I think for me there are some rules that are there to help them. Without hindering their childhood of course furniture isn't for jumping for a few reasons: Safety, respecting property and to help them to learn to sit. Does that mean just because those rules exist doesn't mean they get it straight away. It takes time, practice and patience just like everything they need to learn. And yes we might say that if they can't sit on it then they need to sit on the floor. If it were at gran's house well that's up to gran, unless its a safety issue for me.

I'm all for free spirits. But it's my job to teach them. And I think we can be, as parents, a disservice to our children by not teaching them things. And before you all jump on me I'm not accusing anyone here of abusing their kids through free ranging them. It's just how I feel about my kids.

A wise woman once said to me just because a child wants a beer doesn't mean you give it to them. We can be awesome respectful gentle parents but also be awesome helpful teachers as well.

And Santosha, maybe I see it differently because I see it as helping towards the future? KWIM? Doesn't mean anyone's right or wrong. Just how I see it. I didn't read all your other posts before I posted this. I hope I haven't added to how you feel.