We were all kids once, and most of us never outgrow that childhood phase in our hearts. And if we go over to a quick trip down memory lane, you’ll discover that most of us have an uncanny desire to climb anything and everything our eyes catch sight of. Remembering now?
Climbing trees and scrambling over rocks are excellent pastimes that keep kids joyful. However, this natural inclination to climb that is inherent in little humans can turn into dangerous activity, especially when it is done with no adult supervision, no safety precaution, and when curiosity gets the most of them.
Still, we should not neglect the fact that children want to have fun, as they have tons of energy! And climbing is genuinely an amazing activity. With this comes our promotion to rock climbing. Let’s waste no more time and start discussing all there is to know about rock climbing for kids. Read along.
Rock Climbing, defined.
Rock climbing is an awesome activity that promotes entertainment to children in a safe and tiring way. It is considered a sport, which ought to build strength, balance, and character, alongside the aid of fostering a healthy level of confidence and independence in kids. This activity holds many benefits, which we’ll unravel later on.
At what age can a kid rock climb?
As long as your children can walk, they can climb. Rock climbing exports do believe in starting this sport on children of 4-7 years of age. These ages account for taking instructions well and having their problem-solving skills partially developed and continuously growing. However, the guardian still has to call based on what they think of their child’s physicality.
Kids have a keen sense of adventure. As young as two years old, you’ll see them climbing the door, couch, even statue in the park. It’s part of their healthy curiosity. Still, it is advisable to start introducing rock climbing at the age of 4 being the earliest. This recreational activity turned sport can be an excellent tool, for teaching young ones how to move their body gracefully to hone their balance, moreover, imparting them the joy of getting active and going.
Benefits of Rock Climbing
- Increase one’s strength, endurance alongside flexibility
The most obvious one, rock climbing, is one of the best total body workouts to exist, as the motion of climbing pushes every part of the body to get into work mode. The practice of it will strengthen your child’s arms, legs, and core. It will also promote the development of strong, lean muscles. Lastly, it guides overall strength, endurance, and flexibility.
- Promotes hand, feet, and eye coordination
Climbing a wall teaches kids great hand, feet, and eye coordination. This is because to successfully complete a climb, they have to look, plan and then coordinate their hands and feet to land successfully on their chosen spot.
- Helps in growing healthy confidence and self-esteem
Standing at the bottom of a rock climbing wall can threaten and overwhelm kids. However, as they get outside their comfort zone and slowly take steps making their way up the climbing wall, they overcome their fear that in turn boosts their self-esteem. The achievement of a goal allows them confidence in themselves and reinforces the belief that they can handle problems in all areas of their life.
- Improves problem-solving, in addition to planning and decision-making abilities
With many possible routes to decide from in conquering the mountain, children will determine what is going to be their next best move. As they become experienced, they’ll be equipped with visualization of the perfect route that will make their spot top secured.
- Aids in relieving stress
With the fast pace of life nowadays, kids can be faced with stress on their little shoulders. With rock climbing requiring full focus and attention, it then transforms into the art of meditation. Meaning, kids will be completely in the present moment with no thoughts of any problems and worries. By the end of the session, they will be met with new energy, ready to face life with a clear head and breath of peace of mind.
- Greatly impacts communication and listening skills
Rock climbing is a team sport that hones great communication and listening skills. Unless your rock climbing facility is furnished with an auto belay system, your child will always be climbing with another person. Belayer and climber need to communicate and listen to each other effectively, otherwise, they will not progress and reach the top.
How to Get Started in Rock Climbing for Kids?
Applying kids and toddlers Training Techniques for climbing is a great first step, and these are:
- Letting your children watch videos
There are a lot of resources online concerning bouldering and rock climbing. These can help your kid learn the basics. You can also take part as you can watch with them while explaining the various aspects of climbing, including equipment needed and their purpose.
- Immersing your child to use guidebooks
Apart from videos, handbooks are also great for providing knowledge of the basics and equipping children with skills before even embarking on the activity. Guidebooks often provide in-depth explanations about different climbing factors, moreover, they are made easy to understand by our little humans.
- Climb as they watch
When kids get sight of the actual activity, they understand better. Therefore, lead the way and hop onto the wall and let them watch you as you rise. Also, encourage them to pay attention to how you move from one rock to another. When you’re done, let them try it, supervise their every step. Affirm their progress and correct their mistakes gently.
- Seek professional climbing training
If your children seem to love and can’t get enough of all the climbing, it is time you enroll them in a local climbing gym. Here, expert climbers will help them train further, ranging from beginner to advanced climbing skills. You may never know if you have Alex Honnold or Catherine Destivelle in the making!
Takeaway
Getting your child to rock climbing is transformational on so many levels and obviously, no bad thing will be borne on it. It is the perfect enjoyable activity that will enrich your child’s holistic health, ranging from rejuvenating the outside, and flourishing its inside.
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