A ten-year-old girl, Jackie, exemplifies the joy of risky outdoor play in Amsterdam's Woeste Westen play forest. Encouraged by her mother, Marlien Kulsdom, this environment allows children to engage creatively and physically, fostering learning about risk-taking. Local councillors are promoting policies to replace conventional playgrounds with outdoor areas featuring climbing, water play, and creative construction to combat rising sedentary lifestyles and childhood obesity. 'Rufty-tufty' play carries acceptable risks and is seen as vital for physical development and emotional resilience amid growing concerns over children's declining ability to face stress and manage risks in their lives.
The nature of play is changing, and local councillors in Amsterdam are advocating for risky outdoor play areas as a means to combat sedentary lifestyles.
Local councillors want to encourage access to playful outdoor activities that allow children to engage with nature and learn risk management through play.
Mascha van Werven highlights that many kids are losing their ability to deal with risks, asserting it is essential for children to experience adventurous play.
Rob Hofland emphasizes that with increasing screen time and sedentary habits, there is a pressing need to reinvent play for fostering active lifestyles in the younger generation.
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