As adults we all have fond childhood memories. A large portion have one in common, and that is spending endless hours bouncing along on the trampoline. Some of us had a huge trampoline that all the neighborhood kids would come and jump on that was just perfect. But then again, was it really perfect?
Today I am a parent, and I am faced with the decision of choosing (or, not choosing) my own urban trampoline. Do I want a big one or a small one? Do I even have room? Do I have the money?
Ask any kid, bigger is better. They want to bounce the highest, and the more trampoline there is under their feet, the higher they go. Ask most protective parents, and trampolines are bad. So what really is the right size for a child?
When faced with the question, the best solution is actually the larger trampoline. The only thing that should be prevented is really small children using it - as they should not be jumping anyways. Bigger children can easily remain safe on the trampoline especially if there is a safety net available.
So you may think the solution to the urban trampoline fiasco is to wait till the children get older and buy a smaller trampoline so they can avoid collision injuries and falling off. Kids would seem safer jumping solo on a trampoline as to having multiple on it at the same time.
WRONG! I tried it! My kids scream and kick and fight, and I've tended more bumps and scrapes from them shoving each other off the small trampoline than I have from most other sports injuries combined. If they could jump together, chances are they'd bump, but no one would be angry about it.
So do not fear the flaws in trampolines, instead find a way around them. A big trampoline provides adequate jumping room along with the sturdiest and most stable base. This means it will not collapse as easily as a tiny trampoline. An added bonus to larger trampolines is the net. This protects all of the children no matter how big from flying off of the side.
The net can act as your own way to usher groups of children in and out of the trampoline. This eliminates the stress of having thirty kids wanting to jump at once, as you have your own fencing system to keep everything in order. So let your kids enjoy their days by jumping while you enjoy having your best childhood memories relived right in front of your eyes.