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Running LapsBy Bonita UllrichPsychologists seldom address the issue of a young child trying to control what's obviously TOO MUCH ENERGY. Our son Jason NEEDED to run laps - from the house to the back fence, around the outside of the house..., multiple times when he was out of control - before he could be back in control. Some days this was multiple times. Sitting in a 'quiet seat' only made his energy problem worse! When he was out of control or knowingly doing something wrong - smart mouth, hitting, rebellious, obstinate - I'd say go make 3 laps to the tree and back. Each time back to base, he hollered 1 or 2 or 3... Soon he was able to decide for himself how many laps he needed to use up his extra energy. Often I could see problems coming and say, "You're NOT out of control yet, but at this rate you will be in trouble soon! How many laps do you need?" This put the responsibility back on him. I let him time himself. "Someday you may be a track star!" I'd tell him. "Way to go son! Look how fast you've gotten..." Soon I could say "Jason what do you need" and he'd say "I need a lap." Soon the other kids were joining him or doing their own laps. Laps is not negative punishment, it is training. Replacement "therapy" gets them moving, burns energy, gives them control and power, teaches body and feeling awareness. At some level, God was doing the same thing with Israel when they left Egypt. Even though they had left the country, there was a lot of Egypt left in them! "Running laps" in the Wilderness for 40 years allowed the death of those who would never change enough to be ready for the Promised Land. It used up Egyptian Energy. The nation was toughened up and trained for the faith they would need when they "arrived." Our older boys are now in their late 20's, married, educated, productive citizens. I think running laps had something to do with it! |
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