We often remember childhood as a time when life seemed infinite and adventures in our backyard felt expansive, as if we were exploring other worlds.
Climbing a tree was its own adventure. You could discover what you were capable of, while also getting the chance to see the world from a different vantage point.
Of course, sometimes you’d fall. But that’s to be expected – there’s a risk in every journey of discovery.
Parents want their children to enjoy the same joys of childhood they look back on fondly, but many struggle with getting the balance right – how much freedom can you give while also making sure your child is safe?
We asked five experts – including a paediatric surgeon who operates on children who’ve fallen out of a tree – if it’s OK to let kids climb trees.
Five out of five experts said yes
Although, in every case, it’s a yes, but…
Here are their detailed responses:
If you have a “yes or no” education question you’d like posed to Five Experts, email your suggestion to: sasha.petrova@theconversation.edu.au
Disclosures: Shelby Laird is a member of the North American Association for Environmental Education as well as its local affiliate, Environmental Educators of North Carolina.