate digital limits. We discuss if there is such thing as healthy screen time, and what is the reccommended screen time by age. It's the podcast for moms and the podcast for dads who care about keeping kids balanced and brilliant! Episodes discuss what is risky play, imaginative play, loose parts play, and how to get your child to play independently without your needing to hover! We discuss the benefits of outdoor play, and how more play time in nature boosts confidence, resilence, and happiness. We are all just trying to raise balanced, thriving kids in the digital age! Figuring out kids and technology can be hard, especially in this new world of artificial intelligence, AI, and cybersecurity. But you're not alone.....Screen Less Play More will guide you through! https://screenlessplaymore.com/ Please follow and subscribe so that you don't miss a single episode! Thanks for listening!