Jumping/standing/walking on the couch

laney75 · December 2011

Do you let your kids do this?

We tell ours not to but they still try pretty much everyday so it's a constant battle. It seems like it should be completely off limits for several reasons: safety, protecting the couch, general good manners for going to other homes.

But then I was wondering if other people let it go? Curious...

MamatoJackson · December 2011

I let it go but I'm pretty loosey-goosey with a lot of things. He is pretty well-aware of what is acceptable at our home versus other people and on the couple of occasions where he has tried this at other people's homes, we say "no," remove him and he stops.

tabi_ja · December 2011

We have an old second-hand couch, so I let him jump all he wants. To me, it's less of a safety issue than, say, jumping on the bed, because at least he can hold on to the back of the couch. When we go to other people's houses, though, a firm, "No, Miles. That's not okay here." is usually enough to stop him.

MamatoJackson · December 2011

Also, I should mention that, from a safety aspect, Jackson's, like, incredibly coordinated. Olivia will NOT be jumping on the couch.

J&A2008 · December 2011

Not allowed. Correct LO daily, correct middle weekly, and our eldest doesn't.

hellopoppyseed · December 2011

We don't allow it. I say "on your bottom" and ds1 knows exactly what he is supposed to do. It's practically our only rule but I'm glad for it. He tests it out now and then but I've been super consistent. The 14 mo does not follow the rule whatsoever but I still say it and sit him on his bottom. He's just too young of course.

Stacyc625 · December 2011

Definitely don't allow it.

they both get corrected every single time. It is just about being consistent. I can't tell you how many times I say, 'on your BUTT' when it comes to sitting/chairs/couches

The ONLY time 'play' is allowed with the couch is when they play 'bear went over the mountains' where they take the cushions/pillows off to climb on them.

And THAT is a very rare occurence-

susanmosley · December 2011

MamatoJackson:
I let it go but I'm pretty loosey-goosey with a lot of things. He is pretty well-aware of what is acceptable at our home versus other people and on the couple of occasions where he has tried this at other people's homes, we say "no," remove him and he stops.

Pretty much this.

I would be surprised to see DD try to stand on someone else's couch. She hasn't thus far and she knows it isn't okay. She knows couches are for sitting.

She also knows that she can play differently here and although we often warn her to be careful, she walks/climbs/bounces/jumps/slides off on our primary couch... and we don't really try to stop it..unless it becomes a safety thing. She doesn't do it on our other couch and minimally in chairs. The couch is kind of her free furniture item. As I write this, I realize it would be different if she were climbing and jumping on everything, but it is limited to this one location - usually while she is watching TV - and I am happy with the physical activity and sensory input she gets during these times. I just don't see it as a big deal. And I remember doing it and liking it, so she has that on her side too.

wahcim · December 2011

I have friends who rarely come over....they rarely come over because their maniac children jump all over my couch and their parents do not tell them to stop. It might be fine in your house, but it is not OK in mine. Whatever you do, make sure they understand they cannot do it away from home.

Geek_Girl · December 2011

We let DS jump as much as he wants. It doesn't bother DH or I at all. He's never even attempted to do anything other than stand at other people's houses, though.

It sort of seems to go in phases, though. And I've learned the more I tell him "no" the more he'll want to do it and the longer the "phase" lasts. So, he'll jump on the couch for a week or so and then loses interest for a month or so. That's also the only thing in the house he's allowed to stand on (besides the floor).

Mc_Newlywed · December 2011

Absolutely not. My sofas are not a jungle gym. It's one of my "things" for all the reasons you listed.

If it happens (and it's rare), she immediately gets yanked off and put on the floor. And I usually mutter the phrase "when you're ready to sit on the couch like a nice young lady you can try again. Until then you get to sit on the floor."

Hope2Have · December 2011

I can't wait til Hadley is old enough to jump on the couch! I remember loving to do so when I was little, couches are made to jump walk and flip on... ;o) For me, I don't see the point in the battle trying to get them not to do so. But that's just me.

Kaiterz · December 2011

wahcim:
I have friends who rarely come over....they rarely come over because their maniac children jump all over my couch and their parents do not tell them to stop. It might be fine in your house, but it is not OK in mine. Whatever you do, make sure they understand they cannot do it away from home.

I have a friend who lets her son jump on the bed and couches. When they come over she allows it and I had to ask her not to let him. She gave me the hardest time about it saying he's just a kid. And....?? That is 'just' my 700 dollar couch! BTW her couches, that are only a few years old, look awful.

I don't allow DD to stand/jump on the couch. DH works hard for the things we have and they need to be respected.

J&A2008 · December 2011

Kids do need a physical outlet!

I usually try to get LO outside or to an indoor play place like the mall when he's really wound up and needs to release some energy.

ascar29 · December 2011

My son is to young to jump on the couch ... However my 2year old niece does it every single time. I don't ever let it slide I correct her every song time. Our apartment is on the second floor and our couch is like on top of 2 windows. I'm afraid something would happen and shed fall out

goldenleaves · December 2011

If we're on the couch with him or sitting on the floor below him we're fine with it! We have a couch in front if our front window and he loves to look outside and wave at the cars/neighbors/trees.

luvmagoldn · December 2011

No - not allowed. It's a constant battle at our house. I used to let them play with the cushions on the floor but my last couch was destroyed so with the new one it's a big NO.

I bought a bounce house for the basement for when they need to jump around and get crazy.

Want a personalized experience?

Jumping/standing/walking on the couch

Re: Jumping/standing/walking on the couch

Choose Another Board

Search Boards