Exploring mothers' risk tolerance in children's play: investigating parental styles and various factors predicting children's risk-taking behaviors

This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing mothers' tolerance of their children's involvement in risky play. Data from 324 mothers were obtained, and the results revealed that mothers having university degrees and those who were employed tended to be more permissive when it came to allowing risky play. Additionally, as the age of the mothers increased, they became more inclined to endorse risky play. The study found a positive correlation between permissive and democratic parenting styles and the willingness to allow risky play. In contrast, overprotective parenting was associated with less approval of such activities. The analyses revealed that mothers' age, educational level, and employment status were significant predictors of their tolerance for children's risky play. Furthermore, parental attitudes categorized as over-protective, democratic, or permissive were significant predictors of allowing risky play. The results suggest that parenting attitudes, educational background, and age impact the extent to which children engage in risky play and underscore the significance of adopting a balanced parenting approach encouraging children’s exploration and risk-taking within defined boundaries.