Climbing Frames As an Alternative to Games Consoles

I'm going to propose that rather than buying the latest games console for your little cherubs you should perhaps consider something that might actually get them active and out of the house - a climbing frame for example.
Okay, so I'm going to sound pretty old as soon as I write this, but I can't help feeling that children had a more balanced lifestyle when I was a boy. There you are, I sound old. Why do I feel this way? Well since you ask, it's because these days we seem to be creating children who would much rather stay indoors and play on the latest games console than even contemplate going outside. It doesn't seem to matter even if it's a wonderfully glorious spring or summer day - given the choice, members of the latest XBox generation will almost certainly choose to sit in a darkened room holding their plastic controller.
What are the alternatives? As a kid I remember spending hours upon hours outside making dens, tree-houses, things to jump over with my bike, and so the list goes on. However, if their imagination just isn't up to it you can stimulate them by buying something like a climbing frame or swing and slide set rather than the latest games console. Admittedly you will require a little more outdoor space for a climbing frame than for a Wii. As a result it may not be practical for all of us, but you don't need much space for the smaller of the range of modern climbing frames that you can get. Remember, it doesn't have to compete with the local park for size and variety in order to provide a very healthy playground for your children!
So, to conclude, next time you are pestered for the latest console or PC or even the latest game for a console you already own, why not consider putting the money toward a timeless outdoor toy such as a climbing frame. Your children can proudly play with it with their friends next time they come round. They will happily pretend it is anything from a rocket, through a castle to a ship. Many hours of good healthy fun can be had and they will expend a lot more energy than sitting in front of a computer monitor or TV screen literally twiddling their thumbs to rank up more 'gamer points'.
Right, mini-rant over. Perhaps things weren't all that much better when I was a boy, and maybe I'm just jealous that I had to be content with the occasional game on the BBC B-Micro with graphics that appeared to have been drawn by a toddler. Nonetheless, I'm sticking to my story and I'll be telling it to my children and my grandchildren assuming I get some one day.

Alan Glenn is a father of two very energetic boys, who like to play on his XBox. He is also owner of a site that features a range of climbing frames including the compact Little Tikes Jungle Climber.
Alan from http://www.littletikesclimbingframes.co.uk/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Garland_C_Glenn

Finding the Right Climbing Frame For Your Children

Climbing frames are a great activity to keep kids occupied in your home or garden. There are some great benefits and choosing the right one may seem like an easy task but there are a couple of things to consider when purchasing. One of the most important things to consider when buying a climbing frame for your child's is safety. Whilst it is highly recommended that parent supervise their children at all times, you will also want a frame that is built with safety in mind. This means looking for a climber that is both sturdy and well built with no sharp corners. You will also need to make sure you assemble it correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ideally you would also look for a frame that is plastic and not metal or wooden as this will more likely prevent your kids form hurting themselves. Another consideration to account for is the size of the climbing frame. There are many different sizes available and price will vary according to this as well. Whether you choose a large or small frame will also depend on the size of your garden or room (if you decide you want an indoor climber).
There are many brand names available on the market including TP and Little Tikes. TP provide Climbing frames for older children and are often made from wood whereas Little Tikes climbers are more suitable for toddlers and younger children and are made from plastic.
When choosing a climber you will also want to see what there is for your child to do. Again, there are simple climbing frames and more challenging ones depending on your budget. As standard you will get a frame with a slide but you can also get ones with multiple levels, tunnels, hiding areas and playhouse stations.
Whichever climber frame you choose it will be a long lasting purchase especially if you have many children.

Little Tikes Climbing Frame Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roshan_Bholah