Trampolines?

[cbe411]

Jenny my littel bro has a huge trapoline at his house for his son and I do enjoy it sometimes, as long as my bro is not on it. He is 6'5'' and loves to jump 20 feet in the air! That s cares me, bad arm or not! I always just hang on to my arm. my shoulder is not really stable either but it is fun sometimes. i jump with my nefews age 5 & 7 so I can just jump slightly or htey want off! haha I agree with Claudia here, you cant bubble wrap them forever.... they need to learn their boundaries and i am sure you all have raised intelligent children so they will do fine!!! Have fun jumping Jenny!!!

COurt xx

[Carolyn J]

Jenny, I've always wanted to try the Trampy, but am just getting really curious to try it as it looks like soooo much fun! I bet it helps with better balance too which we BPI's continuly need to work on. If we have one at the Camp,I'll definitly do it! We are never tooo old to try new things, huh, Brittany??!!
hugs~Carolyn J

[Mandie]

We have a trampoline with the enclosure and the girls LOVE it! We have rules to go with it. two at a time, when a little one is in it, no big ones jumping, they can just sit on the side.

Sarah is a normal little 3 year old and we don't sheild her from life cause of her arm. We want her to know that she can do ANYTHING other kids can do.

Just my opinion!

Mandie

[admin]

I have a friend with two very athletic boys - age 10 and 11 years - they were bouncing together on the tramp and one was down when the other was up and the force of the up boy comimg down and hitting the tramp that was in a up motion from the other down boy snapped his femur-thigh bone -the big one- in two - ever since I will not allow more than one kid on at a time - that is also the rule at our gym club.

[TNT1999]

I haven't really thought too much about trampolines. I do know that they can be very dangerous. I'm sure that if we ever got one, we'd have lots of rules like others have posted here. I'm writing to mention though that while most of these posts are fine, I thought that some people might consider others' feelings before clicking on "post message." Every parent has to make their own decisions on where to draw the line with things like this, BPI or no BPI. Just b/c a parent chooses not to let their child (BPI or not) not do a trampoline, it doesn't mean that they're treating their child different than everyone else or making them live in a bubble (I'm sure there are lots of kids who aren't allowed to go on trampolines esp. w/another person on it). I think that sometimes children with BPIs do need to be treated a little differently. Remember that all BPIs are different, some are more severe than others, some shoulders are more stable, others are more prone to dislocation, some children are more recently out of surgery than others, some children are naturally more cautious while others are risk-takers, etc. etc. Also, the children here vary tremendously in age, which is a factor. I think that it's okay to be cautious or careful about some things. To me, being cautious and avoiding undo risks (and I'm not saying that trampolines per say are taking undo risks, just making a general statement) shows that you value your life, which is the most precious gift we'll ever receive. Anyway, I could see some people being offended by some of the comments and just figured I'd add my thoughts.

~Tina

[Tanner's Mom]

I almost hesitate to share our experience Cheri, but since you asked here it is. First and foremost, I REALLY think it is up to each parent to weigh the pros and cons. Each of us has to evaluate our own situation, our child, our thoughts, our ability to supervise, our comfort level, our husband's desire to have a trampoline, since he grew up with one , etc., etc.

Do I think they are potentially dangerous? YOU BET, especially if children are not closely supervised, and this is regardless of whether or not there is a bpi. On the other hand, many things I let my child do could be seen as potentially dangerous. I know on Dr. Phil I was portrayed as overprotective, but those of you who really know me, know I am anything but overprotective.

Yes, I must confess, I am one of those crazy moms who have a big enclosed trampoline in the backyard which we bounce on regularly. I have seen much improvement with using the trampoline. Tanner really made gains in balance, coordination and overall strength. In addition, we have had TONS of fun and have shared much laughter on that darn trampoline. We even lay on it at night with blankets to watch the stars and look for airplanes. We have had a trampoline at our home (with many visitors/friends) for the past 16 years and we have been blessed with no injuries. If my son started to get crazy on it, then I would not hesitate getting rid of it, which someday I may find a sly way to do so, if I have to. But for now, the trampoline works for us. We find it therapeutic, and my son LOVES it! We supervise him on it closely and are usually bouncing with him on it at the same time.

I am totally with Claudia regarding letting my child do everything and anything he possibly can. Do I fear dislocation of his shoulder since it was an issue pre-surgery? Yep, certainly it crosses my mind at times. But what crosses my mind the most is just how much I want my child to be happy, healthy and well adjusted kid. I want him to think that he can conquer the world and do whatever he wants. I don't want him to sense the fear that I hold in my soul regarding this injury and I don't want him to fear it either. I certainly don't have the fear part down 100% of the time, not by any means, but I am working at it. It has been a process for me.

Also, the truth is that some children, certainly not any of our angels , but some, will go on to sneak in some trampoline jumping at a friends house as they get older. I feel better knowing that my son has experience and an appreciation for trampoline safety, since he may very well end up on someone else's trampoline someday.

The trampoline has been a positive experience for us and I just wanted to share. I can TOTALLY understand people not wanting one. I was leery myself and still can be at times. We all just want our children safe and to protect them. Okay, more than enough trampoline ramblings from me.

Good luck with your decisions. By the end of this post we may have you thoroughly confused! LOL!

Lisa

[jennyb]

...in case any bpi adults haven't tried (Carolyn you must!) especially flail arm adults, it's at the top of the jump when for half a blessed second that dead dragging weight becomes weightless.....absolute bliss!

[Angela Butterfly]

Carolyn, You Go Girl!

When I was in High School, Tramp was my favorite. I was even pretty good at all the required moves, flips back and front. Flat fall then turn etc. LOVED it.

And as you know that was before Title 9, and girls did not have any organized sports like the boys did then. Only PE

Now as for me, I had hoped to drive a REAL race car on a REAL race track, on or before my 50th B'day. Well 50 has come and gone a time or two, and I still haven't done 1 800 bePETTY. But I am on his Christmas card list every year. I even showed it to my oldest's, car crazy boyfriend, when he came on New Years Eve to take her out.

It is good to have a dream of doing something wild & crazy.......and maybe we'll even do it.