Let me admit something right off the bat: I allow my children to climb up the slide. Some of you might be gasping in horror, while others simply shrug. It turns out that this topic has ignited fierce debates among parents—one of those classic parenting conflicts, akin to the infamous “Great Slide Debate.”
We’ve all heard the conventional playground rule: up the stairs and down the slide. Based on the reactions I noticed to a recent discussion, it seems you’re either a staunch supporter of the stairs-and-slide method or a proponent of the climbing approach. Those who adhere to the traditional method often express intense disdain for the others. One mother argued that children ascending the slide bully those too timid to slide down. Another claimed that if parents are lax about the rules, she’s more than willing to intervene with other people’s kids. “Ladders are for climbing,” one commenter insisted. “This is fundamental parenting!” Many moms lamented the prevalence of negligent parents who fail to enforce these playground norms.
I assure you, I understand the basic playground guidelines. I’ve even reminded my kids of them on occasion. However, I believe that part of the joy of a slide is the ability to climb it. As long as no one is waiting to come down, I think kids should be allowed to explore and climb to their hearts’ content—just as important as the descent.
Climbing the slide fosters a sense of bodily awareness. It engages the vestibular system, and the resulting slips down help children learn how to fall safely. In today’s world, many kids lack sufficient movement; climbing offers them a chance to develop better balance, which can benefit them throughout their lives.
Allowing my children to navigate the slide lets them push their boundaries in a safe environment. How high can they reach? Can they conquer it? When will they slide back down? These experiences help build both physical and emotional confidence. Even when my kids fail (which they often do), the effort leads to a sense of accomplishment and resilience. They experiment with different grips and foot placements, enhancing their spatial awareness.
Most importantly, I want my children to understand that they don’t have to conform to someone else’s idea of play. When everyone is sliding down, climbing up transforms into an act of creativity. This encourages them to question the norms around them, starting with the playground.
I can only imagine the outrage from the staunch supporters of the stairs-and-slide approach right now. How dare I prioritize my children’s ability to challenge authority over another child’s right to slide down? Well, for starters, climbing the slide is only acceptable when there’s no line. If that’s the case, I fail to see how it disrupts anyone else’s fun.
I understand that some parents may prefer their children not climb the slide, and my kids might set what they perceive to be a poor example. This opens the door for discussions about differing parenting styles. I refuse to limit my children’s enjoyment because someone else disapproves of their choices. If you don’t want your kids climbing, feel free to intervene, but please don’t restrict mine, who know that they’re allowed to climb as long as no one is waiting.
My children are also aware that the primary function of a slide is to go down. They know that climbing is off-limits when there’s a line, and they understand the potential consequences of ignoring this—like a well-deserved kick in the face. That’s yet another important life lesson.
Above all, climbing the slide is just plain fun. I did it, you did it, and we all remember the thrill of balancing hands and feet, the pride of reaching the top—only to slide right back down. I won’t rob my kids of that exhilarating experience. If you choose to deny your children that joy, that’s on you.
So, when you see us at the park, be prepared. We’ll make sure to stay clear while your kids are coming down. But when the coast is clear, my kids have every right to ascend the slide. It’s a part of a regular childhood, and I’m determined to give them that.
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