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Tito Traversa Killed in a Fall 21-May-2018 At 8:24:53 AM Estey

Message

On 20-May-2018 One Day Hero wrote:
>Meh, you can't have it both ways. I don't know how young is too young to
>be leading, but it comes with certain risks which can't be managed by the
>adult on the ground.

Depends on the child. I suspect there are plenty of 8 year olds leading sport routes. Hopefully it is the child wanting to do it and not a parent pushing them into it. Hopefully the parents have enough judgement to select appropriate routes and the skills and experience to reduce risk to an appropriate level.

Child Development literature is full of papers arguing the importance of letting children take risks. I'm not sure how many parents and teachers actually walk the walk. Children are way more capable and resilient than we give them credit for. There are heaps of examples ... try googling Lennie Gywther or Jessica Watson.

My 6 year old is no where near ready to lead climb. I doubt he will be ready at 8. He definately will not be cleaning an anchor until he is in his teens.

I still feel really sad whenever I hear Tito's name. Tragedy.