insignificant wwyd question

[Gendenwitha]

Okay, this is simple and probably over-analyzing, but I'm chaperoning a field trip today, we're eating lunch, kids are sort of peripherally running around and we're outside. One of my charges, a fairly hyper but nice kid, starts jumping up and down on his paper bag before going to throw it away.

Another parent comes over and asks him to stop, followed by the teacher (who says "do you see anyone else jumping up and down?).

I felt bad because someone else was having to correct one of "my" kids, but I'm also thinking... what's the harm? kids are running around all over, it's not like it's a big distraction, let him get the energy out now why he's outside. Then to the teacher's comment I'm thinking, "That's right, and if everyone else jumps off the Brooklyn bridge, you should too."

I'm just thinking, He's just being a kid! No wonder all these kids are getting drugged up for ADD at every turn if no one can handle a kid beating up a defenseless paper bag in the out of doors. Then at the same time, questioning if what kind of parent or chaperone I am that here I'm letting this child run wild when they're counting on me to keep them in line, someone else has to do it for me.

So is that correctable behavior?

[Liz]

No, I wouldn't have corrected it but I find teachers keep a tighter lid on kids then I do as a mother of one. I'm guessing they reason that you need to nip this in the bud in case it spreads and you have a large group of kids jumping up and down on paper bags, then jumping on benches, then jumping off of benches, etc. These things can snowball sometimes when kids are in groups.

[becoming]

No, I would not have corrected the behavior.

[kofduke]

Outside, while everyone was playing, no. If it happened in the classroom, or while the kids were supposed to be engaged in something else, yes.

[HarperRose]

He's damaging a poor little paper bag w/ no defenses of it's own. And what if he cracks the sidewalk? I mean, who knows what could happen then! Other kids might copy him and -- gasp! -- have fun! Run off some energy! Be happy!

:

I'd have left him alone, too. I may even have asked, "Why does it matter?"

[CarrieMF]

Maybe he was trying to compact it for recycling?

Even if the other kids started copying I still don't think it would be a big deal as long as it didn't go onto benches and such.

[Gendenwitha]

You know it just occurred to me that maybe it wasn't a big deal to the teacher either, she just felt she needed to back up the other parent. hmm....

[Serrendipity]

Another "No" vote, here. I really think it was just normal kid behavior, but I'm genuinely curious to hear from the two (so far) who have voted "Yes." Seriously, and with no snark, I promise! I just want to hear another POV!


Serendipity

[talk de jour]

Yeah, I probably would have.

I don't know why, really

[eloquence]

No I would not have.

[MillingNome]

It wouldn't bother me given the circumstances you described.

If it did bother me I would have told him:


I think you killed the paperbag. Why don't you throw it out now

[Zach'smom]

Jump on!!!