No Running In The House!

     Most parents have this rule, or a similar one.  Why do parents and older siblings caution the little ones against running in the house?  The reasons are probably endless:

• Our house is too small.
• We have breakable objects.
• The baby is learning to crawl.
• Tear ensue because someone always runs into something or another someone (double the tears).

     If you home school, your children probably spend a good portion of the time at home.  Children have a lot of energy, and unfortunately they cannot always take their energy outside: its raining, the yard is not fenced, its too hot, the mosquitoes are out, my husband just sprayed the weeds, its snowing, etc.  Some moms decide that this battle is not worth fighting and they let their children run in the house as long as they can do it safely and it doesn't get too out of hand (they'll probably outgrow it once they get older, like when they reach their mid-twenties).

     Other moms prefer that their children do not run in the house.  There are some instances when running in the house is acceptable: when the house is on fire, if there is an emergency, if someone is in danger, if you need to vomit, etc.  (feel free to add your exceptions).  It is important that you explain to children when it is acceptable to run in the house.  

     An example:

     When they run pass you while you are folding laundry, ask them if the house is on fire.  This will remind them that they are allowed to run in the house only for specific reasons and not just because they want to be the first one to answer the phone.  :)

    If the children cannot go outside to play, you will have to come up with an activity they can focus their energies on.  Simple exercises like: Touch your head, elbows, toes.  Touch your head, elbows, toes.  Elbows, toes; and other exercises will take the edge off the their energy.  Assign them something to clean or fix: wipe the kitchen table, sweep, peel off stickers, clean out their toy box, etc.  There are a lot of little jobs they can do.

     Having them stop, go back, and walk, will also quickly curb the tendency to run in the house.  After all, it take energy and time to correct a mistake so the best possible avoidance is not to make the mistake to begin with.  

    What about you?  Do you prefer your children to walk in the house, or does it not bother you to let them run off some of their energy as long as they do it safely?  What methods work best for you when teaching your children to walk in the house and not run?  We'd love to hear from you.  As always we look forward to feedback and appreciate you stopping by.  God bless you.