THE LIVINGROOM ROLLERCOASTER — Riding a rollercoaster can be a huge deal when you’re a kid.

Just like shaving or wearing deodorant, it’s a monumental coming of age moment to follow your family onto a “big kid ride” instead of waiting with mom by the stroller. Likewise, the task can be a seemingly-eternal bragging right to your peers, and a badge of unending bravery.

But rollercoasters are also petrifying when you’re small, and riding one too early can leave a kid traumatized.

For instance, I rode the Tower of Terror at Disney World when I was 5, and I thought I had survived a murder attempt. My mom laughs hysterically whenever she remembers our plane ride home from that vacation, where I stared out the window for over an hour while whispering, “I’m only 5 and I survived the Tower of Terror… I’m only 5… and I survived!”

I refused to go on any theme park attractions with bumps for three years. Seriously, I even skipped the Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride.

Luckily, not all young kids have to be mentally scarred like I was to enjoy a good rollercoaster, and they can still have their bragging rights. All it takes is a creative family, a television and a laundry basket.

Every fast-paced twist, bump and turn in this video causes this little one to shriek with laughter, and you can tell her family is also loving the ride. Their sound effects and smiles might even be my favorite part.

So, instead of dealing with pricey tickets, long lines and hot weather, grab a hamper, pull up a video, and enjoy a coaster in the comfort of your own home. And best of all, you can skip the years of trauma and terrified flashbacks in elevators.

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Kaitlyn Workman is a University of Utah political science and mass communications major. Contact her at kworkman@deseretdigital.com

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