Why I'm Still Climbing Trees at 60-Something
Picture this: You’re out playing with your grandkiddos and one of them stops and says those magic words “I can’t.” My mind immediately wanders back to all the times I’ve said those words – hiding behind my mother’s skirt, scared to try.
I know this feeling, and I think: how can I help my grandchildren have the confidence to try? It’s about problem solving – such a fabulous skill to learn at a young age. And when you help, they think you’re a legend and their faces say it all. They did it… grinning from ear to ear. You feel so proud of your own skills too – age hasn’t stopped you and you feel strong, capable and confident. It’s a win all round.
What I Bring to the Adventure
As a 60-something with boots, a ponytail, and a weakness for flying foxes, I’ve got decades of play experience under my belt. I might not have the fancy activewear (sometimes I’m still in my PJs… but I do have some lovely activewear too), but I’ve got something better – the perspective to know these moments matter.
My granddaughter was watching her brother climb the horse float, wanting to follow but unsure. Instead of the usual “be careful” or “wait till you’re bigger,” I scrambled back down to show her the way. “Let’s see where you might be able to get a boost up,” I said. That moment when she conquered that first step – the smile said it all.
Why It Matters for Both of Us
When I’m out there scaling water tanks or climbing trees with the kiddos, they’re learning about risk-taking and problem-solving without even realising it. Each adventure builds their confidence, one climb at a time. But here’s what I didn’t expect: it builds mine too.
Do I creak a bit more than I used to? Absolutely. Will I feel it in my muscles the next day? You bet. But every successful climb, every problem solved together, reminds me that I’m still capable. Age hasn’t stopped me from being strong, from figuring things out, from taking on challenges.
I still remember my beloved loquat tree from when I was a kid. That tree taught me about patience, pushing boundaries, and finding my own special place in the world. Now, watching my grandkiddos discover their own climbing spots, I’m passing on more than just play skills – I’m showing them that adventure doesn’t come with an expiration date.
The Real Win
My adult kids sometimes shake their heads when they catch me attempting cartwheels on the grass or leading an expedition to the top of the water tank. But those head shakes usually turn into smiles, and sometimes when they think no one’s looking, they join in too.
Being a playground buddy isn’t about keeping up with the kids – it’s about showing them that joy, curiosity, and confidence don’t have age limits. When I choose to grab my boots and dust off my inner child instead of watching from the bench, I’m not just helping them build confidence. I’m building my own.
Every wobbly cartwheel, every tree climbed, every “I can’t” turned into “I did it!” builds something precious – confidence that spans generations.
Move Moment
Next time you’re with grandkiddos or kids in your life, join them for one physical challenge instead of watching. Get down on the ground and build something. Try the monkey bars. Have a race. When they say “I can’t,” show them how to problem-solve their way through it. You’ll be amazed at how capable you both feel afterward.
This week, find something you’ve been watching instead of doing. Maybe it’s hanging from the bar in the backyard — even a squat hang counts. Maybe it’s getting down on the ground with the dog. Maybe it’s that cartwheel on the grass you’ve been talking yourself out of. Do it. Even if you creak. Especially if you creak.
