I thought our second son was a climber because he liked to get on top of the train table, which we then since dismantled. Our third son, however, is a very determined climber, meaning he will climb whatever he can. He will climb anything if we keep our eyes off him for just a few moments. That left me wondering how I could encourage safe climbing for our toddler.

I only recently learned that climbing actually is an early childhood motor skill. A study from PlayCore found that it helps hone spatial and directional awareness, and boosts balance, hand and foot coordination, and agility. Though having little climbers is beneficial to their development, it is also pretty stressful because we want to give him room to explore but we obviously do not want him to get hurt.

That’s why I am glad we were gifted the Piccalio Climber Pikler Triangle Set to encourage safe climbing for our toddler. The set supports gross motor skill development, balance, concentration, independence & grip strength! It folds for easy storage and grows with your kids — it’s recommended from six months to six years (or up to 132 lbs). 

The climber is great for more than just climbing. We have used it to make forts, as a slide, and for imaginative play, such as a truck ramp. The climber is beautifully crafted with premium birch plywood (Baltic) + pine (New Zealand) wood, which matches the natural aesthetic of our kids’ playroom well. Our older two boys enjoy climbing on it, as well, so it has been a fun addition to their playroom!

We can also stress a little less now that we have the climber to encourage safe climbing for our toddler.

A couple of months ago, I went on a midday hike for a couple of hours. While I answered some emails and messaged, I didn’t feel like I was “on the clock” or pressure to get back to work.

Whenever I share about my work from home journey, moms reach out to vent or ask how I was able to do this.

My answer: it took 3 years of manifestation and hard work, both behind-the-scenes with my blog/social media and believing in my worth and value as an employee and colleague to advocate for the position I currently have, which did not yet exist.

I share this to give you all HOPE because when I was in the thick of it, having anxiety and panic over being away from home 50-60 hours/week, many days being a mom with a career felt overwhelmingly stressful and change felt impossible. The American work model just isn’t ideal for working parents.

But change is possible. You can have more. More success. More flexibility. More time for your kids. More time for your partners. More time for yourself.

So write it down. Work for it. Believe in yourself. Advocate for yourself. And remember: WE know what’s best for ourselves and families, and WE have the power to define what success means to us.

While working from home with kids is stressful in its own ways, I am forever grateful I took the leap and I feel the most successful I ever have.

I hope if you want more, you too can find a way to get it.