Is It a Dad's Job to Teach His Kids to Fight?

An "unmanly" dad says fighting might be awful, but backing down is worse

A self-proclaimed "unmanly man," Time columnist Joel Stein refused to learn fighting skills from his father, a veteran who has scarred knuckles from picking knife-fights growing up in the Bronx. But having his own son finally panicked Stein into learning how to fight - from Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White, no less - so that he could teach his son.

In a humorous Washington Post op-ed, Stein argues that fathers need to teach their sons to fight, because "the most basic way to feel safe is by knowing how to physically defend yourself." He adds,

Because he's a boy, he will get into at least a few confrontations with other boys, and if he doesn't know how to fight, he's going to back down from too many of those situations. Fighting might be awful, but backing down - like I've done in my life by not asking women out [and] never asking for a raise - is worse.

The piece doesn't touch on whether fathers (or mothers) should teach their daughters fighting skills - but if the idea is to prepare kids to stand up for themselves, then perhaps they should.

Should parents teach their kids how to fight?

[Sabbathrules]

Yes. If your child doesn't learn to fight they become a victim. Teach them not to Bully but only to defend themselves. There is only 2 reasons to fight...to protect yourselves and others.

[AlexanderKM]

Amen

[FollowTheMoney]

Knowing how to fight helps, Being willing to fight is what really matters.The courage to risk losing everything to prevail over ones enemy.

[CoolArrow]

It's a waste of time. Just get a gun.

[AlexanderKM]

Yeah. Tell that to your thirteen year old son and see how fast you go to jail.

[CoolArrow]

Funny how the people sending you to jail have guns. This whole fists stuff is just animal rituals, but faker.

[Bobolinsky]

Hmmm. No mention of guns in either article?
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"the most basic way to feel safe is by knowing how to physically defend yourself." I would add, "and having the means to do so."

[kailynleto]

Of course! It is the job of a father to teach his children strength in good times and strength in adversity. Knowing how to fight and not punishing children if they defend themselves are invaluable resources in today's world.

[BrainSmashR]

Most KIDS aren't going to get into fights that involve guns. Being liberal doesn't mean you have to be stupid too

[Bobolinsky]

I meant as a general argument against the "disarm the innocent agenda".

[Bobolinsky]

Oh shoot, I just noticed...
.
Your characterization of my political beliefs is a little off.

[ir0nw0lfe]

I could get to like you.

As for Bob, he's conservative but quirky. Writes some very engaging posts. He's just going broad on the topic not advocating kiddie ccw. Right, Bob?*nervous moment of silence*:)

[BrainSmashR]

My apologies Bob, those type of comments generally come from folks who think guns kill people while conveniently forgetting that a real person had to hold it, aim it and shoot it.

[Bobolinsky]

Exactly Iron:)

[hwyangel]

Part of learning to fight is knowing when not to.

[freaky6smurf]

I think so.. it will help them in the long run...

[Elise]

We should teach our children to stand up for themselves and others, in whatever way we feel is best.

[AlexanderKM]

Teach your sons and your daughters to fight because that could save their life one day and THAT is what matters.

[NoOneIsRight]

Teach kids how to defend themselves when needed. Don't teach them how to be an asshole.

[Stratton]

I fail to see how this article is at all relevant to the purpose of this website - political discussion. Are individuals' parenting philosophies now considered public policy issues? I sincerely hope this web site does not degenerate into commentary on every society or pop culture article.

[ir0nw0lfe]

We passed that milestone at a blur quite awhile back. Politix is following the Carville recommended Dem-Lib-Obama strategy. Talk about anything but the economy. Distract the voters with bright shiny objects.......I mean bright shiny social issues......

[Stratton]

Hmmm. I haven't noticed a left-wing bias on the part of the site's moderators - and I've been looking out for one. If anything, I'd say they've leaned slightly the other way.

[AlexanderKM]

There is a bias both ways. I'd say that the moderators come from both sides of the spectrum - with slightly more libs.

[ir0nw0lfe]

Look how they phrase the questions. Go back thru some of the older posts. The difference is there are more conservatives on Politix than there used to be.

[ir0nw0lfe]

Of course. Sons should be taught when, why, and how to fight . Daughters gets the same course but I teach them to fight dirty. There are a lot of good martial arts programs for kids that reach discipline, judgement, and awareness. Good qualities for all kids to learn.

[AlexanderKM]

Ditto. Though they should never go for a nut shot unless in defense. That s*** ain't cool. I knew a girl, back in junior high, who would walk around and kick guys in the nads and then make up something when the teachers came around. Many a parent of said kids may have retarded grandkids or none at all due to that sadistic and asinine little girl.

[Truthinesss]

They should teach them how, but also teach them when. Too many times people fight over silly things, and things you don't need to fight about. But you should be able to protect yourself, yes.

[AlexanderKM]

'Bragh, you said my girl had a funny looking nose - you 'n me - after school, fo' fiddy - Be ThUr!!'

Hahahaha, kids. xD

[KimberlyMcLain]

No its not just the dad's responsibility, its whichever parent feels like they are capable of teaching their children how not just to fight but how to protect themselves in general. In my case my children's father has never been in a fight so he should not try to teach our children something he knows nothing about.

[QuiteCrazy]

Dad yes teach them and if you have a daughter yes throw her on the ground too. It's good for all of them. And mom get in there too.

[MzPollytics]

Yes.