“No! My boys will not play with weapons.”
That’s right, I said those words a long time ago. Little did I know how wrong I was!
Probably when she was a new mom and only had 1 kid so far.
It was back in the days when we had no television, no guns, no idea what we were doing.
Fast forward to today.
Ladies, I have 5 children. That’s a lot of testosterone!
Children love to play very differently from you and me. I reluctantly realized this, but eventually crossed over to what they call “the other side.”
Why our boys play with practice swords:
- Because they are great! That’s how it is. There is an absolute coldness factor that says a lot about every masculine person we come into contact with. Swords are great.
- They cannot commit suicide. (Well, I suppose they could if they tried hard enough, but these practice swords aren’t meant to inflict fatal wounds.) Just watch the children while they play. Every kid needs a sword, even if it’s a nerf sword!
- Hand-eye coordination. These swords are meant to be actual training swords. They are heavy and balanced like the swords they resemble. Pretty cool, huh?
- They are learning history. Each of our guys has chosen a practice sword of a different style. Each one is a slightly different length and weight and each has its own story. The boys are delighted to learn of their swords’ place in history.
Our safety rules:
- Don’t kill each other.
- Never take a gun if your heart is not right. If you’re frustrated or angry, you’re done for today. Period. Without exceptions.
- Practice is about discipline. Practice. Practice. Practice. (The Japanese practiced with wooden swords to become expert swordsmen before wielding a sharp blade!)
- When you hurt yourself, take a deep breath. If you practice with a sword, your fingers will get hit.
- Play in slow motion until you master the moves.
Moms, you can’t take the warrior out of your children. Accept that.
There is something primitive and beautiful about a strong man with a sword or a bow. Think Joshua (biblical), William Wallace (Braveheart), Legolas (Lord of the Rings). I want my children to be like them. And you?
Are you ready to join me as a mother of brave sons who wield swords, shoot arrows?
This is how you start. Click here.