Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around a large, rectangular trampoline that dominated our backyard. I still recall the Christmas morning when it appeared, transforming my afternoons into a thrilling adventure.
We spent countless hours playing games like “crack the egg” and coaxing my dad into giving us double bounces — and trust me, he was a big guy! Our trampoline lacked safety pads, and nets were just a distant dream. There were moments when we flew off the edge, landing perilously close to concrete and fences. Surprisingly, we emerged unscathed, and there were no lawsuits or broken bones to speak of.
Our trusty trampoline had its share of rusty springs that kept us on our toes, ensuring our legs didn’t slip through (which they did, on occasion) and thankfully, injuries were minimal.
For quite some time, my partner and I debated whether to get a trampoline for our kids, fully aware of the risks involved. I’ve heard plenty of horror stories from friends and neighbors — broken bones, sprained ankles, you name it. Nonetheless, we decided to take the plunge this year and surprise our kids with a trampoline for Christmas. It was my idea, but I managed to convince my husband, who happens to be a medical professional, to agree.
While trampolines do pose risks, they’re significantly safer today compared to when I was growing up. Reflecting on how hazardous they were back then brings a chuckle. However, it’s worth noting that the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against trampoline ownership. According to their data, around 98,000 trampoline-related injuries occur annually. Yet, they also state that 50,000 children visit the ER due to skateboard and scooter mishaps each year. My children enjoy those too!
Moreover, in 2013, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that nearly 192,000 kids were treated at the ER for bicycle accidents. Should I take away their bikes? That seems absurd, right?
I recognize that trampolines aren’t completely “safe,” but they’re far less dangerous than in the past. So, despite the risks, here’s why we went ahead with it.
Creating Lasting Memories
For me, this is the most compelling reason. I had endless fun bouncing around on that trampoline with friends and neighbors. We laughed until we cried, sometimes even peeing our pants from the hilarity of our antics. We took sun-soaked naps and shared secrets about crushes while trying out gymnastics moves. Summer brought sprinklers underneath, turning our trampoline into a slip ‘n’ slide, providing hours of free entertainment.
Encouraging Outdoor Play
In today’s digital age, getting kids to step away from screens is a constant battle. A trampoline is a fantastic way to entice my kids outdoors while also drawing in their friends from the neighborhood.
Promoting Physical Activity
Kids need exercise as much as they need air and water, and a trampoline offers a fun way to keep them active without them realizing it.
We’ve set up some basic safety rules for trampoline use: limiting the number of jumpers at one time, ensuring adult supervision, and obtaining parental permission from neighbors before kids jump. With safety nets, pads, and a watchful parent around, accidents can still happen, but we could always keep them indoors or ban bikes too.
As a parent, I grapple with worry, but I’ve learned that you can’t live in fear. It’s essential not to impose those fears on our children. Yes, there are risks associated with owning a trampoline, but the joy our kids experience makes it worthwhile. There are countless other risks in daily life that we can’t eliminate.
Ironically, just two months after we got the trampoline, my daughter broke her arm — and not even on our trampoline! It happened at her gymnastics class.
The reality is, you can’t wrap your kids in bubble wrap. Although there are times I wish I could, especially with my fearless 5-year-old. Yet, the cherished memories they’ll create on that “death trap” in our backyard are worth every cent, and perhaps even a broken bone.
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Summary
In summary, while trampolines come with inherent risks, they also offer unparalleled opportunities for fun, physical activity, and lasting memories. By taking necessary safety precautions, our family has embraced trampoline ownership as a valuable part of our lives.