A few weeks ago, I posted a picture on social media of my youngest son, who just celebrated his ninth birthday, scaling the highest branches of a tall tree in our backyard. While some people expressed surprise, this isn’t a new activity for him; he’s been climbing this tree for years. I’ve stopped insisting he come down or avoid climbing too high, opting instead to encourage him to make wise choices. Honestly, I take pride in his adventurous spirit and willingness to take what some might consider risks.
Tree climbing embodies the essence of childhood, akin to playing tag with neighborhood friends on warm summer evenings or running through sprinklers. For those of us who grew up in the ’80s, such activities were a staple of our outdoor playtime. Despite this, there seems to be a decline in tree climbing today. Many parents who once enjoyed this thrill as children now discourage it. The mere thought of a young child climbing a tree unsupervised sends shivers down the spines of most parents. Some might even label me as reckless for allowing my son to partake in such activities.
This apprehension often stems from social pressures and a fear of how others perceive our parenting. I admit I occasionally worry about how my laid-back approach to risky play might be judged. But more than that, there’s an innate fear all parents share—the one that conjures worst-case scenarios at the sight of our children engaging in risky behavior.
To cope with these fears, I’ve adopted a more relaxed, free-range attitude towards parenting. Living in a neighborhood with like-minded parents helps ease my anxiety. When I see my son perched on a high branch, I sometimes look away, reminding myself that the actual risks of severe injuries are quite minimal. A 2016 study mentioned by Rain or Shine Momma surveyed 1,600 parents who allowed their children to climb trees. The overwhelming majority reported only minor injuries like scrapes, while only 2% indicated their child had broken a bone, and even fewer experienced concussions. In stark contrast, over 3.5 million American children under 14 seek medical attention for injuries sustained in organized sports each year.
Indeed, organized sports—even those that many parents enthusiastically promote—pose greater dangers than tree climbing. This is particularly true for contact sports like football. Research from the University of Washington Medicine’s Sports Health and Safety Institute revealed that concussion rates among young football players are higher than previously thought, with 5% of kids suffering a concussion each season.
Reflecting on this, I feel fortunate. About five years ago, my then-7-year-old son pleaded to join a tackle football team, calling me a “dream killer” when I initially declined. After much deliberation with my partner, we ultimately allowed him to try it out. Luckily, just days before the season started, he opted out on his own, and I let out a sigh of relief.
As parents, we all establish boundaries around activities we deem unsafe, regardless of how responsible we believe our children to be. We don’t allow little ones to run into busy streets or ride bikes without helmets. We teach them about the dangers of alcohol and drugs as they grow older. Each family must determine their comfort levels. However, it’s essential to consider the facts. Statistically speaking, tree climbing is safer than organized sports. Still, I have no qualms about allowing my children to engage in team sports, particularly baseball and basketball.
Beyond the safety aspect, climbing trees and engaging in other seemingly risky activities benefits our children. It teaches them how to navigate risks and manage danger responsibly. When we support these activities, we demonstrate trust in their capabilities through our actions. This isn’t just a personal belief; it’s backed by science. Experts advocate for the emotion regulation theory of play, which suggests children learn to manage their emotions through play.
So, let’s ease up a bit. It’s time to stop side-eyeing parents who let their kids embrace the thrill of climbing trees. Resist the urge to shout “be careful” or “not so high.” Instead, encourage your kids to reach new heights and explore further, even if it makes you a bit uneasy. We can’t—and shouldn’t—safeguard our children to the point of wrapping them in bubble wrap. Climbing trees is a part of growing up, and doing so can only serve to enhance their development.
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In summary, encouraging children to engage in activities like tree climbing not only fosters resilience but also nurtures their emotional growth. Parents should feel empowered to allow their kids to take calculated risks, as the benefits far outweigh the potential dangers.
Keyphrase: Climbing Trees vs. Organized Sports
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