
Ep. 26 - The Importance of Risky Play in Child Development (Part 1 of 2) // Sarah Collins
08/15/24 • 30 min
Christy-Faith and Sarah Collins explore how engaging in risky play is crucial for a child's development. They explore its benefits, such as building confidence, developing motor skills, and regulating the nervous system. They also address the concerns and fears parents have regarding risky play and provide insights on finding a balance between safety and allowing children to take risks. The conversation highlights the need for children to engage in physical activities and play to understand their bodies, develop strength, and improve cognitive and social skills.
Takeaways:
- Risky play involves thrilling and exciting activities that carry a risk of physical injury, such as climbing, exploring heights, and rough and tumble play.
- Engaging in risky play helps children regulate their nervous system, develop strength, and understand their bodies.
- Parents should find a balance between safety and allowing children to take risks, as avoiding all risks can hinder children's development and self-awareness.
- Risky play should be age-appropriate and gradually increased to match a child's capabilities and comfort level.
- Physical activities and play are essential for children's cognitive, social, and motor skill development.
About today’s guest:
Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with a background in both pediatrics and home health, and a homeschooling parent. She currently serves families as an occupational therapist through HomeschoolOT. She focuses on helping parents make the match between the homeschool and their children’s current skill set all while working towards what their children specifically need and want to do to occupy their time (hello occupation!). She does this by consulting with parents around the world, teaching month long classes on specific topics, building community in an online membership, and communicating nationally at conferences.
Find Sarah here:
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SHOW SPONSORS
CTC Math
- Get 50% off my favorite online math curriculum
https://ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school?tr_id=CF
Green Clean Organics - Stain Remover
- WORKS wonders on tough stains
- ORGANIC & SAFE for kids and pets
- PLEASANT fragrance
Cross Seven - Memory Work
- Classically rooted, faith-based, musical memory work
A dynamic blend of songs, videos, quizzes, and an interactive flashcard system make learning and retention both fun and effective.
https://www.crossseven.org/free-trial/
*******************************************
LINKS & RESOURCES
Connect with Christy-Faith in Thrive Homeschool Community, and build a homeschool that does right by your kids: https://christy-faith.com/thrive
Christy-Faith’s List
The first place you look to find homeschool-friendly service providers, businesses, and colleges
https://christy-faith.com/thrive
Pick up your copy of Christy-Faith’s latest book!
Homeschool Rising: Shattering Myths, Finding Courage, and Opting Out of the School System
https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising
FREE:
01-FREE- How to Homeschool Guide
https://christy-faith.com/download-free-how-to-homeschool-guide
02-FREE- My Curriculum Recommendations
https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations
03-FREE QUIZ- 5 Minute Homeschool Style Finder
Christy-Faith and Sarah Collins explore how engaging in risky play is crucial for a child's development. They explore its benefits, such as building confidence, developing motor skills, and regulating the nervous system. They also address the concerns and fears parents have regarding risky play and provide insights on finding a balance between safety and allowing children to take risks. The conversation highlights the need for children to engage in physical activities and play to understand their bodies, develop strength, and improve cognitive and social skills.
Takeaways:
- Risky play involves thrilling and exciting activities that carry a risk of physical injury, such as climbing, exploring heights, and rough and tumble play.
- Engaging in risky play helps children regulate their nervous system, develop strength, and understand their bodies.
- Parents should find a balance between safety and allowing children to take risks, as avoiding all risks can hinder children's development and self-awareness.
- Risky play should be age-appropriate and gradually increased to match a child's capabilities and comfort level.
- Physical activities and play are essential for children's cognitive, social, and motor skill development.
About today’s guest:
Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with a background in both pediatrics and home health, and a homeschooling parent. She currently serves families as an occupational therapist through HomeschoolOT. She focuses on helping parents make the match between the homeschool and their children’s current skill set all while working towards what their children specifically need and want to do to occupy their time (hello occupation!). She does this by consulting with parents around the world, teaching month long classes on specific topics, building community in an online membership, and communicating nationally at conferences.
Find Sarah here:
*******************************************
SHOW SPONSORS
CTC Math
- Get 50% off my favorite online math curriculum
https://ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school?tr_id=CF
Green Clean Organics - Stain Remover
- WORKS wonders on tough stains
- ORGANIC & SAFE for kids and pets
- PLEASANT fragrance
Cross Seven - Memory Work
- Classically rooted, faith-based, musical memory work
A dynamic blend of songs, videos, quizzes, and an interactive flashcard system make learning and retention both fun and effective.
https://www.crossseven.org/free-trial/
*******************************************
LINKS & RESOURCES
Connect with Christy-Faith in Thrive Homeschool Community, and build a homeschool that does right by your kids: https://christy-faith.com/thrive
Christy-Faith’s List
The first place you look to find homeschool-friendly service providers, businesses, and colleges
https://christy-faith.com/thrive
Pick up your copy of Christy-Faith’s latest book!
Homeschool Rising: Shattering Myths, Finding Courage, and Opting Out of the School System
https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising
FREE:
01-FREE- How to Homeschool Guide
https://christy-faith.com/download-free-how-to-homeschool-guide
02-FREE- My Curriculum Recommendations
https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations
03-FREE QUIZ- 5 Minute Homeschool Style Finder
Previous Episode

Ep. 25 - The Power of Support and Advice in Homeschooling (Part 2 of 2) // Marni Love & Denise Vibbert
Christy Faith, Marni and Denise continue the conversation about the behind-the-scenes of running Thrive Homeschool Community. They talk about the various features and benefits of the community, including monthly workshops, expert support, book clubs, forums, and one-on-one conversations. They also discuss the importance of support and connection for homeschooling parents, as well as the challenges and rewards of homeschooling.
Takeaways:
- Thrive Homeschool Community offers a variety of features and benefits for homeschooling parents, including monthly workshops, expert support, book clubs, forums, and one-on-one conversations.
- The community provides support and connection for homeschooling parents, allowing them to learn from each other and share their experiences.
- Homeschooling can be challenging, but it also offers unique rewards and opportunities for personal growth.
- Finding a balance between homeschooling and other responsibilities can be difficult, but it is important to prioritize and make time for both.
- Support and encouragement from others, such as in a homeschool community, can make a significant difference in a homeschooling parent's journey.
About today’s guests:
Marni and Denise are veteran homeschoolers who love to encourage other homeschool moms with the wisdom and experience gained from their own journeys.
Find Christy’s prior episode with Marni:
Find Marni’s website here:
Find Jake’s Tie Dye (Denise’s son) at:
*******************************************
SHOW SPONSORS
CTC Math
- Get 50% off my favorite online math curriculum
https://ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school?tr_id=CF
Green Clean Organics - Stain Remover
- WORKS wonders on tough stains
- ORGANIC & SAFE for kids and pets
- PLEASANT fragrance
*******************************************
LINKS & RESOURCES
Connect with Christy-Faith in Thrive Homeschool Community, and build a homeschool that does right by your kids: https://christy-faith.com/thrive
Christy-Faith’s List
The first place you look to find homeschool-friendly service providers, businesses, and colleges
https://christy-faith.com/thrive
Pick up your copy of Christy-Faith’s latest book!
Homeschool Rising: Shattering Myths, Finding Courage, and Opting Out of the School System
https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising
FREE:
01-FREE- How to Homeschool Guide
https://christy-faith.com/download-free-how-to-homeschool-guide
02-FREE- My Curriculum Recommendations
https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations
03-FREE QUIZ- 5 Minute Homeschool Style Finder
https://christy-faith.com/5-minute-homeschool-style-finder
04-FREE- Homeschool Wellness Check
https://christy-faith.com/download-free-homeschool-wellness-check
05-FREE- Curriculum Comparison Chart
https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-comparison-chart
06-FREE- 20 Questions to Kickstart Your Deschooling Adventure
Next Episode

Ep. 27 - The Importance of Risky Play in Child Development (Part 2 of 2) // Sarah Collins
Discover how risky play transforms your child's development! Join Christy-Faith and occupational therapist Sarah Collins as they delve into proprioception, core strength, and the surprising impact of screen time. Learn why child-led play and embracing risks can boost resilience and self-confidence. Plus, get tips for trusting your parental instincts and building a supportive team.
Become a Thrive member to gain access to homeschool training, support, and community:
https://christy-faith.com/thrive
Takeaways:
- Risky play, such as climbing trees or engaging in physical activities, helps children develop proprioception and core strength, which can calm and organize their bodies.
- Excessive screen time can affect depth perception and self-regulation, leading to overactive nervous systems and decreased safety awareness.
- Encouraging child-led play and allowing children to take risks can foster resilience and self-confidence.
- Parents should trust their instincts and seek support from a team of professionals and resources to meet their child's needs.
- Building a team of support and prioritizing play can enhance homeschooling and promote overall child development.
About today’s guest:
Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with a background in both pediatrics and home health, and a homeschooling parent. She currently serves families as an occupational therapist through HomeschoolOT. She focuses on helping parents make the match between the homeschool and their children’s current skill set all while working towards what their children specifically need and want to do to occupy their time (hello occupation!). She does this by consulting with parents around the world, teaching month long classes on specific topics, building community in an online membership, and communicating nationally at conferences.
Find Sarah here:
- https://www.homeschoolOT.com
- https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolOT
- https://www.facebook.com/thehomeschoolOT
*******************************************
SHOW SPONSORS
CTC Math
- Get 50% off my favorite online math curriculum
https://ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school?tr_id=CF
Green Clean Organics - Stain Remover
- WORKS wonders on tough stains
- ORGANIC & SAFE for kids and pets
- PLEASANT fragrance
Cross Seven - Memory Work
- Classically rooted, faith-based, musical memory work
A dynamic blend of songs, videos, quizzes, and an interactive flashcard system make learning and retention both fun and effective.
https://www.crossseven.org/free-trial/
*******************************************
LINKS & RESOURCES
Connect with Christy-Faith in Thrive Homeschool Community, and build a homeschool that does right by your kids: https://christy-faith.com/thrive
Christy-Faith’s List
The first place you look to find homeschool-friendly service providers, businesses, and colleges: https://christy-faiths-list.com
Pick up your copy of Christy-Faith’s latest book!
Homeschool Rising: Shattering Myths, Finding Courage, and Opting Out of the School System
https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising
FREE:
01-FREE- How to Homeschool Guide
https://christy-faith.com/download-free-how-to-homeschool-guide
02-FREE- My Curriculum Recommendations
https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations
03-FREE QUIZ- 5 Minute Homeschool Style Finder
The Christy-Faith Show - Ep. 26 - The Importance of Risky Play in Child Development (Part 1 of 2) // Sarah Collins
Transcript
And I wanna learn a lot, and I want my mind changed on a couple of things. You know, like, for example, you hear these ER doctors. They always do these TikToks on the 5 things I will never let my kid do as a pediatric ER doctor. What's always on that list? The trampoline. The trampoline is always on that stinking list. Sarah, do you let your kids jump on a trampoline? Welcome to the Christy Face Show where we share game changing ideas with in
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