Home and Garden Chatter

Can I Not Have a Trampoline

These days, every house with a little outdoor space appears to have one of those circular garden trampolines. Where did this craze come from?

My children have been pestering me for some time to get a trampoline in the garden. Our neighbours on both sides have them and my kids are feeling left out.

But I’ve been resisting their plaintive appeals. The main reason for my resistance is that I like the way that our little lawn looks the way it is. I like to walk around the garden in the evening with my wife admiring the various plants and flowers that we’ve chosen and planted together. I don’t want this space to suddenly become an outdoor gymnasium, detracting the focus from the plants.

Am I selfish or inconsiderate toward the desires of my children? Not over most things. They generally get their way and we (their parents) are always striving to provide what they want and do what is best for them. But I’m standing firm over the trampoline issue and saying a firm NO!

Luckily my neighbour has said that my two little ones can hop over the fence and use his trampoline any time they choose. They are often in the neighbours garden playing with their children so that sounded like an ideal solution to me. In return I’ve offered to take his children camping with ours when we go next spring. Fair exchange is, after all, no robbery.

I know that bouncing on a trampoline is an excellent form of excercise and it encourages the development of balance and coordination. I also understand that it can be a great way to shed a few unwanted pounds, which I could do with, but I’m staying firm on this issue. No garden trampoline in my garden.

Olympic Cyclists Start Early

Keeping the children amused during the long summer holidays can be a challenge, particularly in the unreliable British summer. But if your little ones are feeling inspired by the British successes at the Beijing Olympics you might like to get them out into the garden on some suitable little bikes.

Your local toy shop may be able to help but you are likely to have more luck online.

For example, this wooden bike is a fantastic introduction to cycling for children aged from about 2 to 5 years. Ideal for all of those budding Victoria Pendletons or Chris Hoys.

Alternatively there are these two below. The Ladybird Bike or the Smiley Bike. Both are suitable for children aged from about 2 to 5. They are very simple to ride, encouraging the development of balance and confidence.

These simple wooden push along bikes have no pedals and no stabilisers. Once your little ones have mastered riding one of these they will take to a pedal bike with ease and confidence. In a few short years you could be sat in the audience at the Olympic games as the proud parent of a winning cycling competitor.