Fit Mommy: WWF in my house lets boys release pent-up energy
Just like my guys, this family likes to wrestle!
Photo by Flikr user zsoltika
Even though I can't help but be worried about one of them getting hurt or seeing some artwork falling off the wall, I think this is a wonderful tradition. Since I don't have girls, I can only speak for boys. After raising boys for a few years now, I get a sense that they really have a need to "get in there" and be physically aggressive.Â
It gives them an energy release and immediately leaves them much more mentally calm. Hate to throw it out there, but boys will be boys (in this sense), and that is more than okay with me. I don't excuse violence, ever, but I do think that rolling around the living room in a fun-loving way is healthy.
Boys and girls are different. They have different physical needs. Even though both of my boys are very sensitive and rarely act out aggressively, they seem to still need a feisty and loud wrestling session once in a while. Maybe your girls are the same way! I would like to hear if this is a similar story or different at your house.
Is your family a WWF?
Eva Johnson is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified personal trainer. She lives in chaos with her husband, two boys and a shedding Labrador Retriever. To see her complete blog about her journey to stay sane and in shape, visit www.fitnessbyeva.com.
Comments
Linda55
Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 7:37 p.m.
Andy, You should worry about raising your own kids instead of telling everyone else how to do it.
Eva Johnson
Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 3:44 p.m.
Interesting comments! I appreciate the feedback! I love what glimmertwin had to say, because tickling is a major part of it too. It may be a good idea to do it when I am not at home, just so that I don't have to be worried. No one has gotten hurt yet, it just gets so loud! Andy, I haven't found my boys (as of yet) wrestling at any other place other than our house. We take them to friend's homes and museums, as well as to restaurants without any worry. I actually don't like the idea of putting them on wrestling or football until they are much older (they are in first grade and preschool), so I think this is a "time and place" that is appropriate. Trust me, they will probably be lifting weights and playing in sports eventually. (I am a trainer, after all! :) )
Soothslayer
Wed, Nov 3, 2010 : 1:18 p.m.
Nope. The "boys will be boys" sentiment is a cop out. Kids need to learn the proper time and place for everything. Rough-house activity is for the gym or outside. When your kids are allowed to do this in your house they expect they can at others homes as well. Have witnessed it and the boundaries are confusing, especially to kids, and just disappear after a while. Have them join the wrestling team, play football, run track, weight lift, exercise, etc.
krc
Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 11:46 a.m.
At first I was worried when I read the title. WWF? You let your boys watch that? But you cleared it up. What fun!
glimmertwin
Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 9:12 a.m.
We do the same thing. It usually ends in a major tickling match with me winning. We usually do when mom is not home. Great fun.
Top Cat
Tue, Nov 2, 2010 : 9:12 a.m.
Very well said Eva. Boys need activity not medication.