Throw the First Punch

Like most parents, we've taught The Boy to play nicely and not fight.

- Don't hit back
- Use your words
- Tell them to stop
- Walk away
- Tell the teacher

All good lessons, but now I'm worried he's becoming spineless.

We hear the stories from daycare, "John hit me." "Rowan said he was going to punch me in the face." "James pushed me over."

"What did you do about it?"

"I told him to stop, then told the teacher. He got in trouble." Lately playdates go the same way. "Dad, he pushed me" or "Mom, he won't share."

I'm worried. If The Boy never learns to fight his own fights, he's going to get destroyed in school, and as an adult.

At what point do you suggest to your child they fight back? I am so close to telling him, "Next time so & so punches you, wind up and punch him back."

But that wouldn't be responsible parenting would it?