Let’s get one thing straight: I let my kids climb up the slide.
I know what you’re thinking—some of you are probably clutching your pearls in shock while others are rolling your eyes. It turns out that the Great Slide Debate is a serious topic among parents, often leading to heated discussions. You’ve likely heard the age-old playground rule: up the stairs and down the slide. Based on the responses I’ve encountered, parents seem to fall into one of two camps: the “up-the-stairs, down-the-slide” advocates or the “let them climb” supporters. And let me tell you, the staunch defenders of the traditional rule are quite passionate. One mother claimed that kids climbing up the slide were bullying others who might be too timid to slide down. Another chimed in, stating that if parents weren’t enforcing the rules, she felt justified in telling other people’s kids to stop. “Ladders are for climbing!” one commenter declared. “You’re setting them up for success in society—this is fundamental parenting!” The consensus among these moms is that lazy parents who don’t enforce playground etiquette are the real problem.
Let me clarify that I’m not oblivious to the basic playground rules. I’ve even reminded my kids to follow them from time to time. However, I firmly believe that climbing up a slide is just as valuable as sliding down. As long as no one is waiting their turn, I think kids should be free to explore, climb, and enjoy themselves.
Climbing up the slide offers valuable lessons in bodily awareness. It helps stimulate the vestibular system and teaches kids how to fall safely. With many children lacking sufficient physical activity, this kind of play is essential for fostering balance—something that can benefit them well into adulthood.
Allowing my kids to climb the slide gives them a chance to test their limits in a safe environment. They learn about their capabilities: How high can they go? Can they make it to the top? When will gravity bring them back down? Each attempt, whether successful or not, builds their confidence both physically and emotionally. They experiment with different grips and foot placements, which enhances their spatial awareness.
Most importantly, I want my children to feel empowered to use playground equipment creatively rather than strictly adhering to the rules set by others. If everyone is sliding down, then climbing up becomes an act of creativity. This encourages them to question authority and norms in a safe context, starting with something as simple as a playground slide.
Now, I can hear the up-the-stairs, down-the-slide crowd fuming. How dare I prioritize my children’s ability to question authority over someone else’s right to slide down? First of all, I only allow my kids to climb up the slide when there’s no line. If that’s the case, I don’t see how it interferes with anyone else’s play experience.
I understand some parents may not want their kids climbing up the slide, and they might believe my children are setting a poor example. But that’s the perfect opportunity for a conversation about differing parenting styles. I refuse to limit my kids’ enjoyment just because someone else thinks it’s wrong. If you don’t want your kids climbing up, it’s up to you to stop them. But please don’t prevent mine from enjoying the slide when they know they’re allowed to climb when it’s clear.
My children are well aware that the slide is primarily for going down and that climbing is off-limits when there’s a line. They also understand the potential consequences of climbing—like a well-deserved foot in the face from an unsuspecting slider. That’s another valuable life lesson right there.
At its core, climbing up the slide is simply fun. I did it as a child, and I’m sure you did too. The thrill, the careful coordination of hands and feet, the pride of reaching the top—only to slide back down again—is an experience I won’t deny my kids. If your children are missing out on that joy, then that’s a choice you’ve made.
So, if you see us at the park, be prepared: my kids will be climbing the slide. We’ll be mindful of those coming down, but when the coast is clear, they have every right to explore that slide. It’s part of a normal childhood, and I’m committed to giving them that opportunity.
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In summary, climbing the slide is an essential part of childhood that encourages exploration, builds confidence, and fosters creativity. Let kids be kids, and let them learn through play.
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