When school officials reprimanded her 12-year-old twins for climbing trees on school grounds, one mother found herself outraged. Rachel Thompson decided to take a stand and crafted a witty letter to the school, complete with a humorous “permission slip” for her sons to enjoy outdoor play. She then shared her letter online, and it quickly gained traction, resonating with parents everywhere.
According to reports, Rachel’s sons, Alex and Ethan, were hanging out with their friends—affectionately called “The Crew”—after school in Yardley, PA. The boys were engaging in classic childhood activities like playing football and, of course, climbing trees. Rather than celebrating their enthusiasm for outdoor play and exercise, a school official intervened, scolding them for their adventurous behavior. This official even took note of their names to inform their principals, citing concerns over liability if they were to fall and get injured.
In a moment of disbelief, Rachel took to her writing. She penned a spirited letter to school administrators, granting her sons full permission to climb trees. Her message struck a chord with many parents who understand the importance of allowing children to embrace their adventurous spirit. She wrote, “My children have permission to climb any tree they wish. I wholeheartedly support this activity. There are few things more valuable than them spending time outdoors, enjoying nature, getting exercise, and using their imaginations.”
She went on to plead, “Please allow my kids to be kids. The time they have left to do so is dwindling fast.” Rachel even included a cheeky note suggesting that if the school officials were still worried about litigation, they might want to consider climbing a tree themselves for some relaxation.
Rachel also acknowledged that while she understands the concerns of school staff, she felt compelled to advocate for her children’s right to play freely. “Kids should be allowed to run, explore, and even get a little dirty. They should be curious about the world around them,” she emphasized. The scrutiny her sons faced struck her as excessive, and her response was a powerful reminder of the importance of childhood freedom.
Let’s encourage our children to climb trees and explore the outdoors. And hey, maybe we adults could benefit from a little tree climbing, too—it might help us see things from a new perspective.
For more information about home insemination and fertility, check out this excellent resource on fertility treatments. And if you want to learn more about pumping breast milk without nursing, visit this authority on the topic.
In summary, Rachel Thompson’s witty and passionate letter in defense of her sons’ tree-climbing activities serves as a reminder of the importance of allowing children to embrace their adventurous spirit. Instead of being reprimanded for enjoying the outdoors, kids should be encouraged to explore and play freely.