I don't want to spoil the fun or be that kind of mom. But is a swingset with a glider safe? Our kids are only 2.5, 3.5 and 10 months. I didn't want a cheap one they would outgrow soon, and I didn't want wood (hard to maintain and expensive). I went with a metal Kettler from Germany. It's VERY sturdy and will last forever. It is very simple, too.
There is just one swing, and room for one more thing. We chose the glider. It is SO tall my kids cannot get on it by themselves easily. I can help, but I feel like one fall and they'd break bones. Plus, if any kid walks in front of it, BOOM. I am sure many parents have glider swings. HELP! Am I being silly?
Also, it's not anchored into the ground. Can it tip over, ever? My husband claims the center of gravity of a tripod makes it so it won't tip, just wobble a bit. He's the engineer. I really wanted it put in cement. I like the swingset, and it will certainly grow with them. Just, is it safe?
Daycare's aren't allowed to have them b/c it's considered a raming device, but I have one and yes, my kid has fallen off of it, but she's fine. ;)
If you're worried about falls, have you considered putting pea gravel or sand underneath the area? We don't have ours anchored either and it's been fine, even with my rambunctious 2 1/2 and 9 year olds.
I think it is fine, just make the rule that they can only use it when supervised, at least until they are a little older. We just bought a swingset and I am actually sad because it can't accommodate a glider and I really wanted one. You can always put something soft (like a gym mat) on the ground underneath if you are worried about falls.
As far as the swingset goes...they can fall off of anything. As far as anchoring, I would as they have tipped before and depending on the weight differences how much. ANchoring will also prevent bending and weakening.Just supervise your kids and the engineer husband as most set directions have you dig holes and place cement to anchor the set.
Your children will grow into the size of the glider and any swing can knock someone over. The anchor thing... My daughter could bring a swing set out of the ground when she got older so, yes we purchased the anchor kit. My husband is an engineer too- but seeing is believing!!
