I believe that learning to climb a tree is a thing that every child should do.

It’s an important part of growing up, and there aren’t enough climbing trees around anymore, which is such a pity.

Two weeks ago though, I looked at the trees in the park where we walk the dogs a little more closely and realised that those trees were perfect! So Bradley has finally been able to learn to climb a tree.

Then on Sunday, we went with a group of moms to a tea venue, and there was such an awesome tree.  The kids had a ball, even Connor managed to climb the huge trunk, and they spent more time in the tree than they did on the jungle gyms.

I think there’s something to be said about trying to navigate around a natural uneven tree, that’s just so much more rewarding for any child than climbing on a straight man-made frame.

In fact, the one mom commented that the tree was like the Faraway tree   I just love that connotation… that tree was so full of wonder for the kids!  So special, and they all had such big smiles while on it.

I was chatting to my mom about the climbing this evening, and we both had stories relating to trees, from when we were growing up.  And the memories just made me smile.

Carl and I went to an afterschool centre, and at the back of the house there was a field surrounded by fruit trees. One of the trees was an enormous mulberry trees, and I remember spending hours in the tree, picking the fruit and chatting to friends.  Those were the happiest times that I remember from those afterschool afternoons.

I wish I had trees in my garden for the boys to climb, but at least I know that there are a few around where I can let them explore the wonders that trees can hold.