Marina Fogle, a parent and advocate for what she terms "risky parenting," has shared her experiences raising children through exposure to what is often called extreme play. This approach involves allowing children more freedom to engage in activities that involve some level of risk, with the intention of fostering resilience, practical skills, and confidence.

Fogle’s son, Ludo, was introduced to challenging experiences early on. At six weeks old, he began swimming and was routinely submerged briefly underwater by his parents, from which he emerged laughing. By age five, he was given a pocket knife, an act she defends despite early minor injuries. When Ludo inadvertently brought one of his knives to school, the situation was resolved quietly because of prior open communication about safety.

Fogle acknowledges that not everyone supported this hands-off approach toward risk but cites recent research from the University of Exeter that supports her philosophy. The study suggests that children who engage in thrilling and unsupervised play tend to be healthier and happier compared to those who are more strictly monitored.

She recalls that her children and their cousins regularly built and maintained small fires using old bricks on their property, supervised initially but eventually left alone. These activities helped the children develop practical skills and offered an alternative to screen time. Other childhood games involved running through woods and playing imaginative chase games, which sometimes resulted in minor injuries like scrapes and cuts. One significant injury—a dislocated shoulder—led to concerns from medical staff about the children’s safety, revealing possible institutional resistance to such parenting styles.

Despite occasional injuries, Fogle emphasizes that her children have grown into capable teenagers. Recent examples include them routinely checking on horses during severe storms, demonstrating responsibility and bravery in difficult weather conditions. Additionally, Ludo recently got lost while running in unfamiliar woods. His ability to stay calm and successfully navigate back home after two hours alone was cited as evidence of the benefits of early freedom and risk engagement.

Fogle hopes that her children’s upbringing, centered on embracing risk, will prepare them well for their independent lives, allowing them to face future challenges confidently without constant parental supervision. The parenting philosophy she advocates promotes mastering risks early, which she believes will enable young people to add quality and adventure to their lives long after they leave home.