[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Hero Section” _builder_version=”3.0.76″ background_color=”#233b4e” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Mother Crushers ” subhead=”Adventures in Climbing and Parenthood” header_fullscreen=”on” background_overlay_color=”rgba(29,38,51,0.86)” content_max_width=”700px” admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”3.17.4″ title_font=”Oswald|on||on|” title_font_size=”80px” title_line_height=”1.3em” content_font=”Roboto||||” content_font_size=”20px” content_line_height=”1.7em” subhead_font_size=”29px” background_color=”rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)” background_image=”https:\/\/5.life\/vatc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/travel-landscape-01.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”on” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_border_radius=”0px” button_one_letter_spacing=”4px” button_one_font=”Oswald|on||on|” button_one_icon=”%%3%%” button_one_icon_color=”#ffffff” animation_style=”zoom” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_intensity_zoom=”4%” button_one_text_color_hover=”#ffffff” button_one_border_color_hover=”#ffffff” button_one_border_radius_hover=”0px” button_one_letter_spacing_hover=”4px” button_one_bg_color_hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_text_color__hover=”#ffffff” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_border_color__hover=”#ffffff” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_border_radius__hover=”0px” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”4px” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_bg_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.69″ custom_padding=”6px||0||false|false”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”27px|0px|26px|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.0.69″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Discover Beatuty Text” _builder_version=”3.17.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_line_height=”1.9em” custom_padding=”0px|||” animation_direction=”top”]<\/p>\n
My name is Megan, and I am an avid (if recreational) rock climber.\u00a0 I am also the proud mom of two climbing kiddos.\u00a0 I have an eight-year-old daughter who climbs competitively and an almost six-year-old son who climbs recreationally right now.\u00a0 I began climbing about five and a half years ago, not long after my son was born.\u00a0 My awesome husband suggested that I find some activity to get out of the house and enjoy some adult conversation.\u00a0 At the time, we lived in a small town, so I decided to check out what the local YMCA catalogue had to offer.\u00a0 I was soon hooked – I\u2019d say immediately, but it did take a bit of effort to work through my fear of heights.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been climbing ever since, and both my children are following suit.\u00a0 We even convinced Dad to join the rock climbing fun too.\u00a0 I\u2019d love to share some of the (many) reasons that I am happy that my whole family (and especially my kids) climb.<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/5.life\/vatc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/meg-2-e1541101424499.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”3.17.4″ max_width=”85%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-69px||” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.4″ text_text_color=”#57068c” text_font_size=”36px” text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”-14px||”]<\/p>\n
5 Reasons My Kids Rock Climb<\/p>\n
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<\/strong><\/p>\n Reason 1 – They Want To! (AKA It\u2019s FUN!)<\/strong><\/p>\n Honestly, the most important reason that my When I began climbing, I never thought much about my kids climbing (my son was still a baby and my daughter was two and a half).\u00a0 Sure, I realized that kids do rock climb – I had seen them at the YMCA – but most were older, and it didn\u2019t cross my mind that my own kids might want to try it out.\u00a0 When my daughter was four, she began asking to come to my women\u2019s climbing class.\u00a0 (I apparently had been touting how awesome climbing was for long enough that her curiosity had been piqued.)\u00a0 The class was for grown-ups!\u00a0 It started at bedtime!\u00a0 We didn\u2019t have itty-bitty climbing shoes!\u00a0 These were minor inconveniences for my determined daughter.\u00a0 [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0|0px|27px|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.4″]<\/p>\n \nOf course, just as no two rock climbing routes are the same, neither are any two children – and the same is true for my own. Even though my daughter approached climbing head-on, my son\u2019s journey has been different. At the age of two, I would say he was intrigued<\/em> with rock climbing. My daughter and I loved it, so we got him in a harness and on the wall, and\u2026it was not really love at first climb. The gym was also busy and noisy (he is introverted), and perhaps it was too overwhelming for him. I assumed that rock climbing was not his \u201cthing\u201d and he\u2019d try something else when he was older. That changed when we moved to Columbus and experienced the VA Training Center. As we hung out during my daughter\u2019s climbing classes, I often found my now three-year-old son peering through the plexiglass walls into the Monkey Room watching the pre-school climbers. It was colorful\u2026they had holds shaped like animals\u2026it was a small space with low walls\u2026it was quiet\u2026 I asked him if he wanted to maybe be in that class. The answer was a definite yes, and he\u2019s been climbing ever since – and having a great time!<\/p>\n Reason 2 – Physical Challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n Rock climbing is great exercise, and I wholeheartedly support my kiddos being active. Many children are drawn to climbing at a young age – the stairs, trees, the furniture\u2026making the transition to the sport of rock climbing just might come naturally! As an adult, I had to be taught proper technique and body movement to help me up the wall, but for younger climbers it seems to come more naturally. I\u2019m continually amazed how children can acquire body awareness, control, and balance on the wall so easily. Through climbing, children learn how to navigate a unique three-dimensional space. And the physical challenge is always evolving too, with changing gym routes and spaces, in addition to an almost endless number of outdoor spaces to explore. I love watching my children gain confidence, strength, and physical ability as they climb.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”27px|0px|14px|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/5.life\/vatc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/meg-4.jpg” _builder_version=”3.17.4″ max_width=”89%” module_alignment=”center”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/5.life\/vatc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/27583325187_f9235dfbe5_k-1-1.jpg” _builder_version=”3.17.4″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”12px|0px|14px|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.4″]<\/p>\n \nReason 3 – Mental Challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n Another reason I am drawn to climbing is for the mental stimulation and stress relief. I am excited that my kids can also participate in a sport that offers a high degree of mental challenge. Though my kiddos might not be aware of this benefit, I think subconsciously it is one of the reasons that they are drawn to it.<\/p>\n Every time you get on the rock wall (indoors or out), you are essentially solving a problem – and I think that is a great thing for a developing brain to process! How can you reach the top of the wall? How must I move my hands or feet to reach the next hold? How can I position my body to maintain balance? I think climbing teaches a child to think about cause and effect, consequences of their (physical) actions, and problem solving. And when you figure out how to finish the route, you get a real sense of accomplishment. After practices, I\u2019m often met with choruses of \u201ccheck out this climb I did!!\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to problem solving, I think climbing offers other mental benefits. Climbing can help a child to overcome obstacles – such as the fear of heights or the challenge of trying something new. One of the things that I personally like about youth rock climbing is that it is a great outlet to be competitive with oneself – especially if traditional team sports aren\u2019t for you. I know that for me personally, rock climbing is great for stress relief. When I\u2019m on the wall, I can\u2019t help but be in my \u201chappy place,\u201d and I want my children to be able to experience that too.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”27px|0px|23px|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/5.life\/vatc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/meg-5-e1541100645426.jpg” _builder_version=”3.17.4″ max_width=”81%” module_alignment=”center”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.4″]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Reason 4 – Love and Stewardship for Nature<\/strong><\/p>\n Both my husband and I grew up spending a lot of time outdoors, so it\u2019s probably no surprise that we have encouraged our kids to get outside as much as possible. Rock climbing is definitely a great way to spend more time outdoors. Sure, gym climbing is fantastic, but climbing on real rock is incredible, and we like to do it as much as we can as a family. Whether bouldering or climbing the big walls, the landscapes are truly beautiful – hearing my son utter \u201coh wow\u201d around every corner as we explore the crag makes me happy!<\/p>\n Since both my children love to climb outdoors, I feel like they have an incentive to protect the natural environment so that they may continue to enjoy it for generations to come. I find that climbers tend to be a very eco-conscious group of people – leaving no trace as they participate in their sport. I hope that my children will continue that trend of protecting and enjoying nature.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding=”4px|0px|0|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.4″]<\/p>\n Reason 5 – Spending Time with Amazing People<\/strong><\/p>\n Finally, one of my favorite reasons for my kids\u2019 climbing is the time we get to spend together as a family, and the life-long friendships we\u2019ve made through the sport. There just seems to be something special about the people who rock climb! It has been such an inclusive and fun group of people to interact with. I love how climbers from every background imaginable come together to socialize and enjoy time together.<\/p>\n From a youth sport perspective, I couldn\u2019t be more pleased with the athletic environment. Through the competitive team and the club classes my kids have made what I feel will be life-long friendships. They can\u2019t wait to see their friends at practice – and truthfully, I can\u2019t wait to see all our fellow parent-friends and climb too! We climb together in the gym, take outdoor trips, and camp together. And when it comes time to compete, both parents and kids are cheering on teammates and climbers from other teams as well. It is an amazingly supportive environment that builds kids up while they challenge themselves. <\/p>\n Climbing has also been a wonderful bonding experience for our family. It is an activity that we all love and can participate in equally. Rock walls can be a great equalizer – and it\u2019s awesome how, although we are all different ages, have different strengths, and have been climbing for varying amounts of time, we can all work on the same problems together. I can\u2019t think of a better fall afternoon than having the family together at a rock wall in the great outdoors. My daughter and son have always been very close – and I think climbing has brought them even closer, sharing beta and cheering each other on. I\u2019m so excited to see what my kids and their climbing friends tackle in the future!<\/p>\n — Megan has lived in Dublin for 2 and a half years with her husband, daughter, and son. She previously spent 5 years working as a civil engineer designing bridges, and now balances family life with climbing, coaching, sewing, and especially hiking. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" My name is Megan, and I am an avid (if recreational) rock climber.\u00a0 I am also the proud mom of two climbing kiddos.\u00a0 I have an eight-year-old daughter who climbs competitively and an almost six-year-old son who climbs recreationally right now.\u00a0 I began climbing about five and a half years ago, not long after my […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":25157,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[45],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-training-center"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25156","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/50"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25156"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25156\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28846,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25156\/revisions\/28846"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25157"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25156"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25156"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/5.life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25156"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}