I think we must remember how it is to be young. To remember how we were full of vibrant energy needing an outlet. Although as you know I always promote respect and not fighting it is not to say I am against it as a disciplined sport. So as is the case I find, have experienced personally and would also promote is that if the child wants to then boxing or whatever is great for many reasons. So from my perspective there is no conflict between the two. Peace.G.

I think we should teach our children that they have a right and responsibility to defend themselves. I recommended to both of my daughters to read my book "Self-Defense for Everyday", and "the Gift of Fear" by Gavin De Becker. He has a newer book out that is really good that deals with children and young people called "Protecting the Gift."

"We sleep peaceably in our beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on our behalf." Attributed to George Orwell, or, one of my favourites, by Robert E. Howard: "Barbarism is the true state of mankind, civilization is a whim of nature." So, my answer is Yes, teach your child to fight and also when not to fight. www.nothing-works.com