Amanda Lafferty is a Registered Psychologist and the owner and operator of Solution Focused Psychology. Her practice specializes in the assessment and treatment of children who struggle with separation and divorce, trauma, attachment disorders, autism spectrum disorder, learning difficulties, depression, and anxiety. Amanda has additional training in play therapy, play-based treatment of trauma, and collaborative law. She has collaborated on the creation of two therapeutic play-based groups for children, "The Friend Ship" and "Play’ in Around." Amanda was born and raised in Medicine Hat. She is married and became a mom in the spring!
We are all aware of the importance of play to the development of children. As our technology is ever evolving, children are playing differently and are exposed to a wider menu of play items. Our Western society holds many beliefs about what is a safe way for children to play; thus, we are increasingly regulating the way our children play because of safety legislation and litigation concerns. Despite our attempts to regulate play, children are still drawn to activities that will bring immense sensations and that have an
element of danger to them. This play often occurs outdoors and will involve swinging (speed), climbing (heights), dangerous tools, or being rough and tumble in nature. This type of “risky” play has an important developmental component for children that is often minimized and forgotten.
Why is risky play important? When children are allowed to engage in risky play, they develop real-life coping skills, such as realistic risk perception and risk management. But more importantly, risky play is thrilling, enjoyable, creates a sense of achievement, and boosts self-esteem. Most often, when children are playing, their play occurs under adult supervision, which is the best protection for minimizing accidents. Even when adults provide safe play equipment, children will inevitably use the equipment dangerously. This is believed to occur because infants naturally experience anxiety in situations they are not developmentally mature enough to handle. As a child grows, mastery of situations that once provoked anxiety is necessary. Managing situations in which the outcome of choices made is unknown is a frequent occurrence for adults. A lack
of risky play in childhood might be linked to the development of psychopathology, such as example anxiety disorders (Sandseter & Kennair, 2011 & Sandseter, 2009). In my practice, I have seen the benefits of risky play.
I run an integrated playgroup with Kallie Lavoie, a Clinical Social worker during the summer. The group focused on facilitating play between children on the autism spectrum and peers their age. The group is run at Kin Coulee Park. The children requested to climb a part of the coulee during our group. Children who were not typically leaders or who were not engaged socially emerged as leaders and immersed themselves in this activity. The children banded together to support each other to complete the climb. It was incredible to see the determination and pride that the children experienced once they reached the top. What a wonderful social skills-building activity that ended with a great sense of accomplishment! There was an adult present at all times, and the children were coached on how to manage any situations in which they might feel uncomfortable.
As parents, teachers, daycare facilitators, The longest journey is the journey inwards - Hammarskjold 1964
Solution Focused Psychology Inc. is owned and operated by Amanda Lafferty
B.Sc.,
B.Sc. OT(c), MACP. assessment services, counselling using therapeutic play, divorce and separation, trauma, depression, anxiety.
www.solfocpsy.ca 403.504.9777 8
41074518•11/29/11
Faster! Higher! Harder!
CHILDREN NEED RISKY PLAY!
AMANDA LAFERTY Solution Focused Psychology
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