My boys seem to really enjoy "wrestling". They play fight, usually with a Star Wars theme. While I enjoy that fact that the little boys are finally playing together, the level of noise and pretend violence is disturbing to me. I try really hard to just let it roll off my back...I also tell them to take into the back yard if it's not to hot out. I grew up with 5 brothers, so I get that it's a "boy" thing. Anyone else dealing with little boy aggression? When do you step in? Are their rules to wrestling at your house?

Wrestling can't "hurt on purpose" and must end when I get tired of flinching at the sound of flesh hitting the floor.

Wrestle time happens before the bedtime routine and can only be done with the boys attacking Sailor. Max is too young to fully hold his own against Mo. It's mostly the boys hanging off of Sailor or climbing him. Then he lifts them and tosses them around.

"Not around the head and neck!"

That's about it at this point. Mostly I sigh wearily and leave the room so I don't have an anxiety attack imagining one of them paralyzed for life.

We have a safe word "no thank you" and as soon as that phrase is uttered, it is hands off time. Also, no flinging the other person by the head, neck, arms or clothes.

but Hippy Mom, that's some of the coolest throws!!!

We outlawed actual wrestling moves after Younger Son's knee cap was dislocated -- causing him horrible pain, a 12-hour-trip to the emergency, and copayments equalizing almost $1000.

We still have lots of roughhousing, but emulating any actual wrestlers is strictly forbidden.

I am also of the no-head-and-neck mentality. And... not-in-the-house-that's-why-we-have-a-yard.