How to Stop a Child From Jumping on Furniture

It's normal behavior for toddlers to learn by exploring the environment around them, notes the University of Illinois Extension. While you should encourage a certain amount of exploration, keep in mind that certain types of exploration can get dangerous. For example, toddlers quickly discover that certain furniture items, such as beds and sofas, work quite nicely for jumping. However, the State of Rhode Island Department of Health website warns parents not to allow their children to jump on furniture, as it can lead to unnecessary childhood falls. If you toddler is a jumper, you'll need to help him break the jumping habit.

Things You'll Need

  • Toddler trampoline
  • Bouncy house
  • Green construction paper

Instructions

    • 1

      Get down on your knees so that you are facing your toddler at his level. Explain that jumping on the furniture is a "no-no" and that it can lead to a fall. You need to use words that your toddler knows, such as "boo-boo." Your child needs to understand why he can't jump on the furniture.

    • 2

      Create a consequence if your toddler doesn't obey your rule for no jumping on the furniture. Getting your toddler's input on the consequence will help her avoid breaking the rule. Possible consequences include a time-out, putting away a favorite toy for a day or missing a favorite television show.

    • 3

      Give your toddler a safe alternative to jumping on the furniture. For example, you may set up a toddler trampoline that is equipped with safety nets. You could also take your toddler to a party with a bouncy house, or purchase a bouncy house for your own backyard.

    • 4

      Incorporate a few jumping activities into your daily routine. You can read your toddler the book "Jump, Frog, Jump!" by Robert Kalan and Byron Barton, and then reiterate that frogs jump on lily pads. Cut a few lily pads out of green construction paper and set them on the floor. Tell your child to jump on the lily pads just like the frogs did in the book.

    • 5

      Reward your child with praise when she refrains from jumping on the furniture and opts for one of the safe alternatives. This keeps the focus on the good that she is doing, which will motivate her to continue the positive behavior.

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