Climbing seems to be a rather specific sport and only for very athletic people, but is this the case? You have to be aware that some sports are just for getting fitter and stronger. This is true for adults as well as children, and since this sport is becoming more and more popular, more and more children want to train in it. But do let your children climb, and is it safe?
So, do you let your children climb, is it safe for them? Climbing is, despite appearances, a safe sport if you follow the general rules. It is a great hobby with many benefits. It can also be practiced by children on special climbing walls.
What advantages go climbing have for children?
Climbing has many benefits for the body, and in children, it also improves motor coordination and allows all the muscles to develop harmoniously. It also teaches concentration and, thanks to it, children have the opportunity to use their energy healthily. Climbing is also fun for the whole family or friends.
Another advantage is that it does not require a lot of money or investment in professional equipment. In the beginning, only comfortable and stable sports shoes are sufficient, but later it is worth buying climbing shoes. All the equipment is available at climbing centers, and you can also get professional help from an instructor.
From when can children climb?
There are no formal or health restrictions for a 4-8-year-old child to climb. Climbing is a very versatile activity involving all parts of the muscles, requiring balance control and, importantly, a conscious effort.
Of course, children who are only a few years old require appropriate care and attention, and it is important to educate them about climbing safely from an early age. There is a rule in every sport that the younger you start training, the better you will be later on. Of course, whether you let your children climb depends on whether your child enjoys the sport. Climbing has a positive effect on many aspects, including:
- Motor co-ordination
- Body balance
- Correct muscle development
- Learning to concentrate
- Physical exertion but also fun
- Being able to use your energy in a healthy way
We already know some answers to do you let your children climb, and whether it is safe and has benefits. The fact that climbing has a positive effect on both children and adults is proven and appreciated. In this article, you can also read about whether you can start climbing at the age of 30 and what effect it has on your health.
How to prepare a child for climbing?
If your child wants to climb on the wall, first, you need to prepare them for it. Of course, a lot of facilities are adapted for small climbers, in terms of safety, equipment, or instruction. It’s important that our children learn the safety rules, how to use the belaying equipment or the rope, and how to fit their climbing shoes. The harness must fit properly, it must not be too loose, because it must maintain the right position while climbing.
If your child has a fear of heights, you should get them used to it gradually; you can try bouldering for a start, where you climb to much lower heights, and the only important elements are suitable shoes and magnesia. You can also read about the difference between bouldering and rope climbing here.
What are the most important safety rules for climbing?
Regardless of whether you are climbing for the first time or are more advanced, it is important to follow the safety rules. All the more so if you want to teach climbing to your children, who will follow your example when it comes to safety. Here are some of the more important safety issues when climbing:
- Read the rules and regulations, whether you are training bouldering or rope climbing. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the most important safety rules
- Children under 18 should be supervised by adults, supervisors, or instructors who have received the necessary training
- Know how to use belay devices, including harnesses, belay lines, and other important equipment
- When climbing, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and other climbers so that you are not underneath the climber. Special attention should be paid to children, who should not run around the facility and be left without parental supervision
- Do not leave objects such as phones, drinks, or other accessories in the area of the climbing wall and the climbers. There is a risk of tripping or falling on the object, which may result in an accident
When training bouldering or any other type of climbing, always keep in mind your own and others’ safety. Whether or not you allow your children to climb at a particular facility also depends on the safety rules to be followed there.
In Summary – Do You Let Your Children Climb? – (Is It Safe?)
Both bouldering and rope climbing are suitable sports for children and adults. However, special attention must be paid to children when it comes to safety, as they may often be unaware of the dangers that await them. This is why it is so important to educate them from the start about safety rules, and the purpose and use of belaying equipment.
Whether you let your children climb and whether it is safe for them to do so depends mainly on you as the adult, who should take care of the safety as well as the training of your child. If you don’t have the necessary climbing skills, it’s best to ask for help from experts or enroll your child in the appropriate climbing sections.
