Some of my fondest memories from childhood revolve around a large, rectangular contraption in our backyard: the trampoline. I still remember the excitement of Christmas morning when it appeared, transforming my world forever. We spent countless hours playing games, laughing until we cried, and occasionally bouncing off the edges. Our trampoline, lacking any safety nets or pads, was a wild ride, but we navigated it with a mix of caution and carefree spirit.
There were no lawsuits or signed waivers in those days—just a group of kids living life to the fullest. Sure, we had those rusty springs that could have sent us to the hospital, but somehow, we came out unscathed. Fast forward to today, and my husband and I spent the last couple of years contemplating whether to get a trampoline for our kids. We were well aware of the risks; after all, we’ve heard countless horror stories from friends and neighbors about trampoline mishaps. Yet this Christmas, we took the plunge and got one for our children—largely thanks to my persuasive skills and a little nudging of my husband, who is in the medical field.
Trampolines are certainly not without risks, but they are considerably safer now than they were in my youth. The American Academy of Pediatrics even advises against trampoline ownership, citing around 98,000 injuries annually. However, it’s worth noting that injuries from skateboards and scooters total about 50,000 each year, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that approximately 192,000 kids were treated for bicycle-related injuries in 2013. Should we eliminate bicycles as well? That would be outrageous.
While trampolines come with risks, here’s why we made the decision to buy one.
Creating Memories
For me, the primary reason to have a trampoline is the memories it fosters. I spent endless hours bouncing with friends, sharing secrets, and even crafting my own gymnastic routines. Those moments of joy—running through sprinklers during the summer and laughing until we couldn’t breathe—are irreplaceable.
Encouraging Outdoor Activity
In an age where kids often find themselves glued to screens, a trampoline is a fantastic way to get them outside and promote physical activity. It also becomes a hub for neighborhood friends, creating a sense of community.
Promoting Exercise
Trampolining is an excellent way for kids to stay active without realizing they’re exercising. We’ve set up simple rules to enhance safety, such as limiting the number of jumpers at one time and always supervising their play. We ensure that parents in our neighborhood provide consent before their children jump—because, let’s be honest, no one wants to deal with lawsuits. With proper safety measures like nets and pads, we feel comfortable letting our kids enjoy this activity.
As a parent, it’s natural to worry, but I’ve learned that you can’t let fear dictate your choices. Yes, owning a trampoline increases our risks, but it also brings immense joy to our children, which is priceless. Ironically, just two months after we bought the trampoline, my daughter did break her arm—but it happened at gymnastics, not in our backyard.
Ultimately, you can’t shield your kids from every possible danger. Though I sometimes wish I could bubble-wrap them, the joy they experience on that “death trap” in our yard makes it all worthwhile—even if it comes with the occasional scrape or bruise.
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In summary, while trampolines present their own set of risks, the joy and memories they create are well worth it.