| In a society heavy on technology, today's children | | | | numerous games. Kids love the sensation of |
| spend more time in front of TV and computer | | | | flying, so they will be thrilled with this addition. The |
| screens than slathering on sunscreen to play | | | | safety factor is paramount here, however. |
| outside. | | | | Instead of using a simple handlebar, which makes |
| A new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation | | | | the possibility of a painful fall much more likely, try |
| reveals that young Americans between ages 8 | | | | installing a seat with handgrips. |
| and 18 spend more than seven and a half hours a | | | | · A fireman's pole inspires creativity. |
| day using a computer, smartphone, TV, video | | | | Countless games of firefighter will ensue after |
| game console, and other electronic devices, an | | | | you install this feature. Secure the bottom of the |
| alarming increase from an hour and a half in 2004. | | | | pole into a concrete base and ensure the |
| "We thought we'd hit the ceiling in 2004, and now | | | | concrete is completely dry before allowing children |
| we see the ceiling shattered," said Vicki Rideout, | | | | to slide their way down to answer the call of the |
| director of the Kaiser Family Foundation's Program | | | | fire bell. |
| for the Study of Media and Health. | | | | · A rope bridge is the perfect way to |
| If you're looking for a way to tear your children | | | | lend a sense of adventure to your structure. Use |
| away from their gadgets and gizmos, consider a | | | | two trees that are about 10 feet apart for |
| family project such as building a tree house. Not | | | | maximum bridge potential. To prevent any falls, |
| only will the treetop playhouse provide your kids | | | | leave a gap of only an inch or so between each |
| with a private place to use their imagination and | | | | board, and make sure the "rails," whether rope or |
| pull them away from the X-Box, but constructing | | | | chain, are secure. |
| the tree house can also be a family affair from | | | | · Slides and swings satisfy the constant |
| start to finish. | | | | need for motion. The options are endless: tire |
| Involve your kids from the start by asking them | | | | swings, molded plastic swings, wooden swings, |
| to cut out pictures from magazines or | | | | and buoy ball swings are all popular tree house |
| newspapers of houses or buildings they like and | | | | facets, and slides are available in all shapes and |
| ask for their design ideas. Above all, make it fun - | | | | sizes. Lay down a deposit of soft wood chips, |
| the tree house should inspire young imaginations. | | | | moss, or another soft material to cushion any |
| "I love getting kids outside in the trees to | | | | potential falls. |
| experience nature," said Barbara Butler, a tree | | | | · Crow's nests offer the perfect perch to |
| house designer whose résumé | | | | survey the surroundings. These are especially |
| boasts work for clients such as Robert Redford, | | | | popular with a pirate or castle theme. One |
| Kevin Kline, Bobby McFerrin, and Walt Disney | | | | method of adding a crow's nest to a tree house |
| Productions. "If I can incorporate the illusion of | | | | is to use half of an old wine barrel, which can be |
| mystery and danger in my tree houses, kids | | | | found at your local garden supply store. Make |
| really respond." | | | | sure you have a level and sturdy platform and |
| Want to add some fun and intriguing elements to | | | | that the ladder extends higher than the crow's |
| your tree house but fresh out of ideas? Here are | | | | nest for safe ascent and descent. |
| seven tips that are sure to please your | | | | · Trap doors go perfectly with a |
| youngsters - and lure them away from the | | | | fireman's pole or on their own. Is it a secret |
| computer: | | | | escape or a portal to another world? Beef up |
| · A ladder is an essential component of | | | | playtime potential with another kid favorite. While |
| any respectable tree house. Whether a traditional | | | | the typical trap door is square with the frame built |
| wooden ladder, the more inventive rope ladder, or | | | | into the floor joists, feel free to step outside the |
| even a more sophisticated staircase, make sure | | | | box. Try a triangular or hexagonal door. Just |
| to include this in your design. | | | | remember to allow sufficient room for a child to |
| · Zip lines can be incorporated into | | | | get through. |
