My partner and I are having a disagreement.Our son jumps in puddles. I think we should get him rain boots. My husband thinks he should mind and stay out of them. What do you think?
2007-10-27 08:19:41 · 12 answers · asked by Stormy 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
ROLF!!! He is 3.
2007-10-27 08:23:49 · update #1
If he's 4 then you should get him some boots. If he's 17 then he should probably stop playing in mud puddles, but if he won't then at least get him some boots. If he's 36 you both should mind your own business and let him live his life.
2007-10-27 08:22:58 · answer #1 · answered by Crypt 6 · 7⤊ 0⤋
I think that there are times when he should not be jumping in the puddles. For example, if he is on his way to church, or he'll be going somewhere where wet muddy feet is just inconsiderate (someone's home, or a place of business), he shouldn't jump in the puddles.
But if there's no real reason to NOT do it, I wouldn't pick that as a battle that needs to be fought. I don't think you should abandon the theory that he should mind, but if it were me, I'd just probably not have that as something that he needs to "mind" about anyway.
The temptation is often just overwhelming for little boys, so saying no just for the sake of saying no really kind of sets them up to be in trouble.
I would stand by his decision at the moment, though. If your husband tells him to not jump in the puddles, don't go behind him and put rain boots on your son so that he can. In that instance, submit to the first thing he was told. Then bring it up when he's not around, to discuss whether it is right or wrong to tell him to stop. To do otherwise is to undermine the other parent's authority, and I don't think that's a good thing to do, even if the other parent is being a little unreasonable.
Do get him the rain boots, though, because it protects his feet, his shoes, and his clothing.
And set some ground rules. If he isn't wearing the boots, he is not to jump in the puddles. Then just don't put them on when it's not an appropriate time to splash. Also, remind him that even though HE thinks it's fun, he is NOT to splash someone who does not want to be splashed. It's a little funny at the time, but I have a nephew who has been taught not to splash people who don't want to be splashed in the swimming pool. Before doing it, he'll specifically ask if you want him to splash you. Apply the same basic concept here.
When he does wear his rain boots, and he is jumping in puddles, make sure he wipes his feet, then takes the boots off prior to entering a building or home.
2007-10-27 22:09:12 · answer #2 · answered by CrazyChick 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yup. Get him the rain boots. I never met a 3 year old yet who didn't love jumping in rain puddles! He's only 3 now. Let him enjoy his puddles. There will be times for avoiding the puddles, when it's too cold, when he doesn't have his boots on, etc. Use those occasions to teach him what "around" means, but when he's got his rain boots on, teach him words like splash, over, and through!
2007-10-28 08:16:39 · answer #3 · answered by leslie b 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get him boots. Running around in the rain and jumping in puddles is great fun! And I'm 40! Hubby needs to chill and go outside and jump in puddles with his son.
2007-10-27 16:19:09 · answer #4 · answered by hoppykit 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the occasion. If he's outside playing, what's wrong with jumping in puddles? If you are heading to church then yes, he should listen to you and not jump in. By 4yrs of age he should be able to understand "No".
Puddle jumping is part of childhood fun. I even go out and do it with my kids sometimes. *grin*
2007-10-27 15:59:23 · answer #5 · answered by pinkpiglet126 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
He's 3, he's a child and he's having fun. Buy the little guy some rainboots, heck get some for yourself and the hubby. Make it a family affair! Happy puddle jumping :)
2007-10-27 16:24:51 · answer #6 · answered by BeLLa 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Let him enjoy it!!
It`s fun for goodness sake buy him some wellies!
If you can`t let your 3 year old have fun jumping in puddles then theres something not right,after its rained my children love getting their wellies on and going for a walk,we have a game where we try to splash in as many puddles as poss.it`s free,it`s fun and most of all it`s good for them!!
Have fun they grow up too quick!
2007-10-27 16:32:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
dig this both of u are right he should stay out of the puddles and yes u should get him boots because children like plaaying in water and u can't watch them all the time
2007-10-28 13:51:45 · answer #8 · answered by wordologist 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have two boys who are now 15 and 18. I usually allowed them to jump in puddles and usually held their hands and stomped through them, too.
On the rare occasions I need them to stay clean, I would simply explain to them why, for example, grandma works really hard to keep her white carpet clean, so we have to wait till we leave grandmas house to get dirty. They always seemed to understand and didn't even try to get dirty.
Kids should always be allowed to be kids. There are so many things we will want to say no to them about - drugs, gangs, weapons, etc. The harmless things like mudpuddles, shouldn't be on that list.
Your husband was apparently never allowed to be a kid. I feel sorry for him. Don't make me pity your son, too.
2007-10-27 15:29:33 · answer #9 · answered by kozychic 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
As a mother of two boys, I can say good luck keeping him out of puddles! :) Simply get him rain boots. Good luck!
2007-10-27 15:23:45 · answer #10 · answered by Mom 6 · 7⤊ 0⤋