Climbing frames and climbing apparatus have been around for a long time. Introduced in Germany in the 19th century, they were first built to improve both moral and physical development. You may remember the old metal frames in parks years ago which differ greatly from the beautifully crafted wooden, metal and crazy masterpieces we see today. Climbing whether it be on a climbing frame or even just climbing a ladder, tree or perhaps the stairs (if your child is younger) can be very beneficial to your child.
Home climbing frames are becoming more common
A few years ago climbing frames were generally seen to be something only the rich could afford. In the same way a lot of home goods become more accessible, want and need for such things increases and therefore demand is met bringing the prices for items down. This is fortunate as parents become more and more worried about letting their children out of their sight. Letting your children go off to a park or play area on their own is not an option in many cases, and the opportunity to take them and supervise does not happen every day. Now play equipment is not beyond financial reach of a lot of people, more and more families have the opportunity to provide an exciting and stimulating play environment in their own home. Climbing frames built in your own garden can give children the freedom to play, whilst parents have the peace of mind to let them do so without having to watch them at all times.
Climbing from an early age
Climbing is something which some children begin to master early on. It may begin with the self-appointed mission to climb the stairs or climb onto the couch from the floor. It is something instinctive that children do and it is all part of their development and growth. Climbing allows children to improve their coordination and motor skills. This can be through improved fitness levels, spatial and directional awareness as well as balance and agility. The methods used in climbing can help a child’s cognitive development through problem solving, memory and the feelings of fear and motivation often experienced through climbing also have great benefits to children. Adding a climbing frame for them to practice their skills on will also save the inevitable wear and tear on your garden furniture!
Climbing is fun too!
As well as being a challenge climbing can be fun – the relief and joy that is felt after scaling a climbing frame tower can be heightened by the freedom of sliding down a slide to reach the bottom again. Wooden climbing frames are perfect for homes as they have a natural finish and will not make your garden look like it has been attacked by brightly coloured plastic items. There is nothing worse than relaxing in your lovely garden being surrounded by plastic brightly coloured objects (for most people anyway). Climbing frames can incorporate climbing, sliding, swinging – perhaps even monkey bars for the slightly older child who require even more of a challenge.
If buying a new climbing frame is slightly out of your financial reach, then there are other options. Accessories such as slides and wings can be acquired for very little and you may want to utilise trees in your back yard to make something fun for your children to climb on or up. Climbing nets, ladders and wooden rungs are all elements that can be added for very little. If you were feeling a little more creative a den at the top of a tree is a great place for children to have as a den. Some people can be a little apprehensive at letting their children climb – worries that they may fall down and hurt themselves are on most parents minds. It is important to remember that most children are tough and will bounce back – especially if your climbing structure is on soft ground. A few bumps and bruises can build resistance and determination so can never be a bad thing for children – who are constantly learning. If you are worried the ground is a little too hard, you can always buy rubber mats or play bark which will cushion any accidental fall.
The main aim is to give your children the fun and freedom and also generally encourage them to be outside playing more – it all benefits their health and development in so many ways.
Thank you for sharing this. I think you are so right about the values of starting to climb and how incorporating this in you home for kids can be very beneficial for them.