Ep 209: ‘Forecasting’ or being ‘Triggered’? How do you react to uncomfortable play?

🎭 Are You Triggered by Play? Why It Matters.

Ever watched children playing and felt uneasy about what was happening? Whether it’s rough-and-tumble, rule-breaking, or risky play, adults have deep-seated responses to certain types of play—often without realising it. But is our discomfort helping or hindering children’s learning?

🌳 Key topics in this episode:

• What does it mean to be “triggered” by play? 🧠
• Why adults react emotionally to certain play types 🔥
• Rough play, risky play, and rule-breaking: the big three ⚖️
• How our own childhood experiences shape our responses 🎒
• Tools for staying grounded and supporting all play 🌱

This episode explores how Forest School leaders, teachers, and parents can manage their instincts and create a space where play can thrive.

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🎤 00:00 – Intro: Where’s Wem? (And course updates!)
🌱 04:00 – The Facebook video that sparked this discussion
🛑 08:00 – Why adults “shut down” certain play types
⚖️ 12:30 – The difference between pro-social & anti-social play
🚀 18:00 – How our own childhood shapes our play responses
🔄 22:00 – The power of “forecasting” vs. “overreacting”
🎭 30:00 – How to check yourself & avoid shutting down play
🌳 40:00 – Building a Forest School space where all play is valid

• 🌍 TENTSILE Hammock Tents – Use ForestChildren10 for 10% off at www.tentsile.com
• 🍃 Chris Holland’s Plant Guide – Use FORESTPOD for 15% off at chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast
• 📖 Kindling Playwork – A deep dive into playwork & self-reflection
• 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: [Insert Link]

💡 What type of play makes YOU uncomfortable? Have you ever stepped in too soon? Tell us in the comments or email [e-mail]!

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#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #ChildLedLearning #RiskyPlay #NaturePlay #ForestSchoolPodcast #AlternativeEducation #SelfDirectedLearning #Playwork

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