Might as well jump

Joy loves to jump on her bed.  No matter how many times we tell her not to.  She will stop for a moment, but then continue.

It is a fine line because we want our kids to be obedient.  If children are not obedient in the little things, then what about the big things?  Then on the other hand children get so excited.

What is a parent to do?!  I know that I am not one to give parenting advice.  I think children are like controlled burns.  One has to have that fire to clear some off brush.  Yet the fire is contained to a manageable area.  Raising children is like that.  There are moments when they have to be somewhat controlled or at least contained.  They also have to be able to burn.  Let children be passionate about what they want.  Of course if it is sitting in front of the television all day, then you might have to direct force some interest elsewhere.

Too often parents see themselves as firefighters putting out fires.  With good reason, I might add.  This argument needs to be stopped.  This dinner needs to be cooked.  This pile of clothes has to be washed and put away.  These children must stop acting like wild animals.  However, what if as parents we in those moments of supervision let our children burn with the energy they have.  Of course, be ready to contain it.  Yet have the marshmallows on hand too.

That jumping child may one day be in the Olympics, when jumping up and down is recognized as a sport.