I don’t climb trees. Actually, I don’t know that I ever have. It’s not that I was ever stopped from climbing trees, but I’ve always been a little afraid of falling out of them. My daughter does not have this problem! And no one ever told her that climbing trees is for boys.
I think it’s great that she wants to climb trees. I think it’s wonderful that she wants to see as far as she can see.
Do I get nervous when she’s climbing? Of course. Do I pray silently every moment she’s dangling between earth and sky? Absolutely. Am I about to stop her? No chance.
I loved this paragraph from Risky Kids on what climbing trees will teach a child:
Scaling a tree teaches them vital lessons, such as dexterity, risk assessment, focus, and planning. They have to decide how high they’re comfortable climbing, the best way to get there, which branches look sturdiest, and figure out how to get back down. A successful climb builds confidence, gives them a sense of freedom, and helps them appreciate nature. An unsuccessful climb has the most valuable lesson a child can learn: how to pick themselves up and get right back at it again.
So many things to learn from climbing a tree! That’s the ideal, isn’t it? Learning through play, learning without knowing it.
We’re completing the National Trust’s #50Things campaign because, well, it’s great. This was number 1: Climb a tree on their list. You can see the full list here.