Wheelbarrows “MPC — Miles Per Calorie” (Ages 3-8)
Which item below might be considered a child’s version of an all–terrain vehicle that he or she can utilize as a roller coaster, material transporter, yard waste hauler, and child’s maintenance trainer? A device that is simple, has few parts, and is virtually indestructible.
A. A Crystal Vase
B. Grandma
C. The Space Shuttle
D. A Wheelbarrow
If you chose A, B, or C, you clearly have a vivid imagination and for that you get partial credit; however, the versatile, enduring wheelbarrow, usually relied upon as a multi-purpose apparatus for adults can also be the focal point of a child’s pleasure.
The colorful uni-wheeled chariot provides exciting, energy-efficient rides, running on “Daddypower,” which gets infinite miles to the calorie (MPC). Through the grass, up the dirt incline, over the curb, onto the asphalt, across the front lawn, and down the gravel hill. With multiple surfaces and no track, each ride is a unique adventure as the wheelbarrow bounces up and down, left and right, at the mercy of the terrain. The efficient emergency braking system (two back pods) halts progress, and an automatic disembarking system (I dump the children out) places them gently in the grass. Loading, transporting, and unloading numerous materials from the yard-shuttle, such as leaves, trash, sand, garden tools, bricks, sod, dirt, rocks, firewood, and fertilizer, comes in a close second to the fun of the trackless roller coaster ride.
After the rides and work are done, the children can get training in basic maintenance by helping to ready the wheelbarrow for its next assignment. They can hose it down, clean it up, pump up the tire, tighten the bolts, oil the axle, and maybe add a coat of paint.
No doubt one day my children will be pushing their children around the yard, in the very same wheelbarrow, as I look on sipping iced tea, getting misty eyed.
Rex Bowlby is the father of two boys. He is the author of the book, Why Would I Want the Toy, When I Can Have the Box? (101 Ways to Make the Most of Your Children, With the Least from Your Wallet*) *For parents with children ages 3-8. He lives in Los Angeles, California, USA.