Bought DS a pogo stick, am I insane??

[Still_Learning]

DS has been asking for a pogo stick for Christmas.  It's the only thing he consistenly asks for.  He's 6, has Asperger's and is clumsy and pretty inactive.   

I bought him one from Santa, but I'm really reconsidering.  

I plan on making him wear his helmet, knee pads and elbow pads when he uses it, but worry about him hitting his chin or teeth. 

Am I being overprotective by thinking I should send it back?  I don't want him disappointed that he didn't get what he asked for, but I also don't want to give him something that seems so dangerous.

[musikat]

Beyond the question of your son's issues, I would be more concerned about his ability to use it due to weight. I bought my son (about to turn 9) a pogo stick last year for his birthday and we ended up taking it back because he didn't weigh enough to make it move! Make sure the one you bought is designed for younger and lighter kids or he will quickly get frustrated. Other than that, I think I have seen some that are stabilized and designed to grow with the child's abilities. If you got one like that, I see no problem with fulfilling his Santa wish. :)

[Still_Learning]

Thank you.  I should have mentioned which I had gotten.  It's a grow to pro, it has a removeable base that's supposed to make it easier to learn.  He' right in the middle of the weight range, so hopefully it will work for him

[34me]

I absolutely LOVED my pogo stick as a kid (and as an adult :) ). I would pogo, literally for hours and with no protective equipment. Once you get used to it, which I think was pretty quick, it's easy to just jump down with both feet if you start to lose your balance.

[nextcommercial]

I think a six year old would be fine with a pogo stick.  It's the teenage boys with a video camera you have to watch out for.  

While, I'm being mostly sarcastic, I do honestly think a six year old can handle something like a pogo stick without doing something really dangerous (he'll still get hurt occasionally).  Kids are pretty wise at this age.

[pianojazzgirl]

I also think it should be ok.  We got my dd's friend a pogo stick for his 6th b-day.  All of the kids at the party took turns with it and no one had a problem with it.  Some of the kids were younger than 6 too.

[Marsupialmom]

This!!!!!!!!! to 100 time.  Seriously hate to mention my child's own folly at our friends house with an old pogo stick.  Let you know it was a group of 15 yo boys acting with one mine verses one 6 year old.  

Also make sure you maintain it.  Occassioanlly look it over.  check out the foot -- it might need replacing if your child does it alot. 

Originally Posted by nextcommercial 

I think a six year old would be fine with a pogo stick.  It's the teenage boys with a video camera you have to watch out for.  

While, I'm being mostly sarcastic, I do honestly think a six year old can handle something like a pogo stick without doing something really dangerous (he'll still get hurt occasionally).  Kids are pretty wise at this age.

[Girlprof]

Our DS just picked out a pogo stick to get with a gift certificate he got for his 7th birthday. Great gift! He's pretty good at balancing and he could do it almost immediately, like in about 5-10 minutes, with some spotting. He still needs help getting started. I had a pogo stick and I loved it. Spent hours doing it. This might actually help your son become less clumsy and inactive - I was not a graceful child (I am not a graceful adult!) but I was so determined and I learned to pogo. I still remember the summer I did 100 jumps in a row. I was so proud! He will love it. Learn how to spot him at first and he'll catch on.