Problem with new trailer, or is it the grandson?

[RSD559]

Brought home our new trailer yesterday. Three of our grandkids showed up today to check it out. Our 8 year grandson discovered the ladder on the back and sure enough he was crawling around up on the roof. What do you do to keep grandkids and other folks off of your ladder? Product info would be much appreciated. And yes, he got a swat on the butt from his mom when he came down.

[toedtoes]

1Nana29 wrote:
We have nine grands and of course that ladder calls to them. We let them each go up one time to the top so they can see what the roof looks like, then we tell them it's not good for the roof or the ladder for them to go up there and since they know what it looks like there's no reason for them to do so again. We explain that we only go up to check the roof for leaks and to clean it so we don't cause damage and so we can have years of fun camping. Haven't really had an issue since, but to insure that we also hang a can crusher mounted to a board over the lower rungs and let the kids run while at camp.

That's a great way of handling. Let them be curious, then explain the realities to them.

I remember growing up - our TC was our personal clubhouse. As long as we didn't damage anything, my dad never had a problem with it being our "toy". Actually, I think he enjoyed that we kids loved it as much as he did since my mom hated it and camping.

[Hannibal]

I still have the belt my dad used to help my understand that which I didn't. I loved my dad more than anyone. He cared. When he died I lost my best friend.
For kids who aren't taught bounderies, there are several choices of ladder guards. Some lockable and some simple strap on guards to prevent climbers.

[Lantley]

Bird Freak wrote:

time2roll wrote:
I disagree with the swat on the backside or any side. Discipline and training works better with positive reinforcement.

By the title it would seem the adults are looking at something to blame other than themselves.

I thought that was discipline and positive reinforcement.
Wouldn't want my kids to grow up like those in the California colleges. Protesting everything.

Growing up I have swats on more than my backside. I am no worse for wear as a matter of fact, I am a better person as a result of it.
Discipline is not a bad thing. Discipline does not equal child abuse although today's society may not agree with that thought.
I tell children what to do and I expect them to do it. I do not do a lot of negotiating, reasoning or compromising with kids.
I have not any issues with my ladders and kids.

[Bird_Freak]

time2roll wrote:
I disagree with the swat on the backside or any side. Discipline and training works better with positive reinforcement.

By the title it would seem the adults are looking at something to blame other than themselves.

I thought that was discipline and positive reinforcement.
Wouldn't want my kids to grow up like those in the California colleges. Protesting everything.

[1Nana29]

We have nine grands and of course that ladder calls to them. We let them each go up one time to the top so they can see what the roof looks like, then we tell them it's not good for the roof or the ladder for them to go up there and since they know what it looks like there's no reason for them to do so again. We explain that we only go up to check the roof for leaks and to clean it so we don't cause damage and so we can have years of fun camping. Haven't really had an issue since, but to insure that we also hang a can crusher mounted to a board over the lower rungs and let the kids run while at camp.

[time2roll]

I disagree with the swat on the backside or any side. Discipline and training works better with positive reinforcement.

By the title it would seem the adults are looking at something to blame other than themselves.

[xteacher]

Sounds like the child's mother took care of business afterwards, so I doubt the kid is a spoiled brat. Jeesh.

[toedtoes]

RVcircus wrote:
Tar the bottom few rungs so he sticks before he gets too high;)

Then tell him to go catch some chickens and then walk to the store to pick up some ice cream.

Homemade tar and feathering! Might be a solution. 🙂 🙂

[RVcircus]

Tar the bottom few rungs so he sticks before he gets too high;)

[the_happiestcam]

"Hey kids, check out the new camper - gonna take you guys camping!"
8 y/o looking around camper, sees ladder - remember Grandpa said "check out the new camper". Kid climbs ladder, gets spanked.
Kid should've been told that the ladder is off limits - if he goes up again, then punishment is warranted.

[DutchmenSport]

Bird Freak wrote:
Throw him a brush and a bucket with soap and water. Tell him every time he climbs up there he has to scrub the roof. ...

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
...I'm with Bird Freak. I would give him a scrub brush and a bucket of cleaner and tell him he gets 5 bucks if he cleans my whole roof. 🙂

THEN .... after he cleans the roof, you can hang his wet cloths on the clothes line! :B

[toedtoes]

As a kid, I would have LOVED that job. Well, at least the first time I did it. After that the thrill might be gone. 🙂

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

Ok; I'll be odd man out.

So what's the problem with an 8 YO up on a roof?

My daughter was 4 when she was up on the roof with me fixing a few things. I told her to stay away for the edge and she will be fine. She was.......and now knows how to fix a broken shingle on a roof.

When she was 5 I taught her how to safely handle a gun and she went shooting with me. A cop friend of mine continued that on and let her shoot his AR. She had a great time and now knows how to handle and shoot guns safely.

Two weeks ago she wanted to start driving my 9 second race car. I put a throttle stop on it and off she went. She did great for the first time out in a drag car.

My point is this: No wonder child obesity is out of control and is killing our kids. Kids can't climb anything because they will get hurt. Kids can't play sports because they can get hurt. Kids can't go swimming because they might drowned.

Do what you want. I'm with Bird Freak. I would give him a scrub brush and a bucket of cleaner and tell him he gets 5 bucks if he cleans my whole roof. 🙂

[Bird_Freak]

Throw him a brush and a bucket with soap and water. Tell him every time he climbs up there he has to scrub the roof. He won't go back up.
Seriously I see no big deal with him climbing up there once to look. Tell him he knows what is up there now and stay off the ladder. If he does it again swat his butt.