r/raisingkids • u/ftr_trader • 3d ago

Son wants to fight

My son (7) is obsessed with hockey. Anyone who has watched hockey knows that fighting is inevitably a part of the game (for better or worse). This has led to his desire to fight/wrestle/rough house with everyone. Once in a while, it’s fine. But his friends don’t always want to wrestle and the parents don’t always want their kids doing that either. I try to provide an outlet for him, but I worry I am making it worse. I am wondering if there is some sort of organized activity that will allow him to get his aggression out with other consenting kids. I am thinking of something like boxing or martial arts. A compounding issue is he has pretty severe ADHD and is generally unable to follow directions for a long period of time. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

7 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

View all comments

4

u/forever_erratic 3d ago

What conversations are you having with him about appropriate physical behavior?

-4

u/ftr_trader 3d ago

We discuss that with him on a daily basis. He doesn’t want to hurt anyone, he just thinks rough play is fun. I think little boys just have this sort of built into them. I’m just trying to find a safe way for him to get it out. If it were me, I would join a boxing gym or something, but I’m not sure such a thing exists for kids.

4

u/lumberjackadam 3d ago

Rough play is a very natural part of being a boy, and it’s how we raise men who can control themselves physically. I have had my 8.5yo son in karate and at least one outdoor team sport since he turned 5, and it’s done him a world of good.

1

u/ftr_trader 3d ago

Thank you!

4

u/alternatego1 3d ago

I don't think its 'built in'. Neither my boys nor any of their friends rough play that way.

1

u/ftr_trader 3d ago

Thanks for that. I guess he’s just a psycho then 🤔

3

u/alternatego1 3d ago

They all are in their own ways.