What's a risk? It's when one doesn't know what will happen when she/he takes action. Risks can be little or big, calculated or stupid. Every new idea carries risks--and the challenge to face them and see what will happen. Nobody becomes smart, creative, self-confident, and respectful of others without taking risks--remaining open to possibilities and acting on them. Young children, who haven't had enough experience to know what's safe and what isn't, are hard-wired for action. They move. This strengthens their muscles, teaches them how to balance, and keeps widening their world. They don't spend time thinking about it; they simply act. The challenge for caregivers is to applaud all that physical initiative, while teaching even the youngest--because their physical safety depends on it--to look before they leap. Teachers and caregivers and parents are responsible for supporting children's learning. Risk-taking should be on the list of skills to be taught and learned.