melting pot or mosaic?
I have not hesitated once in allowing my 5yo to climb a tree. I started climbing trees at about his age. I never accidentally fell from a tree (there's a story) but of course I have heard of others who have and who have had bones broken.
On the jungle gym in the park I've taught him how to make sure you always have three points connected (ie, both your feet and one hand, or both hands and one foot) to the jungle gym as you move through it and to think ahead of where your next movement will go. I have reminded him of this when I have watched him climb trees.
Another rule I have had with him is that if he is not able to do it by himself, he is not allowed to do it (ie, I am not allowed to help him). So if he can't reach the first branch of a tree, he is not allowed to climb that tree.
My wife, of course, cringes when she sees him climbing high, and I'm not even sure how aware she is of how many trees he has already climbed. I know she'll be upset at me if he ever hurts himself, but climbing provides a boost of self confidence, a sense of accomplishment and a promotion of physical fitness.
5 comments:
Boys need to be boys!!
what momma doesn't know...
The very worst thing to say is "come down you'll fall".
Hey there fishy one. It's me L>T
I'm back with a new blog. please feel free to visit & leave your word deposits. :)
climbing trees...there is an element of danger, but that's what makes it exciting. I'd rather see little boys excited about climbing trees then excited about video games.
i loved climbing trees when i was a kid. i used to climb a specific pine tree beside the house. it was a great hiding place.
Post a Comment