If you ever enter a room on the second floor of your home only to find your 7 year old son preparing to jump out of the window with his home made parachute, here is some advice for handling the situation.  I'm not saying for certain that this actually happened in OUR home with our only boy (out of five children), but IF it did, here's what I would do:

1.  Try not to surprise your son in any way.  In a calm voice tell him to back away from the window.  If he is questioning your motives, tell him you just want to admire his creation.  That works every time with boys.

2.  Once you have him lured away from the window, push past him and get that window closed and locked!

3.  Now that he is out of immediate danger (and once your heartrate returns to a normal level), give him a brief lesson in gravity.  If time permits, also educate him on the rising cost of health care and funerals.

4.  Tell him that you "like" his parachute but that he should first try it from a height that he would survive without the parachute (ex. the couch, a dirt pile, a low railing.   My son says the refrigerator fits into this category, too.  Not that my son tried this.).  That is always a good rule of thumb when trying any new contraptions that require the tester to defy gravity.  Every little boy should know this rule.   Maybe you could have his grandmother embroider a little wall hanging that says "Boys should only jump from a height that they can survive."  I know it doesn't rhyme or anything and, honestly, it isn't that catchy, but  I don't think you can ever be too careful with boys.  .

5.  Even better than rule number 4, encourage your son to tie his parachute to inanimate objects and let them fly instead.  I'm not too crazy about my only son being flung out the second story window with only ambition and a make shift parachute tied to him.  But a rock, or a G.I. Joe guy?  I could handle that.  Again, I'm not saying I actually had this scenario with my little guy, I'm just sayin'  IF....

Well, if anyone ever has this happen in their home, they should follow these guidelines very closely.  They work!!!  Not that I've had to put them to use, you know.

Posted by mycrazylife

Thanks for the laugh! Just what I needed.

Hallie

Posted by Anonymous

And to think - you thought BBQing poor Elmo was bad. I don't think it was anything personal against Elmo, I just think it was his nice, fresh red color... At least I hope! :) So, what was the parachute made out of???

Posted by Nanette

Hey that's terrific that you are expecting again. I will keep you in my prayers. Thanks for the blog info. It is nice to here your life's updates. If you would pray for Wade he is up for re-election again. It always seems like a spiritual battle. Maybe I am just sensetive. Your prayers are welcomed anyway. God bless Robinson Family

Posted by 5atkins

I came over from MrsSulli. I thought this was a hoot. Having three girls I really don't have the parental perspective but I did have three brothers and a tomboy sister (I was the only wimp), so I could see this happening! Another reason to be glad that I live in a one-story mobile home now??? :) I was glad to meet you! Add me as a friend if you want to. In Him, Eva

Edited by 5atkins on Feb. 5, 2007 at 6:10 PM

Posted by PumpkinsMomma

LOL - I'll have to remember this in the future. My son broke his arm in November jumping around on the furniture. Every now and again he forgets how much it hurt and starts jumping on something until we remind him he might have to go back to the doctor!
love your blog :)
marie