Watching the boxing when you're looking after small children?

[HollyGoLoudly1]

Ok MNers, settle a discussion argument for me please! Person A wanted to watch a boxing match (proper heavyweight, knocking each other out type boxing) while looking after 3 small children 6, 3 and a baby. A put it on 'in the background' while the kids were all being 'looked after' in the living room, and of course the older kids ended up watching it. Person B thinks it's way too violent to have on with kids of that age in the room. B also thinks A should be playing/interacting with the kids, or at the very least sticking on a cartoon, and not trying to watch something on TV.

I've obviously been very subtle with the person A/B, I'm sure you have no idea which one I am Thoughts everyone?

There are 2 issues mixed up there. One is the suitability of boxing, and one is whether when looking after small children you are obliged to interact all the time and not do anything (such as watch tv) yourself.
As regards the second, I think it depends a bit on whether you are the parents, someone doing the parents a favour, or paid to do the looking after. Parents do have a right to some down time, and children are capable of entertaining themselves for a while (and should be encouraged to). If it’s a favour situation, again if the Chi,Daren are happy, I don’t think it matters. If payment is involved, I’d expect more hands-on focus on the children.
I hate boxing anyway, and don’t think it’s really suitable for anyone to watch (despite being aware of the way it can give focus to some young people etc, etc).
In summary, I don’t know whether A/B ABU.

Wouldnt bother me. We have watched boxing throughout DCs lives and none have them have turned into violent criminals so far.

I dont see that all television needs to be specifically aimed at children or that every single waking moment needs to involve a parent playing with them.

It wouldnt bother me I'm afraid. Sport is a positve in life.

Wouldn't bother me, either, but then, in the spirit of full disclosure, my Dad was a boxer, and we used to bond over watching the boxing, right from when I was a little titch!

I watch boxing with ds around. I don't see the issue.

I wouldn’t have cared if they were watching it.

I grew up watching boxing, I'm not violent in any way or scarred by watching it.

I wouldn't let kids that age Watch Boxing.

I would not let my kids watch boxing, but that’s not really an issue because I would never watch it myself.

I grew up watching boxing and I watch it with my kids around too. It's a sport, I don't see the issue.

Ok seems like IABU then

For PP, it was a mix of his own DC and a friend's child being babysat for the evening

Not a boxing fan myself but it wouldn’t bother me.
What time was it aren’t these matches on late/ overnight?

Don't see any issue

I wouldn't have a problem with boxing being on the TV when my dc were watching it. It could lead to a conversation about the difference between boxing (and martial arts) and people fighting in the streets and why one is appropriate and the other is illegal.

I also don't think it's appropriate or helpful for them to be constantly entertained - they should be allowed and encouraged to play by themselves without adult / parental interaction all the time.

No problem with that whatsoever.

It’s a sport. It’s fine.

Boxing is a sport like any other. There is no ‘PG’ rating for it. Anymore than there is for football. The only reason you’d think there is would be if you are quite ignorant of the sport.

Wouldn’t have a problem with having boxing on, my kids went to boxing classes aged 6

Agree with PPs, boxing is a sport not a violent crime

I’d have no issue with it.

Not an issue. Having the news on in the background is probably worst!

Boxing is fine to me! It's even in the Olympics so I don't see it as some dodgy hardcore thing, it's not cage fighting!

I wouldn't have an issue, as you can probably tell from my name lol
My kids have always been around boxing (I run a boxing club), my kids have never bashed each other up or anyone else (unless in a ring).
For children that age, they'll happily entertain themselves while parent keeps watch over them & the tv.
It's allowed, it's possible, get the tea & chocolate digestives out & enjoy!!
My kids all watch boxing with me & might catch them in the mirror shadow boxing after or practicing their winning speech but that's it.

Lots of kids do boxing or martial arts as a sport. It’s a sporting event as violent as UFC and if you don’t see UFC as a problem then boxing shouldn’t be.

Sometimes it’s good for kids to learn that being violent can be ok if in the appropriate circumstance eg boxing, karate, wrestling, play fighting.

6 year old - will need a word about not imitating it. Doesn't need to be entertained all the time.
3 year old - will be oblivious. Doesn't need to be entertained all the time.
Baby - will be even more oblivious, and can be cared for whilst boxing on. Will absolutely survive if not the centre of the world.

Do yourself a favour OP, and don't be a martyr to parenthood. Children benefit massively both from independent play, and from seeing things above their level.