Tree climbing, the forgotten playground.
Tree climbing has always been a rite of passage. Whether it was the mango tree in the backyard or the massive jacaranda at the local park.
Where there were trees…. there were children hanging from the branches.
At least, that’s what is why like in our own childhood.
But did you know that 1 in 4 Australian children have never climbed a tree?
That’s a quarter of Australian children!
Missing out on the pure joy, freedom, and learning experiences that come from being able to scale, swing and hang from nature's original jungle gym… the tree!
Where did it all go wrong?
In today's episode, we are sharing our tips on how you can help children climb trees safely and we are asking some tough questions about whether the presence of adults is actually hindering children’s ability to risk assess.
As play advocates, there have been so many times when we have felt the need to step in and defend our children’s right to climb trees.
I remember once being hounded by a security guard for letting our kids climb a tree at the local university campus. This was particularly funny because we were presenting at a lecture for early childhood students in the nearby auditorium.
Awkward…
Since then I always find myself actively signaling that I (the responsible, upright citizen) am nearby when the kids scale the trees. But I have to wonder, is my presence actually being too intrusive? I don’t ever remember my mum hovering underneath when I climbed as a child.
In fact, the best memories were when I could escape into the canopy of a tree.
But we also have to ask, what is the point of hovering underneath children as they tree climb unless you plan to catch them?
Perhaps we shouldn’t be virtue signaling our “good parent/carer” status and just give kids space to take on responsibility for their own bodies as they climb.
This is of course if you know the child’s level of capability. If you don’t then you definitely need to wait and observe if they’re ready to climb.
For those children, it’s a little different because it’s about learning to understand the dynamics of the tree and their bodies.
So for the young children, the BEST thing you can do is NOT lift them into a tree.
Instead, it’s about helping them understand if they want to get up into a tree they have to be able to come back down. If they can’t get up into the tree on their own, they’re not ready for that particular tree… yet.
Yet, being the optimum word!
It is also a great idea to help those children choose a tree that is better suited to their needs.
Let them explore and test out small trees. Look at the branches together, see if they’ll hold your weight, and help them find the perfect tree for them. You can also use this moment to share your own stories of tree climbing and the near misses that you may have experienced.
Everyone loves a good story, especially children!
Another great tip for tree climbing is the “3 Points Of Contact System”.
This is something they actually teach on construction worksites with ladders but essentially it's about ensuring that three of four limbs are in contact with the tree at all times (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, etc.).
It really helps children to be aware of their bodies and the dynamics of their climbing. It’s been a game changer for our own kids and their climbing.
Now, go climb that tree!
P.S. At the end of May we are going to be walking through EXACTLY how to incorporate risky play with groups of children, during our free private training for Playworkers, Educators and Aspiring Forest School Leaders ready to learn Wild School Skills.
Apply to get an invitation to our FREE training in May
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