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Original poster

We have scaffolding all around the house and the boys are climbing out of the second floor window and

27 replies

Beetrootccio · 13/03/2007 19:02

using it as a climbing frame -

am I being a crap parent by allowing them to do it?
or a good parent to let them have fun?

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FlossALump · 13/03/2007 19:04

My heart wouldn't stand it myself, but thats because I am relating it to a 2yr old ds and don't know what its like to have older boys yet...

danceswithaSPRINGinherstep · 13/03/2007 19:05

how old are they?

Original poster
Beetrootccio · 13/03/2007 19:05

mine are 13,11,and 10 and I wouldreally have to shout to stop themdoing it..they are having a ball

OP posts:
danceswithaSPRINGinherstep · 13/03/2007 19:06

I wouldn't let them (fall from 2nd floor could be worse than just bump) but I'm paranoid about my children's safety.

danceswithaSPRINGinherstep · 13/03/2007 19:06

Not implying you don't care btw I really am PARANOID!

Pesha · 13/03/2007 19:11

Er no i wouldnt let them. Sorry

MrsSpoon · 13/03/2007 19:12

I wouldn't let them either TBH, although I am a wimp when it comes to heights, sounds too scarey.

Original poster
Beetrootccio · 13/03/2007 19:13

they love it - and are fabulous climbers. it is not so high - only two story.

OP posts:
duchesse · 13/03/2007 19:15

As long as they're used to climbing, I think it's fine. I deliberately chose a school for my children that allows the children to climb trees (obviously not in the state sector, sadly) because it is so ingrained in my children- they could all climb as soon as they walked.

danceswithaSPRINGinherstep · 13/03/2007 19:15

So why ask us beetroot?! You know you really think you OUGHT to stop them but you don't want to....

Original poster
Beetrootccio · 13/03/2007 19:16

just interested - not going ot stop them. Just wondered what others thought.

OP posts:
Loshad · 13/03/2007 19:17

I don't think I'd be able to stop mine - I'm sure they'll be fine, and like you say they're having a great time. All children need to be allowed to take some risks, asnd as risks go this one actually is quite controlled.

CanAiry · 13/03/2007 19:17

Message deleted

Original poster
Beetrootccio · 13/03/2007 19:17

NO i don't think I OUGHT to stop them - not AT ALL

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funnypeculiar · 13/03/2007 19:17

I have REALLY vivid memories of having the whole of the back of our house in scaffolding and climbing up the ladders to my bedroom. I would have been 7. It was bloody brilliant - was gutted when the work was done.
I would let them - but am dangerously laisser-faire about such things

danceswithaSPRINGinherstep · 13/03/2007 19:18

Fair enough

Original poster
Beetrootccio · 13/03/2007 19:18

it is just a slightly higher climbing frame

they jump into the sea from high rocks - the taek risks -

OP posts:
MrsSpoon · 13/03/2007 19:18

Trees just seem different somehow.

However Beetroot, your shout, they would be back inside with warm backsides if they were mine!

Smithagain · 13/03/2007 19:21

A good parent for letting them take risks, in an informed manner.

And hopefully an even better parent for making sure they know that it is not appropriate to do it on any other building site they happen to come across

duchesse · 13/03/2007 19:22

PS: we actually have always taught ours to climb safely- ie try branches before putting full weight on them, and only climb as far as they feel comfortable climbing down from. All three of mine (ages 13, 11 and 9.5) are strong for their age and size though, which helps when taking one's full weight on one's arms. Most of the kids at their school are very strong and good climbers, because they get the opportunity to exercise those muscles a lot.

I will never forget the day I was folding laundry on the third floor of our house, when out of the window I was the face of our eldest, who was 8 at the time, appear at window level. It was a fir tree with branches that leaned down to the ground.

No tree-fall injuries thus far, in the 12.5 years my 13.5 year old has been climbing.

Original poster
Beetrootccio · 13/03/2007 19:42

duchesse - my 3 year old so called me and I coudn't find him - I eventaullly found him on the first floor window ledge.

A year or so later a neighbor cam across and though she should tell me about my child standing on the window ledge!!

They love climbing - and now are old enough to know the dangers a bit more

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Original poster
Beetrootccio · 13/03/2007 22:30

you will be gald to know tha they are all safely inbved without any damage!

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BadHair · 13/03/2007 22:41

Just for info, when I was at university my friend fell backwards out of a first floor window, landed on a patio, and broke his back. He was drunk at the time so was quite floppy when he fell, but he was still in hospital for months.

On the other hand, I saw another student (probably also drunk) fall off a motorway bridge, hit the road feet first and run straight off without a scratch on him. If you fall it just depends on how you land, I guess.

superloopy · 13/03/2007 23:00

I guess it is just an urban version of tree climbing!!!

Why not? Probably good exercise for them, help with their agility and if they fall then I hope they don't get hurt.

This is what boys do.......

danceswithaSPRINGinherstep · 14/03/2007 13:00

Glad to hear it Beetroot. Will they be doing it all the time you have building work going on or were you just being kind yesterday?