Related Posts
How do you guys make friends in a new town?
More Posts
Can Grindr be used as a dating app?
Should I FOMO into Solana or is it too late?
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.



Yeah, this is a really tricky one. I have a 5yo son too, and he's a really good kid who knows pushing and punching are wrong... but I've had to go through a couple of difficult conversations so that he knows it's OK if he has no other option. He's really taken this to heart, and apparently when one of the less civilized kids cornered him last month, he threw one punch and waited to see if that was enough to end things. Fortunately it was! He now seems to know he gets a free pass for a necessary punch, but expects to be told off for any unnecessary follow-ups. I'm quite proud of how he's handled the moral ambiguity of the whole thing!
I'm reminded of John Sheridan in Babylon 5: "Never start a fight. But always end it." 😂 Who knew that '90s sci-fi would shape my moral compass so much!
Coward of the County by Kenny Rogers
It’s a tricky subject. You want to explain a decision making process to try to not get embroiled in a fight but you also can’t lay down and just take it. Hard to explain to a 5 year old. I have three boys. I too got the call from school that my oldest was involved in a fight .......... with his younger brother, on school property 🤦♂️
Slap her in the face and see if she doesn’t hit back.
There is such a thing as 'the good fight': targeted, proportionate violence to protect yourself and those who can't protect themselves
My dad gave me the wolves, sheep, and sheep dogs talk a long time ago and I intend to give it to him. I’m wondering how to adapt it for my daughter; I want her to stand up for people but I’d prefer it not be with her fists.
What's. The. Difference. If that's what it takes, that's what it takes.
Tell the wife she's wrong. If she don't like it, take it up with the little he'll show who's boss!
What I tell my kids: first, tell him to stop. If he doesn't, tell a teacher. If he still doesn't, hit him back, but hit him hard.
Get him into jiu jitsu. Most kids martial arts classes do a great job of focusing on humility and avoiding the fight, but then being ready with skills and confidence to stand up to bullies and protect themselves and others when needed