Posted on 01/11/2022 3:56:24 PM PST by MAGA2017
I got a call from my wife a short while ago. She got a phone call from the principal at my son's elementary school. He got into a "fight". All I know so far is that during recess he was playing basketball with some other kids and something happened. Evidently one kid kept swiping the ball from my son and he got frustrated and he shoved the other kid.
I doubt this was an actual fight with punches thrown. My son is a good kid but I know he sometimes gets frustrated easily. He's competitive when it comes to sports. This other kid or kids may have been doing something to really bug him. I'll learn more get he gets home later.
This has got me thinking about today's environment of "toxic masculinity" and how often boys get mixed messages about conduct and being a male. I got into fights at his age. It happens. I don't recall starting a fight but my personal policy growing up was not to take crap from anyone. Don't start a fight but be prepared to end one.
One time in junior high school I punched a kid in the face in the school yard because he was running around spiting on the other kids. When "my turn" for that came up I punched him and he got a bloody nose. I don't remember that kid bothering anyone else again after that. I don't even remember the school contacting my parents about it. Just part of life then.
I don't want my son to get into fights but at the same time I want him ready and able to defend himself if he has too.
I'm actually more concerned at the moment about whatever PC progressive "violence is bad" lecture he might have gotten from the school.
Anyway, I'm curious what you guys think.
I would suggest you find an Ishin Ryu Karate Dojo for your son.
My kids are both black belts now, and never had an issue in school. Their reputation precedes them, always
“My Dad’s only response was, “If I see blood on you, it better not be your own...”
That sounds like my Dad.
What silliness. At that age we were fighting every week.
A few months back..my 6 yr old nephew got into a confrontation with a kid on the playground in school that he thought was much older(The kid had pushed him) so a few days later he saw the same kid on the playground and found out he’s just a really big first grader so he went up to him and said “If you push me again, you’re going down” I still laugh at that to this day.
Sounds like my brother in law..he told his kid to stand up for himself..if someone pushes you, push them HARDER
I know. I’m thinking this was just a schoolyard scuffle. Happened all the time when I was a kid. No drama was needed.
get him out of the school if there is pushback
It’s a game, not a war!
Teach your son how to protect the ball and block the steal. Also teach him how to steal. It’s all part of the game. And, it’s only a game.
By teaching him to battle, especially in this situation where he appeared to be the instigator of the fight, teach him diplomacy.
That same boy can become a friend and support your son in tough situations in the future.
Be careful teaching him be be an agressor as he will always meet someone tougher and meaner. Diplomacy from a position of strength is the best thing to teach your son.
School justice used to handle these types of issues. Now there is “no tolerance” of any fighting although kids still use the internet to bully others. I had three sons at an elementary school and my youngest son was being bullied but the other kid didn’t know his older brothers were in 5th and 3rd grade so they put a stop to it. Of course the bullying kid got his parents involved.
My middle school there was a fight almost every day.
Treat it as an excellent learning experience for both you and your son.
Some female staff think football is fighting.
The important thing to ask is: “Did he win?”
My dad always taught me to avoid fights if possible but that some fights are unavoidable and if that’s the case, go on the attack first. Turns out his reasoning was that in elementary and junior high, first punch is almost always the winner. He didn’t want his son getting his ass whipped. I think that was generally good advice. A man’s general ethos should be; avoid violence whenever possible but be prepared and capable to to do great violence when out of options.
When my son got into a fight at school about a decade and a half ago, the school wanted to give the other kid and him 3 days “in school suspension.” I told the admin that he was merely defending his twin sister as he had been instructed. I also informed them he would not attend “in school suspension” and if what he did was so horrible, I would support them if they suspended him for three days. As his suspension for three days would have cost the school three days “butts in seats” money, the school relented. I believe he was made to serve 2 days detention when all the dust settled.
Boxing lessons are good too.
If you can, get your kid into martial arts.
“My middle school there was a fight almost every day.”
That was me. I never instigated them, but never lost either. I was a tough strong farm boy with an older brother that I could never win a fight with. He was 10 years older!
The guys kept challenging me. I couldn’t get away from it. Every day another fight.
It was like someone moved in and took over my body and I just watched. Until one day a guy came after me and I let loose, pounding his head as fast as I could. He lost his hearing for 3 days and I felt bad for hurting him.
After that I switched to choke holds until they gave up. No air, no fight. I could take any close punches for the short time, but they couldn’t breathe. Thankfully that ended it.
I’m a pacifist. But have no fear of conflict. I’m the guy who would look at a mugger with crazy eyes and say “I’m not going back to prison!”
Just what I was going to say.
It is part of the game. Accept that.
If you don’t like it don’t play the game or get better.
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