Do you ever wonder how in the world the people who lived on the cliffs of the Mesa Verde kept their kids alive?

I wondered about that at Gila. Even adults. Perhaps they tethered the small children, or maybe there was some sort of barrier made from vegetation at the time they lived there. I imagine there had to have been some form of reminder that one more step, and you’re a splat.

I think if you kept them alive through the crawling stage then growing up in that particular environment and dealing with it on a daily basis would give a child a familiarity and ease that would make it just another part of living. I am sure they lost a few every once in a while however.

@Dutchess_III
The link in your question doesnt work. :-)

I wonder now. I also wonder how children survive in homes built on stilts on the hills in California. who would want to live in a house like this? I would be constantly worrying.

Here’s a pic of me and my dad at Mesa Verde in 1975.

@jonsblond Awww, what a cutie.

Really, you grow up in the environment around you. Sure, it’s not completely safe, but most kids survive. I grew up around “houses on stilts” as @jonsblond mentions and never heard of anyone falling.

You do look cute in that photo.

Your father sure seems to be proud of you. Like you show your pride of your children so often.

Nice!

@whitenoise Just use @jonsblond‘s link. It’s a better one, anyway.

They had to have done SOMETHING. The early toddler stages are worse than the crawling stage. They’re a lot faster!

Aw, thanks guys. My Dad is a wonderful man.

Cool the way he seems to be presenting TWO natural wonders, @jonsblond. :)

I think I addressed your question above, @Dutchess_III. Woven mats would have kept the worst of the weather and critters out, the people in. Since there were likely ladders, the top rung could have been designed to be a barrier. Rough gravel 3 foot in from the drop-off would stop a lot of foolishness.