Torn, we sometimes feel the need to approach a well-meaning adult interacting on the center’s playground by requesting an opportunity to allow the child to work on her abilities without adult assistance.
Don’t help her on the monkey bars??? That’s absurd- can’t you see…
she can’t do it
she needs me
she will fall
she likes it
Tell me one good reason why I shouldn’t help her?
The monkey bars, similar to the fire pole and the playground swings, have become a rite of passage of sorts for the maturing child. You can often find toddlers watching on as older preschool friends swing feet reaching to the clouds, spin hair twirling like a ribbon, or hang cooing like a monkey before moving on.
Adults might see the younger child struggling to climb aboard as helpless. As the unease grows, it’s tempting to jump in and help the child be successful.
But at what price?
Let’s observe as an older toddler challenges himself to the Monkey Bars.
Why help him on the monkey bars??? Doesn’t he look…
focused and aware
confident and excited
secure in his risk taking
full of enjoyment
In time, with experience, with practice
he will continue to progress building up the strength, courage and confidence to
let go of one hand and
move forward.
“…in their own way, in their own time.” -Magda Gerber
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