A few weeks ago, I posted a picture on social media of my youngest child, who recently turned nine, scaling the heights of a tall tree in our backyard. While some people were taken aback, I assured them that he’s been climbing that tree for years. I’ve stopped telling him to “come down” or “don’t climb so high.” Instead, I simply remind him to make wise decisions. Honestly, I take pride in his adventurous spirit.
Tree climbing is a classic childhood pastime, reminiscent of playing games like Ghosts in the Graveyard on warm summer evenings, which my kids still enjoy, or running through sprinklers and constructing snow forts. For those of us who grew up in the ’80s, it evokes nostalgic memories of carefree days spent outdoors until dusk.
However, it seems that tree climbing is becoming less common. Even parents who relished swinging from branches in their youth often discourage their children from doing the same. The thought of a young child climbing a tree unsupervised sends shivers down many parents’ spines. Some might even label my approach as reckless or negligent.
I believe this trend stems from a combination of societal pressure and inherent parental fears. I often find myself worrying about how other parents perceive my laid-back attitude toward risky play. Yet, I also acknowledge the deep-seated anxiety that all parents experience—the kind that conjures up worst-case scenarios in an instant.
To cope with these fears, I’ve adopted a free-range parenting style. Living in a neighborhood where many parents share similar views has helped. When that familiar knot of anxiety forms in my stomach as I watch my son perched on a high branch, I often turn away and reassure myself that the chances of a serious accident are surprisingly low. In fact, a 2016 study highlights that out of 1,600 parents surveyed, the most common injury reported from tree climbing was a scraped knee. Only 2 percent noted that their child had broken a bone, and even fewer experienced concussions. In stark contrast, over 3.5 million children under 14 in America seek medical attention for injuries sustained during organized sports each year.
That’s right—organized sports, which many parents enthusiastically support, pose a greater risk than climbing trees. We’re not just talking about minor scrapes; some sports are associated with serious long-term injuries. Research from the University of Washington Medicine’s Sports Health and Safety Institute indicates that concussion rates among young football players are alarmingly high, with 5% suffering from concussions each season.
Reflecting on this data, I feel relieved that we chose not to enroll my then-7-year-old son in tackle football. After some debate, he ultimately decided against it just days before the season started, and I exhaled a huge sigh of relief.
As parents, we set boundaries around what we consider unsafe. We wouldn’t let toddlers dash across busy streets or ride bikes without helmets. We educate our children about the dangers of alcohol and drugs as they grow older. Each family must define their own comfort levels, but it’s essential to consider the facts. Statistically, tree climbing is safer than participating in organized sports. Yet, I still feel comfortable allowing my kids to engage in sports like baseball and basketball.
Encouraging children to climb trees and take on challenges isn’t just about safety; it fosters resilience. It teaches them to manage risks and navigate dangers. When we promote these activities, we communicate our trust in their capabilities. This isn’t merely a personal belief; scientific research supports the emotion regulation theory of play, suggesting kids learn to manage their emotions through such activities.
So, let’s take a breath, parents. Instead of giving side-eye to those allowing their kids to climb trees, try to support their adventures. It’s okay to feel nervous; just remember that they’re likely to be just fine. Climbing trees can empower them with valuable life skills.
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In summary, while organized sports may be deemed safe and beneficial, tree climbing presents fewer risks and can be a vital part of a child’s development. Let’s embrace the adventurous spirit and encourage our kids to explore the heights!
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