Do you let your child climb trees?

[belgo]

I was interested to read this article here because dd1 aged four has just learnt how to climb a holly tree in our garden. We've been discouraging her because the tree probably isn't srong enough to take her weight and I don't really want her to break it.

But if it was a strong tree, I probably wouldn't be bothered.

Yes.

It freaks me out a bit - I was such a total wimp as a child - so I've learned not to look. I advise my mum to do the same because it frightens her.

yes she likes a challenge. She has already scratched her tummy from the hooly, but that hasn't put her off! I don't really want her to break it though, she's quite light at the moment but if she gets much heavier I'm sure it will out a strain on the tree.

Yes, I let them. Get fed up with having to help down though.

Back breaking always a possibility, but we all ski and all sorts of awful things can happen with that too, but I wouldn't give it up.

dh's sister was a good climber though, they had moved from the countryside where they had a huge garden with an orchard and big tree's in it they used to climb all the time.

she recovered well, but it took years, 6 months in traction, then in a wheelchair, she had to learn to use her arms again, feed herself, write etc, then to walk, finally made it to crutches and then a walking stick.

accidents happen, if you are happy for your dc's to climb tree's, just please stay with them while they do it.

Stories like yours LucyKate are very sobering, and I'm very glad she's OK now.

I cant remember her name now (not Tanni GT but the blonde young athlete instead) also fell out of a tree at 11 and broke her back) makes me think twice sometimes....

but we all still ride, ski and cycle as a family. I know there are risks but I prefer not to think about them too much. Still cant watch DS climb a tree though !

I let mine. I know the dangers- but then I've known people break their necks falling down the stairs and I still let my children walk downstairs
(though special arrangements are made for disabled dd).

I've known people have serious injuries falling off their bikes and I'd still let them ride a bike.

A friend sustained permanent brain-damage after a swimming accident.

I've known several people killed in car crashes (who hasn't?) and I'd still let my dc's go in a car. All evidence seems to show that the most dangerous sport a child can indulge in is to go for a short trip in their parents' car.