How to help keep your daredevil safe: A parent’s guide to risky play

As a parent, it can be hard to know what to do when your child’s play seems risky. Here’s why it can be healthy and how to keep kids safe.

Most parents know the feeling: You watch your child jump off the monkey bars at the playground and hope they land on their feet. It’s normal to worry.

But healthy risk-taking is an important part of your child’s development. It helps kids build confidence and learn valuable skills. Here’s how to help your daredevil stay safe, and what to do if they get hurt.

What is risky play?

Risky play isn’t about being reckless. It’s thrilling play where kids test their limits, explore and learn.1 Examples of risky play include:

• Roughhousing or wrestling with a friend
• Climbing a tree
• Jumping off a playground structure
• Riding a bike

How risky play can help kids grow

Helping your child stay safe is probably one of your top priorities. So when you see your child roughhousing with friends, your immediate instinct might be to break it up. But letting kids take safe risks can have developmental benefits, such as:^1,2

• Resilience. Kids learn to handle setbacks and frustration.
• Confidence. Successfully navigating challenges boosts self-esteem.
• Independence. Planning, decision-making and problem-solving skills develop.
• Curiosity. Kids learn more about their world — and themselves.

Accidents happen. Learn how accident insurance can help with medical bills and other unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

A parent’s role: Setting boundaries

When it comes to risky play, setting safe boundaries is key. Here’s how to start:

• Find a safe space. Try to find an area where it’s safe for your child to take risks.
  For example, scan the playground for any broken glass or unsafe play structures before letting your child run free.
• Use protective gear. If they’re learning to ride a bike or skateboard, make sure they’re wearing protective gear, such as a helmet and elbow and knee pads.
• Set clear limits. Try to tell your child beforehand what is safe and what isn’t. For example, maybe it’s safe for a younger child to play on a playground structure, but not jump from the top of it.

Some experts also recommend trying to wait at least 15 to 30 seconds before stepping in. Watch your child closely when they’re taking a new risk. If it looks unsafe, help them stop what they’re doing right away. But if they’re managing well, let them continue.

It’s a simple way to support your child’s growing independence and keep your own worry in check. Teaching your child safe boundaries now will help them learn to make safer decisions as they grow.

How accident and hospital insurance can help

Even with precautions, kids are bound to get hurt. Unexpected medical costs can add to the stress of an already difficult situation.

Accident insurance may help cover costs from common injuries, while hospital indemnity insurance can provide added support during hospital stays. These supplemental plans might offer some peace of mind in the event of an emergency.

When an injury happens, hospital bills can add up. Learn how hospital indemnity insurance can help offset costs.

When should you go to the emergency room instead of urgent care?

In the event of an emergency, it can be helpful to have a plan in place. Know where your nearest hospital and urgent care center are located. You can also learn if they are in network with your insurance, which may help lower costs.

It’s important not to waste time in a true emergency. Severe or life-threatening injuries should be seen in the ER, but less severe ones can be seen at urgent care.

If you’re not sure where to go, you can always reach out to your child’s healthcare provider. Here’s a general guide about where to go.³

• Go to Urgent Care if the severity of the injury is non-life threatening, such as sprains, bruises, or a minor broken bone (the skin around it is not broken). The wait time usually shorter, and the copay or cost is usually lower.
• Go to the ER if the injury is life-threatening or severe, such as head trauma, uncontrollable bleeding, or a broken bone that is pushing through the skin. The wait time may be longer (based on severity), and the copay or cost may be higher.

Whichever option you choose, try to bring:

• Parent’s photo ID
• List of medications your child takes
• List of your child’s allergies
• Your insurance card
• Any accident or hospital insurance information

If time allows and the situation isn’t urgent, it’s also helpful to bring items to keep your child comfortable in the event of a wait:

• Snacks
• A book or small toy to keep younger children busy
• Diapers for a baby or toddler
• Comfort item such as a stuffed animal or blanket

The bottom line: Kids learn, grow and gain confidence through risky play. While it might be scary in the moment, the benefits to your child’s development usually outweigh the risks.

Have questions about accident or hospital indemnity insurance? Call (800) 827-9990 to speak with a licensed insurance agent, or explore plan options online.

For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by HealthMarkets Insurance Agency and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.