Dr Mariana Brussoni (Audio); Reimagining Play: The Role of Risk in Childhood Growth

Dr. Mariana Brussoni is Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia, professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics and School of Population and Public Health, Investigator at British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute and lead of the Outside Play Lab. Her award-winning research investigates children’s outdoor and risky play, focusing on shifting parents’ and educators’ perceptions of risk, designing play-friendly environments, and changing systems to ensure children have the time, space and freedom to play outside every day. Mariana’s new book, Embracing Risky Play at School, co-authored with Megan Zeni, provides simple, actionable strategies for teachers and schools. Dr. Mariana Brussoni is Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia, professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics and School of Population and Public Health, Investigator at British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute and lead of the Outside Play Lab. Her award-winning research investigates children’s outdoor and risky play, focusing on shifting parents’ and educators’ perceptions of risk, designing play-friendly environments, and changing systems to ensure children have the time, space and freedom to play outside every day. Mariana’s new book, Embracing Risky Play at School, co-authored with Megan Zeni, provides simple, actionable strategies for teachers and schools. https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Embracing-Risky-Play-at-School-by-Megan-Zeni-Mariana-Brussoni/9780807783993?srsltid=AfmBOorD7mPo0kZ2_s2XXk8EVtwpTx24uOYOnp4TcWrWgPnyAsJydoL1 summary This conversation explores the importance of risky outdoor play for children's development, the societal shifts that have reduced play opportunities, and how rethinking our approach can benefit children's mental and physical health. keywords risky play, childhood development, outdoor play, societal change, mental health, play safety, childhood devaluation key topics Definition and importance of risky play Evolutionary and developmental benefits of risky play Societal changes reducing outdoor play Impact of reduced play on mental health Strategies to promote safe risky play sound bites "Children need micro doses of uncertainty to thrive" "Urbanization and screens have reduced outdoor play" "Society undervalues childhood and play" Chapters (timings approx) 00:00 The Importance of Play in Child Development 02:44 Defining Risky Play and Its Benefits 05:34 Gender Differences in Risky Play 07:51 The Evolutionary Need for Risky Play 10:33 The Impact of Overprotective Parenting 13:18 Societal Changes and Fear of Risky Play 16:07 Structured Activities vs. Free Play 18:39 Access to Play for Lower-Income Families 21:27 The Value of Play in Education 23:48 Reimagining Play in Schools 26:29 Addressing ADHD and Learning Challenges 29:17 The Role of Adults in Managing Play 31:44 Finding Joy and Fun in Play 34:40 Encouraging Adult Playfulness resources Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) program - https://www.opalexplorenature.org/ Stuart Brown's work on play - https://www.amazon.com/Play-How-It-Makes-Us-Human/dp/031236553X Ellen Sandsetter's research on risky play - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ellen-Sandseter British Columbia's Children's Hospital - https://www.bcchildrens.ca/ guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariana-brussoni/