How will I know if my kids will use a trampoline into their teens?

Clear facts about kids who grow into teenagers who use trampolines  (Without all the hype)

There are many variances of the question; How will I know how much my kids will use the trampoline?

• Is my child's jumping and flipping a passing interest or a long-term passion?
• Is it worth investing in a good trampoline or not?
• Should I buy a cheap trampoline first to see the kids will use it …or not?

I don’t have the direct answer for you, but, I have a few questions to ask you to reflect on with your children in mind, and by the conclusion of the article you should have a fair idea if your kids are going to be long-term trampoline users.

Parental justification process

 It is a very common concern of parents trying to work out what financial investment they should make in their child’s latest interests. All the while evaluating if the current “flavour of the month”, "hobby”, or sport will hold their child’s attention long term or if it is just a short-term phase.

I know we have all been there. Be it leotards and tutus, musical instruments, or any other huge array of gear for endeavours our kids are introduced to.

• Is jumping and flipping a passing interest or a long-term passion? Don’t know…?
• Is this new interest going to outlast a school term, a year or longer? Don’t know…?

The questions for parents

• Was this a natural interest your child had or has it come about by association with peers? Peers especially new friends at the start of a new school year can be an influence. Can be a good indicator of a short-term mutual pursuit – or it too can be the beginning of something big!
• Is your child really social and only active when in the company of friends? When it comes to trampolines, there are your happy social jumpers, that jump on the trampoline when others do or you tell them to go outside and get some air and have time away from the “screens” If this is your child you may want to gauge this a little more and give thought if you want your home to be the home your kids friends all come to and hang out? If so a trampoline might be the fun activity they come to do at your place. Especially if it is a bigger size or different shape than theirs.
• Has your child, right from very small, been inclined to jump, explore boundaries, or dance around? These are the kids that they are constantly jumping, be it on the bed, sofa, steps, etc. They are the kids too that roll, somersault, and handstand around the house! (I was one of these kids – our carpet had to be re-stretched in our hallway as it got a lump at the end!) The next group likely to keep bouncing for years to come are the dancers and prancers; they too like to flip and jump. These kids don’t need anyone else with them they just do it. It is these kids that I could confidently tell you will be still jumping on their trampoline while doing year 12 or at uni!
• What if they do get over gymnastics or dancing next year? Trampolines are fortunately not just fit for one purpose or sport they have many uses for both boys and girls. They are not aged specific, meaning kids use them all the way through teens then they are great for fitness for mums and dads too; grandparents even!

Activities that actively use trampolines for safe training practice are –

• Acrobatics
• Circus classes
• Gymnastics
• Cheerleading
• Skiing,
• Snowboarding
• Parkour / free running
• Skateboarding
• Water skiing
• Skiing
• Wrestling
• Dancing
• Trampolining!