ABSTRACT

The value and influence of play have long been discussed in early childhood. However, the importance of outdoor risky play and its role in development has long been underestimated, especially in the Chinese context. This study aims to explore Chinese parents5 beliefs about outdoor risky play based on the ecological and dynamic transition model, as well as the opportunities and constraints set for children's risk-taking activities. Ten Chinese parents of children aged 3 to 6 participated in this study through semi-structured interviews. The results showed that parents perceived outdoor risky play could benefit their children in physical skills, risk assessment, and social development, but they had concerns about the safety threats associated with outdoor risky play. Parents’ beliefs related to outdoor play were largely influenced by personal experiences and public media. Compared to the preschool context, children's opportunities to engage in outdoor risky play in the family context were limited by social pressure regarding parental supervision and external threats to children's safety. Considering these findings, implications for supporting young children’s practice of outdoor risky play are presented and discussed. Finally, suggestions for future practice and research are made based on the limitations of this study.

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