Nothing makes children more excited than climbing! From taking their first baby steps to becoming youngsters, kids are forever trying to climb any and everything; even your thighs are not exempted. While this natural activity might seem nugatory and insignificant, it is, in fact, the opposite. It will surprise you to know that a commonplace activity like climbing bears a good deal of health and developmental benefits for your kids! Amazing right!
Why don’t we take a look at how climbing can impact your child’s health and development! And you might want to stick to the end of the article to discover the link between climbing and the Pikler triangle.
What’s the Big Deal About Climbing Anyway?
Are you kidding? Climbing isn’t just a big deal but a necessity. Okay, that might have been overstated, but the fact is, climbing is super useful for your child’s brain. Recently, Scientists discovered a strong link between movement and brain development. As farfetched as it may sound, Kids have a good chance of developing super brains when climbing (things) from their early years.
When children climb, they aren’t just moving their little bodies upwards; their brains are also activated. They measure their steps to avoid the dreadful “fall” (kids, especially toddlers, aren’t as clueless as you think). Kids mentally assess and visualize the situation before putting one foot in front of another; should I go this way or that? If I place my foot at this point, will I fall? And if I lose my balance, how do I do “damage control”?
Climbing is a focus- filled activity that demands tenacity and utmost concentration. So as kids climb, it engages and stimulates their brains, which fast-tracks brain efficiency and growth. And as they stretch, push, pull and swing ─ their limbs also get a good dose of exercise. And did we forget to mention how it aids visual awareness! Honestly, there are many benefits to climbing, and we are about to unravel them all. Let’s get on with it!
The Many Benefits of Climbing
Climbing Enhances Motor Skills
The connection between climbing and holding a pen and other objects may appear “absurd.” However, climbing toys like our functional Pikler Triangle promotes fine motor skills in children ─ your kids will gain better control of their fingers, hands, and muscles. This can also manifest beautifully in the classroom ─ their handwriting will be better than ever.
Promotes Physical strength, Flexibility, and Endurance
Want super active kids with healthy muscles? Let them climb to their heart’s content. Kids who engage in climbing activities from a tender age have better muscle coordination and are less prone to childhood obesity. Climbing equates total-body performance, so the muscles from head to toe are fully engaged. When climbing, kids work their core, legs, arms, hands, and so on. And as they discover and navigate more challenging routes, their endurance capacity will also improve. Soon, you’d have strong climbing heroes to boast about.
Boosts Self-Confidence and Eliminates Fear
Kids like every human have their fair share of fear and nervousness. However, exposing them to climbing equipment like the Pikler Climber can eradicate these factors to a maximum degree. When they encounter the climber for the first time, they are bound to be afraid and unsure, but they’d learn to combat their fears and be more confident over time. And these adopted positive habits will help shape other aspects of their life.
Gives Rise to Risk Assessment Skills
Climbing gear can instill risk analysis understanding in your kids, which is a core life skill. When your child climbs, he/she learns to distinguish between safe and dangerous points. They will understand their capabilities and limits and will learn to act accordingly. Ultimately, your kid will become better-accustomed to the concept of safety.
Reinforces Problem-solving Skills
Critical thinking skills are crucial to all climbing activities, and as such, your child’s brain will develop these skills to the maximum. One would expect kids to give up when they encounter climbing challenges, but they don’t. Instead, they’d try to get to the bottom of the challenge. Whether it is by inventing new routes or developing climbing strategies for better foot placement, these kids do it all!
Enhances Eye, Hand and Foot Co-ordination
As aforementioned, climbing engages nearly-all muscle groups in the body. But beyond that, your child will also learn to maintain balance and coordination between their eyes, hands, and feet. When they climb, they set their sights on the route while determining the right place to place their foot and hands.
Triggers the “Happy Hormones”
No doubt, Kids are at their happiest when they climb. They are adventurous by nature and will give anything to explore. And because happiness equates to a happy life, your kids will wear a cheerful and optimistic countenance on most days. Plus, the right frame of mind is vital to cognitive and mental development.
Kids Should Climb the ‘Right’ Way
If your kids are going to climb, you want them to climb the right way. And by the right way, we mean a climbing device that meets all child safety and developmental standards like our foldable baby Pikler Triangle. We’ve already established that the best way to harness the benefits of climbing is to “catch them young.” In this vein, getting your toddlers and little ones to climb isn’t unsafe or detrimental to their health.
However, letting your children climb outdoors is often anxiety-inducing. You can’t guarantee their safety while they are out there climbing everything in sight. Although some recreational parks offer supervised climbing activities for kids, you may not have the luxury of time to take them there. This is where a climbing toy like our Pikler Baby Climber comes in handy. Not only is it safe and convenient, but it also gives all the climbing benefits and more that we have previously discussed.
The Pikler triangle provides a unique and safe climbing experience for your child in a fun yet beneficial manner. Your little one will pick up fine motor skills and positive habits that will remain with them for a lifetime. Plus, it is just as creative as it is entertaining. With a toddler-adapted climbing toy like the Pikler climber, your baby will grow up healthy, strong, confident, and fearless!