Our approach to risk and security guidelines
In terms of risk education, a developing trend is to provide unlimited surveillance to protect children from 100% risk. Unfortunately, research shows a correlation between this trend of overprotection and a lower psychological well-being: children feel themselves more and more unsafe, uncomfortable facing a new situation and with a lower level of self-confidence*.
At the opposite, risky play is key for a positive physical and cognitive development. It helps children grow confident, agile, good at problem-solving and resilient. At Naya Nature Foundation, we value resilience!
*Resource: I-Gen, Dr. Jean Twenge.
“Safety first" equals "child development later"
- Angela J. Hanscom, Balanced and Barefoot -
At Naya Nature Foundation, we put our safety practices at the service of children’s development. We base our pedagogical approach to risk on 3 pillars:
- educating children to assess and anticipate risks;
- preventing exposure to severe dangers;
- limiting the hazard’s severity.
At all times, we empower children to understand and take control of their safety, to assess their risk-taking and to adjust their games to their own benefit-risk ratio.
Whether they touch and taste wild plants, climb trees or play with dogs in the park (and much more…), we have them reflect about their acts and eventual fears. We systematically have the security rules explained to and by children.
Our safety guidelines are written for the benefit of the child, of others and of the local nature in which they thrive. As a result they have a deep knowledge of their direct environment, they respect the living in it and they explore safely.