My son seems to be obsessed with fighting. Is this normal?

[Gwynethread]

My son seems to be obsessed with fighting. Is this normal? Looking for some practical steps I can take to help him get over this.

Like getting into fights or watching MMA cage fights? Fighting-play with your or brother or aggressive behaviour ? And how old is he? 2 or 12?

how old is he? What's his behaviour like otherwise?

He's 7 and has never been in a fight. Currently training himself for 'the upcoming fight' by boxing the air and doing shuttle runs up and down the utility room. Other than eating and sleeping its all he talks about. He is always asking strangers for a fight but so far no one has accepted. Thoughts?

My son likes fighting - I think it is best to get it out of their system. Who would be available to take them to the park and organise a fight?

Could you do more rough and tumble play fighting with him to get it out of his system in a safe way that helps him develop self-control. From memory the book 'Raisibg Boys' has stuff on this.

Alternatively what about a martial arts class. They're all about discipline etc I believe and teach kids skills but emphasise the importance of not practicing them outside of the class environment.

I would second a martial arts class or even a reputable boxing club that trains kids. Boxing and martial arts are Olympic sports and if he is showing an interest I would say better bettee encourage it within a suitable regulated environment. He might be a future medal winner!!

And continue to express the importance of never hitting/fighting with anyone outside the sporting arena...

Some boys are obsessed with soccer other with boxing. I wouldn't call it fighting.
I was in a amateur boxing club and DS1 went for a while as well. The first thing the trainer told the kids was the fighting happens only here at the gym.

Invest in a good custom made mouth guard.

imho, human beings like to compete and want to improve their social status.
Boys more than girls go for signs of physically dominance to decide social status.

Whether you think it's hormone-driven, instinctive or due to socialisation, Boys vie for social status by having fierce rivalries based on: who is the fastest-strongest-best footballer-best climber-best fighter - best whatever. Each kid looks at what angle where they think they could excel.

Good age to start martial arts. Look for a club that makes it FUN first and foremost.