Now that school is out, and our summer bucket lists are in full swing, we have been scratching our heads trying to figure out how we were going to make this summer different for our little ones. When our Springfree Trampoline made its way to our backyard, it was pretty much the answer to our summer dilemma. HOW do we get our 8 year old out of the house and active, while keeping her safe and in plain sight? Let me give you a little history on our previous summers:
Since coming back to Canada after a couple decades in Los Angeles, every summer we were bitten by the travel bug. We would either find our way to the East Coast, back to our fave spots in California, or even just crossing the waters to the mainland. We couldn’t wait to get off the island. This year, life has changed pace. Thanks to a little man shy of 13 months old, we haven’t been much in the headspace of traveling. So we decided to stay put.
We decided to become tourists on our own beautiful island!
However, we have this wonderful thing called nap time for a growing little toddler. A concept that we haven’t had in a long time. Do you know what that means for our often “bored” 8 year old? Well – if camp isn’t on our radar, she is often stuck inside trying to keep herself occupied until her best bud (yes, they still are the best of buds) wakes up so they can finally hit the road. So what does she do for those 2.5 hours? Moreover, what does she do in a backyard that is predominantly cement? Not a piece of patio furniture in sight, not even a slight hope for a slip and slide?
A Springfree Trampoline of course!
Herein lies ALL the reasons why our lives have changed dramatically since our Springfree Trampoline has come into our lives:
1. THE BIG 3
As a kid I always dreamed of having our very own trampoline. Remember those old school trampolines that were entirely net-free and were surrounded by springs and painful platform edges, all of which guaranteed tears and bruises? Yes, THAT trampoline. Well, the Springfree Trampoline is the exact opposite of that. What sets them apart from the more traditional trampolines are the big 3:
Safety
Quality
Innovation
These are the three very things that our family looks for in any product that enters our home. Here are some of the wonderful features that make the Springfree Trampoline especially ideal for our family:
- It lives up to its name – “SPRINGFREE”. The fibre glass rods are directly under the jumping surface so there is no chance of a child hurting themselves. This also means more jumping space. Win win for all!
- The SoftEdge Mat provides 30 times more shock absorption than pads, eliminating hard edges at the jumping surface.
- The solid hidden metal frame has three layers of rust protection that won’t flake or peel. Bonus for us with all our wet weather. Plus, it’s hidden directly under the jumping surface so children won’t fall on any hard contact point.
- The FlexiNet safety enclosure is designed to flex outwards when children fall into it and then direct them back towards the centre. This cushions the jumpers and prevents falls to the ground. A huge plus for this helicopter mama (#sorrynotsorry)!
2. NO NONSENSE FUN
Who doesn’t like to jump on a trampoline? Whether you’re a 1 year old toddler yearning to try (sorry bud, you’ve gotta wait another 4 years – time to pull out that water table), an 8 year old school kid fresh outta school for the summer, or a grandparent who likes to jump on his mini trampoline while watching Dateline. Everyone loves a little jump sesh. I love that it’s a reward for her to be able to get out there and jump, all while serving to keep her busy while I try to get some much needed work done outside, and Little Man exercises his water table manners.
3. JUMPING IS GOOD FOR THE BRAIN
As with all physical activity, jumping supports brain development in children in such a profound way. By improving focus, concentration, and memory, on top of coordination, strengthening of the core and overall body, this can only provide an added benefit not only to the physical health of my kiddo, but her brain and learning too. It’s like the ultimate un-schooling school for the kids – but way less hmming and hawwwing. What parent doesn’t dig that?
We love how the Springfree Trampoline has done its job inadvertently enticing my kiddo to spend more time outside. Since receiving our Springfree Trampoline, we’ve seen a drastic shift in her overall mood and mindset. She’s more compliant, interactive, and lighthearted. I know it has everything to do with getting off the couch and having a play area conveniently made available to her, spending time out in the fresh air. Who would’ve thought that there’s such a thing as bouncing those blues away?
4. LAZY DAYS BE GONE (THE ANTI-SEDENTARY)
You know those wonderful words that all parents love? “I’m bored” or, “can I watch my show?” Or my personal favorite, “where’s daddy’s iPad?” Well, since receiving our Springfree trampoline, I have found those words literally dropping out of Little Mama’s vocabulary. She wants to start her day off and end the day off with a good ol’ fashioned jumping sesh. We will be sure to utilize the TGoma App (read more about this interactive tool here) to motivate not only our otherwise homebody daughter to get out and jump, but all of us as a family.
5. SHE FEELS EMPOWERED AND CONFIDENT
Sounds crazy right? Jumping empowers you? Well, take it from my 5 foot 1 self – where else can you feel on top of the world than jumping 15 feet off the ground? My Little Mama, who otherwise is not a fan of sports, heights, and speed – is loving being a self proclaimed jumping expert. She is constantly challenging herself to jump for as much and as high as she deems safe and can handle. She enjoys trying new heights and funny poses to keep each jump fresh and interesting.
6. SHE EXERCISES HER BALL SKILLS
You know that amazing feeling of getting that ball in the net? Well – Little Mama isn’t much into sports so her goal scoring life has been pretty stagnant. Cut to last week when she first got her hands on the Springfree Trampoline <ball and net> and all of a sudden she’s shooting hoops (successfully, may I add), and shockingly, her overall interest in basketball has suddenly resurfaced. Because of the convenient placement of the net that came with our Springfree Trampoline, she actually taught herself how to get the ball in the hoop. And wow has it done wonders for her ego. (Maybe too much…. #Mommyneedspracticeapparently)
7. KEEPS US OUTSIDE – RAIN OR SHINE
I have to admit, ever since our little guy has come into our lives, sleep and the great indoors have taken over our lives. With our drastically reduced sleep, we opt to stay home because at any given time, a much needed nap will take place. And I’m not just talking about the baby! Poor Little Mama. She’s got all this energy that is dying to be exerted and here we are saying on repeat, “we’ll go out soon kiddo… just hang tight”.
Those days are over.
We have already jumped in the rain (yes, I said “we” because I may or may not have enjoyed a few jumping sessions myself in between said naps…), and the Springfree Trampoline can withstand all weather conditions. Being home no longer means, sitting on the couch waiting for the sun to come out. A fun jump in the rain, or an easy few steps down the stairs after finishing up a puzzle on a sunny day straight on to our very own trampoline? YES. PLEASE.
9. PROUD TO BE CANADIAN
You’ll find the Springfree Trampoline available all over North America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, however it was born and raised her 16 years ago, in Canada. We love supporting our Canadian brands!
9. YOU DON’T NEED A GRASSY AREA
If you’re anything like us, and you don’t have much going on in your backyard, a Springfree Trampoline is just what the landscape doctor ordered. While we wait for changes due in our backyard, the trampoline (specifically, the durable, ever so sleek looking, enclosed Springfree Trampoline) is the perfect segue into the beginning stages of fixing up our backyard. We don’t have our dream grassy backyard with fountains and perfectly manicured sandboxes for the kids to play in. We have cement. Lots of it. And guess what? Our Springfree Trampoline is not complaining one bit. In exchange, all it requires is a little padding love at the bottom of it. We bought 6 of these cobblestone soft tiles to keep the legs from scratching on the cement. If you’re like us, still waiting for your dream grassy backyard, get one for each leg here.
It’s important that we only introduce large items in our home, especially in the area of play, that will last as long as the gap of years between our kids. I am certain our Little Dude will be jumping in the trampoline in no time. Technically, we will be waiting another 4 years as recommended by Canada’s standards.
Meanwhile….
10. FAMILY TIME
(Side Note: We are rule followers so no jumping happened when all four of us were in there: we highly recommend following the one-at-a-time and the wait-until-your-kids-are-5-years-old rules) – We were all so thrilled when our brand new Springfree Trampoline was delivered and set up, we immediately held our first family meeting in there. The little guy’s bucket list (consisting only of getting his hands on that ball and in that net) was complete. In other words, we used any excuse to try out the new trampoline and immerse ourselves in all its high quality protective netting glory. I found it especially inviting and particularly safe being zipped up in this large enclosure sitting and relaxing.
Speaking of relaxing…
11. DOLLY AND ME SLUMBER PARTIES
Remember back in the day when your friends would say they had a camp out on their trampoline? And you would be so jealous because your notoriously overprotective parents would never in a million years EVER let you do that? (What do you mean this doesn’t sound hypothetical…?) Well, when little Mama asked if she could do a pretend slumber party with her Doll Jenny, I was more than willing to live vicariously through…. errr I mean, I was more than willing to let her experience the magic of lying on a trampoline and watching the stars. In matching robes and slippers, no less.
12. WE HAVE ONE TO GIVE AWAY!
We’re collaborating with Springfree Trampoline to GIVE ONE AWAY!
:: GIVEAWAY TIME ::
You know, just as much as we love to share our experiences of remarkable items that have helped our family (especially our kids), we love giving opportunities to our friends to enjoy it themselves. This one is a very extra special giveaway however. One lucky Vancouver Island resident between the Greater Victoria and Duncan area will win a Large Oval (092) Trampoline + Step, including delivery and set up valued at $2467.00. Simply fill out the form below. For further contest rules, refer to the Terms and Conditions within the Rafflecopter.
Contest closes Friday, July 19th, 2019 – at 11:59PM PST! The winner will be revealed Monday, July 22nd, 2019!
How do you and your family stay active during the summer months?
Get out and Jump!
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DISCLOSURE: SASS & SMALLS WAS PROVIDED WITH A SPRINGFREE TRAMPOLINE PRODUCT AS A GIFT. ALL OPINIONS ARE OUR OWN.
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Cheers
Nilfex!
Nicolas Nilfex recently posted…The 8 Best Trampolines for Kids in 2022: A Complete Review Guide!