10 Benefits of Climbing for Kids
There’s a lot of concern these days about whether kids are becoming too focused on smartphones, tablets, and video games, to the detriment of their physical health. As a result, many parents are looking for ways to get their children involved in physical activities. Climbing is something that young children naturally seem to enjoy doing, and getting them involved in climbing as a regular activity can provide a huge range of physical and mental benefits. We’ve rounded up the top 10 benefits of climbing, if you are looking for a place where your little one can give it a go check out The Wall and Basement Cinema, Rotorua
1. Focus and concentration: Climbing requires a great deal of intense focus and concentration, and these are skills that serve children incredibly well as they grow up, both academically and beyond.
2. Hand-eye coordination: Climbing uses all four limbs to navigate a difficult obstacle, and using them in a coordinated fashion is absolutely required. It’s a great activity for kids to start at a young age, since this is when they start to develop fine motor skills.
3. Problem-solving skills: Climbing a wall is just like solving a problem, and solving these particular problems requires both mental and physical skills.
4. Self esteem: Succeeding at climbing requires that kids learn how to think and act with confidence, making quick decisions about the best route to take, and relying on their own physical strength and mental abilities.
5. Overcoming fears: Indoor climbing in particular is perfect for allowing kids to explore their abilities in a safe environment. While climbing walls make use of safety equipment that means they’re not at risk, they still get to learn that it can be fun to challenge themselves.
6. Trust and team-building: Working with a climbing partner is a great way for children to learn about working with others as part of a team, and about trusting others to provide the help they need to navigate an obstacle.
7. Body confidence: With all its physical and mental requirements, climbing is not an easy sport, and the physical skills that it fosters can help children feel more confident in their bodies. It’s hugely beneficial for children entering adolescence, as this is an age when they naturally start to feel more self-conscious.
8. Building physical strength: Climbing is about much more than building physical strength, but the benefits of this particular aspect of the sport can’t be overstated. Kids who develop physical strength become more confident, and physical health helps them stay prepared for all of life’s challenges.
9. Setting and achieving goals: When they climb, children learn that they can achieve difficult goals. And because not every climb will be successful, they also get something equally important: the opportunity to learn from their mistakes, and figure out how to succeed the next time.
10. Enjoying and respecting nature: Once children become experienced enough to climb outdoors, they gain even more benefits. Spending time outdoors is itself scientifically proven to reduce stress, and connecting physically with nature helps kids develop a healthy respect for it. Another great benefit is that children have the chance to develop other outdoor interests, and learn about the natural environment.