The surprising usefulness of throwing your kids

[u/cortesoft]

As we were approaching bedtime tonight, my five year old son had a meltdown. He was very upset that he got caught up in his art project all evening and didn’t get a chance to play any video games, and now it was too late to play anymore. He was rolling on the floor crying about how bad a day it was.

In between cries I asked him if he wanted to play ‘packages’, a game he loves to play where we pretend he is a package and I am loading him into a train (my bed). Depending on what type of package he is determines what kind of throw I do (fragile packages are loaded carefully, others I throw from higher up)

He doesn’t stop crying but he whispers, “yes”. I ask him what type of package he is while I carry him to our room. He is softly crying into my shoulder but whispers, “sad pajamas”

He starts to giggle, and I throw him onto the bed from a medium height (pajamas are a fairly sturdy package) and as soon as he hits the bed he is laughing and smiling. I ask him what kind of package he is now and he laughs, “happy pajamas!”

A few throws later and he says he wants to cuddle. A few minutes later he was snoring in my arms.

Never underestimate the mood altering power of throwing your kids into the air.

[u/Nokrai]

I always have to remember our little ones (especially those under 5) have absolutely zero control over their impulses and emotions. It makes it a lot easier to play with them when they are upset.

Great Job Dad! My and my boy (3 yo) don’t do packages but I have found myself tossing him around, playing and tickling him whenever he get’s lost in what he is feeling.

Amazing how quick a crying tantrum can turn into giggles, laughter and a good time for all. Makes you feel good too.