A few weeks ago, I posted a picture of my youngest son, who recently turned nine, scaling the heights of a tall tree in our backyard. Some people were taken aback, but he has been climbing this tree for years. I no longer tell him to “come down” or “don’t climb so high.” Instead, I simply remind him to make wise decisions. In fact, I take pride in his adventurous spirit.
Climbing trees is a classic childhood experience, much like playing games with neighborhood friends on warm summer evenings, running through sprinklers, or constructing snow forts. For those of us who grew up in the ’80s, these activities were central to our upbringing.
Yet, there seems to be a decline in tree-climbing today. Even parents who enjoyed such freedoms as kids now often discourage their own children from climbing trees. The thought of a 5-year-old scaling branches unsupervised may strike fear into the hearts of many parents. Some might even label my parenting style as reckless or negligent for allowing my son this freedom.
I believe this hesitance stems not only from the fear of judgment from others but also from the innate anxieties we experience as parents, where worst-case scenarios play out in our minds. I’ve learned to cope with these fears by adopting a more relaxed, free-range approach to parenting. Thankfully, we live in a neighborhood where other parents share similar beliefs. When I see my son perched on a branch, I often take a deep breath and look away.
Moreover, I remind myself that the actual risks of severe injuries are quite low. According to a study cited by Rain or Shine Momma, a survey of 1,600 parents whose children climbed trees revealed that the most frequent injury was merely scraped skin. Only 2% reported their child had broken a bone, and even fewer experienced concussions. In stark contrast, over 3.5 million American children under 14 require medical attention for injuries related to organized sports each year.
Yes, organized sports—which many parents actively promote—pose a greater risk than tree climbing. This isn’t just about minor cuts and bruises; serious, long-lasting injuries can occur, especially in sports like football. Research from the University of Washington Medicine’s Sports Health and Safety Institute and Seattle Children’s Research Institute indicates that concussion rates in young football players (ages 5 to 14) are higher than previously thought, with about 5% of kids sustaining a concussion every season.
Reflecting on this research gives me a sense of relief. A few years ago, my then-7-year-old passionately wanted to join a tackle football team, even calling me a “dream killer” when I initially refused. After much discussion with my partner and internal debate, we allowed him to try it. Fortunately, just days before the season commenced, he opted out, and I couldn’t have been happier.
As parents, we often draw the line at numerous activities we deem unsafe, regardless of our children’s abilities to assess risks. We prevent little ones from running into busy streets and ensure they wear helmets while biking. As they grow, we educate them about the dangers of substances. Each family must determine their comfort level, but when making these choices, it’s vital to consider the facts. Statistically speaking, climbing trees is safer than participating in organized sports. Yet, I still feel comfortable allowing my kids to engage in team sports like baseball and basketball.
Aside from being a safe activity, climbing trees and taking other calculated risks is beneficial for our children. These experiences teach them how to navigate challenges and responsibly handle risks. By encouraging such activities, we demonstrate—through our actions—that we trust their judgment and believe in their capabilities. This is backed by research, as many experts support the notion that play helps children learn emotional regulation.
So, let’s ease up, folks. Stop eyeing those parents who let their kids engage in activities that make you uneasy. Hold back the urge to shout “be careful” or “not so high.” Encourage your children to reach higher, go further, and pursue those adventures you fear they can’t handle—even if it means you’ll be holding your breath the entire time.
We can’t wrap our kids in bubble wrap—nor should we want to. They will be just fine if they climb trees. In fact, it will benefit them in the long run.
For more insights, check out this article on home insemination or explore the resources at Make A Mom. For additional information on pregnancy, visit the World Health Organization.
Summary
Climbing trees is a nostalgic childhood activity that boasts safety benefits over organized sports, which pose significant risks of injury. Parents should embrace this freedom rather than fear it, as tree climbing teaches children to manage risks and fosters their independence.