10/19/2026
“My mom doesn’t let me climb because I bumped my nose once.”
In a recent study, researchers from Nottingham Trent University found that when 3- to 5-year-olds steer clear of mud and climbing equipment, it’s often because of messages they hear from adults, like, “Be careful,” or “Watch out!”
The researchers helped a preschool rearrange equipment, add aprons for messy play and swap warnings for trust: “What’s your plan for climbing that?” and “I’m here if you need me.”
Within weeks of the changes, kids were more confident and more likely to engage in risky, multi-sensory nature play.
Discover more about helping children take age-appropriate risks outdoors in our new Finding Nature News Round Up.
https://www.childrenandnature.org/finding-nature-news -up
🌱 Help us keep sharing the importance of nature connection in childhood. Support us at bit.ly/forchildrenandnature. 🌳
