Why does my child want to climb on everything? 

Does this scenario sound familiar to anyone? Perhaps you're getting ready for the day, or you're trying to fold a load of laundry. Your toddler suddenly yells, "Watch this!" and you look up to see that they have climbed to the top of the couch (or bookshelf, or countertop...) and are about to perform their newest gravity-defying feat. You launch yourself across the room in order to hopefully prevent an Emergency Room visit, and once again wonder why your child feels the need to climb on anything and everything in sight.

One answer to this is that your child is learning about their own abilities. To small children, everything is new and exciting, and they want to see what else their amazing bodies can do! Running, jumping, and yes, climbing, are all things that they are practicing. How can a child learn to trust their body if they can't use it to explore? 

From a gross motor perspective, climbing can be greatly beneficial to children! It can help them develop their arm, leg, and core muscles. It can also help them to gauge depth perception, increase spatial awareness, build hand-eye coordination, and help with their balance. 

In spite of these benefits, we understand how nerve-wracking it can be at times to try to keep up with an adventurous climber. As much as you may wish to be able to prevent your child from ever climbing on anything they aren't supposed to, we know that it's not always possible. In those instances, it may be beneficial to try redirecting their enthusiasm to something like a Climbing Triangle! 

How can a Climbing Triangle help? 

While they can go by many names (a climbing ladder, a Pikler triangle, a triangular ladder, a climbing triangle, etc.) a Climbing Triangle is essentially a wooden, often foldable pair of ladders attached at the top, forming a triangle. Sometimes a ramp can be added for additional fun! Although it has the word "climbing" in its name, it can be beneficial even before a child is truly mobile. For example, an infant could lie under the Climbing Triangle and a parent could hang ribbons or other small objects from the rungs, much like a child's mobile. Then, when they are learning to pull themselves up, the triangle can provide a sturdy base and rungs for your child to hold onto as they practice standing. Once they are ready to attempt climbing, they have already become familiar with the triangle as a part of their space and can focus on climbing up and down the rungs.

The Pikler Triangle was designed by Dr. Emmi Pikler, whose work as a pediatrician focused on helping children become curious, autonomous, physically strong, and confident in their inherent qualities as whole beings. The pedagogy she developed can be useful in helping a child develop awareness and control of their own bodies.  

During the winter time, inclement weather, or when playgrounds aren't easily accessible, an indoor climbing triangle can still provide children with physical activity. As children get older, the wooden climbing triangle can be incorporated into their play through more than just climbing. A few ideas include: 

• Draping a sheet over the top and creating a fort underneath
• Connecting two triangles with a ramp for an obstacle course
• Encouraging children to use their imagination as they use it as a ship, a castle, or whatever else they can dream of. 

What our Community is Saying 

We asked our community on Instagram to share their thoughts about the Climbing Triangle with us. Here are a few of the responses we received: 

(Please note that some responses have been edited for clarity while keeping the original response intact)

What is your child's favorite way to use the Climbing Triangle? Let us know in the comments!