Dr. Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter
Dr. Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter is a Professor at Queen Maud University College of Early Childhood Education in Trondheim, Norway. Ellen conducts research on children’s risky play and well-being in early childhood education!
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Ellen believes children — all over the world — have the right to free play and that all childhood education should be based on play as a means for development, learning, and well-being. Ellen maintains a particular interest in children’s need for thrilling and risky play at a time when western society is increasingly becoming even more safety-focused – some call it a society of surplus safety with cotton wool children and helicopter parents.
"Children who aren't allowed to take risks are more prone to anxiety conditions later in life. No risk = fear, insecurity, anxiety, lack of self-esteem."
–Ellen Sandseter and Leif Kennair