To get DS a climbing frame with slide even though it will ruin my our garden.

[owlelf]

DS (5) would really love a climbing frame or a slide. We could fit a TP Explorer with a slide in the garden but so far I have refused because the garden is small and beautiful and I didn't want it overun with ugly equipment.

We do have a trampoline which gets a lot of use, and is tucked away at the bottom of the garden.

It has occurred to me that I am probably being mean- I have years and years to enjoy a beautiful garden, (and I might look back wistfully and wish I could swap it for DS running riot in the flowerbeds).

Maybe for now I should spoil DS with a climbing frame which I am convinced that he and his friends would love.

So AIBU to let my beautiful garden get swamped by a climbing frame?

Don't see why this would be unreasonable, more unreasonable to deny it to him on the grounds of spoiling the lawn. If you want to do it, then do it, if you don't then don't! (Fat lot of help that was!)

YANBU - the grass can be replaced in 5 years or so.
YABU to not have done it sooner. of decent size garden may be speaking here.

I had a beautiful, but small garden and have put in a climbing frame, with swings and a slide. The garden is now a lot less hassle, as there isn't as much grass (play bark now) and I have a patio area and lots of lovely tubs and pots in summer with flowers.

Still looks nice and DS has loads of fun.

Definitely get him a climbing frame, you can sit and admire a quiet garden with a flawless lawn and unspoilt flower beds when you are an old lady.

yep we have a climbing frame and a trampoline and other plastic tut and it obviously doesnt look perfect but that really isnt the point is it.

Thanks everyone.

As I suspected I am being mean.

DS is, and will remain, an only child and sometimes I overcompensate with the not spoiling him thing, which is I think why I initially thought that 'ruining' the garden with equipment was a step too far!

Thatisnotitatall hit the nail on the head with the fact that I can admire a quiet garden with a flawless lawn and unspoilt flower beds when you are an old lady.

He will be soooooo pleased!!

Just do it. Think of all the piece and quiet you will have while he has fun playing. Plus if you give that as a birthday pressie you will be THE BEST MUMMY EVAH! and all the hugs and kisses and excited DS will be worth it.

peace.

argh.

You are being mean.

I have not been to the local park since dd almost picked up a needle so I have a park in my garden

Just stick with the trampoline. We used to have a TP explorer with a slide, but the novelty soon wore off.

In a few short years he will no longer want a climbing frame and you can have your garden back but for now it will entertain him, improve his co-ordination and develop his imagination. My kids loved their climbing frame, it was a boat, a house, an airplane, everything and anything you could imagine. The phase is relatively short lived.

One day you will get your beautiful garden back but this stage of his life will be gone forever, make the most of it while you can.