Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 update
Professional attitudes towards children’s risk-taking in play: insights into influencing factors in Dutch contexts
Dutch childcare professionals said regulations, organisational protocols and overprotective parents were the main barriers to children's risky play.
What's new
Using an online questionnaire, the researchers tested whether challenges identified in van Rooijen and Newstead's (2016) model affect risky play in Dutch childcare. Professionals reported barriers, especially external regulations, organisational protocols and parental overprotectiveness. The authors adjusted the model to show the influencing factors and how they relate in the Dutch context. They suggest professionals can be supported with knowledge, open discussion about risky play, and tools for autonomous everyday decision-making.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
Early childhood and primary staff in Aotearoa face similar pressures from regulation and parents. Open discussion and practical tools may help them offer age-appropriate risk.
Putting it into practice
Hold a team or parent session on the benefits of risky play, and agree on a simple tool staff can use for in-the-moment decisions.
How strong is the evidence
This is a questionnaire study in Dutch childcare, based on self-report. The abstract does not state the sample size.
What to read
The adjusted model of influencing factors and the recommendations for supporting professionals.