The Jumpy Thing is a large metal structure that allows people (usually kids) to be harnessed to bungee cords and jump up and down over a large inflatable mattress for as long as the operator allows them to, although there is a timer. In the mall near us, it is $7.
The Jumpy Thing is an example of some of the core values of America.
- Expensive and useless. After the $7 is spent, the kids walk away with nothing.
- Artificial. Children are draw to the extreme experience of being able to jump 10 or more feet in the air and do flips, however, they have to go to the mall and spend $7 to do it.
- Dependence. Kids cannot independently enjoy this activity. They cannot do this without an adult to transport them and $7. If they can get to it on their own, they still need the money, the structure, and an attendant to help them.
- Limited risk. I consider this a safe system. That creates a contradiction, in that it is an extreme experience with limited risk of injury. Kids may assume that extreme activities are risk free.
- Consumption. This is another example of wasteful consumption, spending money on something unnecessary. Since the Jumpy Thing near us is in a mall, kids are drawn to the mall, where they often waste money on products they don’t need to buy, food that isn’t good for them, and beverages full of calories and no nutrition.
- No intelligence required. There is absolutely no thought necessary for this experience. There is no strategy, there is no risk, the action is just jumping up and down.
- No interaction with others required. Although kids can jump with their friends, no one has to compromise, no one has to take turns, everyone gets to jump up and down, exactly as they want to, all at once.
A different approach:
- Kids should be able to enjoy playing without adult intervention. I’m not suggesting neglect, but that kids can go in the yard, or in their room, or over to a friend’s house and play - in their own world. Age appropriate, of course.
- Fun shouldn’t cost anything, kids should understand that money should be spent on necessities, with occasional investments in ‘fun’. Kids shouldn’t think that fun must be purchased.
- Money should be spent carefully, not wasted. This is different than ‘Fun shouldn’t cost anything’, it is a reminder that the rent or mortgage must be paid, clothing must be purchased, and that these things are far more important than jumping up and down.
- Activities do have risks. Riding a dirt bike over a jump, rollerblading, running and playing can result in injuries. This is true in all aspects of life, from friends to weather.
- Kids should have to learn how to get along with other people. How to share, how to take turns, how to compromise.
- Just because you see something fun, doesn’t mean you have to do it.
- Sometimes, parents say ‘No’ to fun things. That’s part of being a good parent, and part of being a child is understanding that you can’t always get what you want. Then, when they are adults, they will be able to say no to themselves.
If you have a Jumpy Thing near you, save your money. Do you kids a favor and tell them you’re not going to let them waste their money, or your money on it. At the same time, make every effort to ensure they can play with friends. Have the kids over to your house or let your kid visit them. If houses don’t work, elementary age kids can have a blast at a school playground.
What if the materials used for Jumpy Things were recycled into something useful? Perhaps guardrails.
In fairness to the Jumpy Thing, the attendants seem to be attentive, careful, fair and courteous to the kids. I have seen them check to ensure the mattresses are properly positioned and to remind kids to be careful. The equipment appears to be well maintained. The company provides jobs and pays its taxes. It’s probably a good organization.