Ep. 37 Risky Play & Nature Education with Brittany Williams

How often do you catch yourself saying, “be careful”? Do our kids even know what “be careful” means? Or, do we need to be specific? Do we need to let our children take on some ‘risky play’ to explore the world and see what they are capable of? Brittany Williams is here today to give us insight on all of those questions, and so much more! 

 

Brittany Williams is from Knoxville, Tennessee. She has worked in Early Childhood Education for around 11 years. Children are a true passion of hers – watching them grow, develop and learn to process the world around them brings her pure joy! 

 

How to Safely Allow Risky Play (Does That Sound Like an Oxymoron?): 

• Talk through and help them assess the risk 
• Stay calm FOR them 
• Try using constructive words, versus general words, like “be careful” 
• Follow the child’s lead in their interests 

 

“It’s about them exploring for themselves and you being on the sidelines, helping to guide if needed.” 

 

How You Can Set Up a Good Environment: 

• Don’t complain 
• Bring positive energy 
• Enjoy nature WITH them 
• SHOW them 
• Don’t force – allow for bodily autonomy  

 

You can structure the day, or activity, and allow them to choose what they want to do within that setting. 

 

How to Handle Toddler Tantrums: 

• Accept the emotion 
• Name the emotion 
• Be Aware: Know when it’s going to happen 

 

Suggested Resources: 

Learning With Nature by Claire Warden 

Wild Play: Parenting Adventures in the Great Outdoors by David Sobel 

 

Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bbwilliams21 

 

Thank you L-Bow Mittens for supporting today’s podcast! Find them on IG: @lbowgear or at www.lbow.com 

 

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.