Jump Thoughts

Childhood is an incubator and parents are the large investors. Parents are also the lawgivers and boundary setters. They are the arbiters of acceptable behavior. At some point in youth (for example, mine) a kid may want to ride a moped or set off M-80s because ‘all the other kids are’.

My parents, of course, were quick to say, “No, not ALL the other kids” and then immediately lob toss an old chestnut… “What if everyone jumped off a bridge*, would you?”

That was my cue to back down, or as I got older…

“Everyone? Well, yeah, of course, wouldn’t you?”

“Stephen!”

Which leads me in a very roundabout way to the other day after school. Judah finally makes it out the door. He points to the chaos at the far end past the basketball net.

Judah: Can we go over to the playground? I want to practice something.

Steve: Ok.

Judah leads me over to a climbing platform with small shallow steps.

Judah (pointing to the top): Today some kids were jumping from up there, but I was afraid to do that so I sort of want to practice a little on the lower part.

Not quite a bridge in height, but close to a doorframe. And I’m thrilled he is able to communicate so clearly. I will absolutely invest in this.