Why kids should branch out and build tree houses

Seattle Times ^ | Saturday, June 17, 2006 - Page updated at 12:00 AM | Jan Faull

[fgoodwin]

Did you build a tree house when you were a kid?

While your home in the branches probably wasn't an architectural wonder, you probably had a memorable time planning, acquiring the materials and building it. You likely felt competent and in control, making adjustments as the structure progressed. Kids are driven to take on such a project because it somehow satisfies their need to utilize their growing developmental skills. They're able to try building a structure they've fantasized about living in or at least sleeping in on a warm summer night.

While doing so, they imagine whether they'd be lonely or brave. They also challenge themselves physically by carrying and hoisting boards to the tree limbs and then pounding in nails to secure the structure.

The social challenge of the process likely provides the most benefit. Kids face the challenges of problem-solving, negotiating, compromising and making decisions without adult guidance. They're left to pick a leader while calling on and using each other's emerging expertise. Deep friendships usually form along with the project.

Kids between 8 and 10 years old begin the process of separating from parents. Some do so with a sign on their bedroom door that reads, "Keep Out." Others form secret clubs. Many yearn to take on the challenge of building a camp in the woods or a tree house in the backyard.

Will your kids have the opportunity for such an adventure? One mom said she had built a tree house with her sister, but she would not support her children's interest in building such a structure, because she's afraid they'd fall or pound a nail in a finger. Other parents might fear that unsupervised youth building a tree house in the woods might attract adults that would do them harm.

[angkor]

"One mom said she had built a tree house with her sister, but she would not support her children's interest in building such a structure, because she's afraid they'd fall or pound a nail in a finger."

Yes. They'll fall. Break an arm, have the wind knocked out of them, all sorts of scary bad things.

Yes, they'll pound nails into fingers, hands, feet, legs, and arms.

And when Mommy bans them from a treehouse project next door at Billy's house, they'll start another one around the block in Johnny's back woods.

Seems like my youth was one continuous treehouse project from age 10 to 16.

Then we bought 5th hand autos, and that was the end of that. We bequeathed the treehouses to our younger gang of siblings, so that they could have some fun.

[leda]

aw heck, i want one!

http://www.thetreehouseguide.com/press/latimesaug052004.htm

[Kenny Bunkport]

Here's the treehouse I built as a kid --

[leda]

heres some gorgeous places!

http://www.treehouse-company.com/price3.cfm