Dad Says His 7-Year-Old Son Cried Every Day Climbing El Capitan. Why He Thinks It Was ‘Good Parenting’ (Exclusive)

In a remarkable feat of courage and determination, seven-year-old Joey Evermore recently made headlines after becoming the youngest person to scale El Capitan, the iconic granite monolith located in Yosemite National Park. This notable achievement was shared by his father, Joe Evermore, who chronicled the family’s adventurous expedition on social media.

The ascent, which took place in May, saw Joey tackle the formidable cliff just days after celebrating his seventh birthday. Posting a video on Instagram, Joe captured the triumphant moment his sons, Joey and Sylvan, celebrated on a portaledge—a suspended platform thousands of feet off the ground—with a lively victory dance. However, the video garnered mixed reactions online, prompting discussions about the appropriateness of such a daunting task for young climbers.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Joe responded to the backlash, expressing that critics failed to grasp the full context of their adventure. He and his wife, Ann, have a deep-rooted passion for climbing, which they have passed down to their children. Since their kids were toddlers, they began teaching them the fundamentals of climbing, a pursuit that has resulted in the Evermore family holding multiple records for young climbers conquering some of the toughest climbs in the world.

With three children aged twelve, ten, and seven, the family has actively engaged in climbing for years. Joey spent months honing his skills in their Colorado backyard, frequently practicing on a tree five days a week for several hours. His father mentioned that the training involved mastering some intricate big wall techniques, skills that even many seasoned climbers may not have. Despite this dedicated preparation, Joe acknowledged that nothing could fully simulate the psychological challenges that arise when climbing at such heights.

The climb itself presented its share of difficulties and emotional trials. Joe described moments where Joey experienced fear and frustration, particularly when navigating challenging sections of the ascent. Joe noted that tears were shed daily during their five-day climb, estimating that Joey cried roughly once a day after encountering difficulties such as scraped knuckles or mental blocks. Yet, despite these challenges, Joey never expressed a desire to abandon the journey.

To manage the intensity of the climb, Joe employed a strategy of breaking down the ascent into smaller, manageable tasks. He and Joey engaged in a call-and-response ritual during their climb, with Joe encouraging his son by asking, “What does it take to eat an elephant?” to which Joey would enthusiastically reply, “One bite at a time.” This technique not only motivated Joey but also fostered a sense of resilience throughout the daunting experience.

Reflecting on their time together on the mountain, Joe conveyed that their ascent was filled with joy and bonding moments. He expressed pride in their shared accomplishments, stating, “For the most part, our ascent went perfectly for Joey. We just had a ball together, me and him, working through it, talking through things.” This sentiment reflects the deep familial connection that climbing has fostered within the Evermore household.

Joe is adamant in his belief that the experience represents good parenting. He argues that allowing children to explore their capabilities in challenging environments is crucial for their development. “This is what good parenting looks like—what we’re doing,” Joe asserted. He firmly believes that allowing children to engage in meaningful activities, as opposed to spending excessive hours in front of screens, exemplifies responsible parenting.

With Joey’s ascent of El Capitan now in the books, the Evermore family’s climbing journey continues. They stand as a testament to the spirit of adventure, resilience, and the deep bonds that can form through shared passions. Their story has sparked dialogue around the appropriateness of outdoor activities for children, encouraging parents and families to reflect on how they engage with their children in the pursuit of physical challenges and the lessons that can come from them.