When a Pennsylvania mother, Lisa Thompson, found out her 12-year-old twin boys had been reprimanded for climbing trees on school grounds, she was understandably upset. Instead of letting it slide, Lisa took matters into her own hands and crafted a witty letter aimed at school officials, which she then shared online, quickly gaining attention.
As reported by Today, Lisa’s sons, Jake and Noah, were enjoying some outdoor fun with their friends, affectionately known as “The Crew.” While walking home after school in the open field connecting their two middle schools, it was only natural for them to engage in playful activities like climbing trees and playing football. These are exactly the kinds of wholesome activities any parent would cherish, especially in a world filled with screen time distractions. Unfortunately, a school official intervened, demanding that the boys come down from the tree and go home. He even took their names to report them to their principals, all for the innocent act of climbing.
The official expressed concern about the school’s liability, stating, “I can’t have you kids climbing trees because if you fall and get hurt, the school could be sued.” This left Lisa both frustrated and incredulous, leading her to compose a response that would soon become legendary among parents everywhere.
In her letter, Lisa declared, “I hereby grant my sons permission to climb any tree they wish. In fact, I encourage their adventures outdoors, as there are few things better than knowing they’re engaging with nature, exercising, and using their imaginations while enjoying the company of friends.”
She concluded with an earnest plea: “I respectfully ask that you allow my children to be kids. Their time for carefree play is dwindling, and I urge you not to shorten it further. If this letter doesn’t alleviate your concerns about potential lawsuits, I have included a ‘permission slip’ that should suffice in any court of law. And if you’re still worried, might I suggest you take a moment to scale a tree yourself? It can be rather refreshing.”
Lisa later added a cheeky note, suggesting that while parents often blame teachers for issues with their children, it’s crucial to stand up for their right to be adventurous and playful. “Kids should be free to climb trees, explore, and create their own fun. It’s part of growing up!”
Her backlash against the overzealous reprimand highlights the importance of allowing kids to embrace their childhood. After all, climbing trees and exploring nature can be essential for development and joy.
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In summary, Lisa Thompson’s clever defense of her sons after their tree-climbing adventure serves as a reminder that childhood should be celebrated and encouraged, not stifled.