Climbing to new Heights in Kanata

02/26/2018

When we see of our less favourable characteristics in our child, it can be terrifying. We may remember all the times that particular way of being has been difficult, or may shake our heads realizing that our Granny was right that the difficulty we caused for our parents would return someday in a flipped version. When I realized my son`s need to get things right on the first try, his being hard on himself, I felt truly guilty. Nature vs. nurture did not matter, the how was unimportant when I saw him struggling with the mistakes he, everyone made. I knew how hard it was, and did not want him to feel that burn.

Timing can be a funny thing. My son had learned to manage, even channel this quality in himself with the help of his amazing teachers and our patience. We made an effort to show us when things did not come as easily to us, he learned to take a breath and a break instead of relentlessly trying something beyond his current physical or cognitive ability. To put a task down and walk away. Difficult for anyone who wants to get things right the first time, every time. It had only been the past week or so that, like any difficulty can, things were more difficult again.  And then an amazing friend suggested we take our big kids for some 1:1 time rock-climbing. No baby siblings, no husbands. Just us and our first babies.

I had no idea that rock-climbing was available for kids as young as 4, and even less did I expect the benefits that occurred both during our time there and what was to follow. We walked into Altitude Gym in Kanata, and my son (and I) were immediately taken back. The environment was calm, the space was large, and the possibilities seemed endless. From the moment we helped the kids put on their tiny harnesses and climbing shoes, to the first step up the rock wall, my son was in the zone. We were experiencing something new together, and though we both had no idea what to expect, the confidence in the staff and setting made us free to relinquish control temporarily and slow down.

As he climbed up the rocks, I found myself telling him to slow down, to trust his body. He quickly shifted from trying to power up the wall, to being mindful about the path he would choose. He would try, it would NOT work, but he would try again. Or he would jump onto the large mat below and enjoy the feeling of falling, flying, safely in the air. He did not get on that wall and climb to the top, it was not the start of some fascinating tale about a professional rock climber being naturally skilled from when they were just a young boy. But that was the point. He enjoyed the process regardless. We enjoyed it together.

On the practice wall, the kids can climb and fall easily from bottom to top, without being harnessed. It is neat because there are letters, animals, shapes and coloured rocks to help them navigate their journey up. Great opportunities to work as a team, listen carefully “try putting your foot on the green A” or create and attempt personal goals. I noticed that when my son focused on the numbers, rather than the height, that he was able to climb to his personal best height. He made a goal, focused on reaching his arms and legs up, and up he went. A few attempts, but he was so proud of himself when he made it. I was also so proud. When he returned home he told my husband and daughter about his personal best. 

Another interesting observation I made around teamwork and social skill development was how the kids (both four) were encouraging one another. Unlike races, which can be tricky for this age group sometimes, they did not feel defeated when they saw the other climbing higher. My son was the weaker climber, but looked in awe at his little buddy and listened carefully as she explained how she planned her route. She loved to teach him and he was open to learning from her, despite his usual flow with peers which is to be more of the teacher. It was all pretty special. Something about the atmosphere, the activity, and the company we had made it a very special outing.

Of course we have already planned our next adventure to Altitude Gym for next week. My older nephew is coming to visit soon, and is a fan of “ninja warrior” so I think we will also check out that part of the facility. Our home is in Orléans, but this was most certainly worth the drive. The skills learned and confidence gained are limitless, and the nap afterwards was epic!