My kids beat the crap out of each other and I don't get it.
Is this normal?
Usually it is just the three boys and the toughest, roughest and meanest of them all might just be the baby (he's two).
My daughter Lucy usually stays above the fray and it doesn't faze her. She will literally step over the pile of boys on the floor and go about her business. But every once in a while, when they go too far, a sickening thud can be heard when she punches one of the boys in the back. They usually leave her alone after that, for a while anyway.
My husband assures me this is normal and this is what he and his three brothers did growing up. But I just don't get it.
The boys constantly have to hit, nudge, push and shove each other. "Cut it out!" I scream fearful they will go too far. "Get off your brother, god damn it!"
And from the bottom of the pile I hear, "No, mom it's okay." What the hell?
I know boys are rough and need this physical play, right? I do feel good about their toughness. I am not worried about my kids being bullied and so far they don't seem to take their aggression out on anyone but their brothers, and occasionally their sister. And it really isn't that mean. Sure there's the occasional cheap shot, but they love each other. And they love beating each other up.
My husband tells stories about how his older brothers used to pay his twin brother and him quarters to fight. And they all turned out alright and aren't violent people.
While we were visiting my father and his wife for the holidays, my kids were at it again. They upped their game and were wrestling in the hot tub like maniacs. "You have tough kids," my dad told me as we both decided it was better not to watch.
All I could say was "Thank you."
But I still don't get it.
Is this normal?
Usually it is just the three boys and the toughest, roughest and meanest of them all might just be the baby (he's two).
 |
| I thought they were snuggling on the couch until I got closer and saw that the baby had JT in a choke hold. Niiiiice. |
 |
| My kids are tough and street smart, but I promise that's not JT's cigarette butt on the ground. C'mon, they are mean kids, but they are good kids. |
My husband assures me this is normal and this is what he and his three brothers did growing up. But I just don't get it.
The boys constantly have to hit, nudge, push and shove each other. "Cut it out!" I scream fearful they will go too far. "Get off your brother, god damn it!"
And from the bottom of the pile I hear, "No, mom it's okay." What the hell?
I know boys are rough and need this physical play, right? I do feel good about their toughness. I am not worried about my kids being bullied and so far they don't seem to take their aggression out on anyone but their brothers, and occasionally their sister. And it really isn't that mean. Sure there's the occasional cheap shot, but they love each other. And they love beating each other up.
My husband tells stories about how his older brothers used to pay his twin brother and him quarters to fight. And they all turned out alright and aren't violent people.
While we were visiting my father and his wife for the holidays, my kids were at it again. They upped their game and were wrestling in the hot tub like maniacs. "You have tough kids," my dad told me as we both decided it was better not to watch.
All I could say was "Thank you."
But I still don't get it.
I think its somewhat normal as long as it doesn't extend to school and other children who aren't in on the playing. Play fighting is normal
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