A mother has started a debate on social media after revealing that she teaches her children to stand up for themselves including hitting back if they’re physically attacked by bullies.
Teaching Kids to Defend Themselves
The mom, who shared her views on TikTok, explained that while she does not condone violence as a first response, she believes children should not passively endure physical aggression. “I teach my kids to be kind, to walk away, and to avoid drama,” she said in her viral post. “But if someone lays a hand on them, they have my permission to hit back and defend themselves.” She emphasized that she is not raising bullies but confident individuals who know how to protect themselves in real-world situations.
The Internet Reacts: Support and Outrage
Her comments quickly drew widespread attention, with many applauding her honest approach to self-defense. Supporters praised her for teaching children not to tolerate abuse and for instilling confidence.
“I wish my parents had taught me to stand up for myself,” one commenter wrote. “Instead, I let people walk all over me for years.”
Another added, “There’s a big difference between starting a fight and defending yourself. This mom gets it.”
However, critics argued that violence should never be encouraged, especially among young children. Some pointed out that hitting back could escalate conflicts or result in serious consequences, like school suspensions or injuries.
“This is how you end up with more aggressive kids,” one user warned. “We should be teaching emotional intelligence, not fists.”
Experts Weigh In
Child psychologists are split on the issue. Some believe that encouraging children to assert themselves physically in response to violence can build confidence and reduce feelings of helplessness. Others stress the importance of nonviolent conflict resolution, especially in structured environments like schools.
“Teaching kids to hit back may give them a sense of control in the short term,” said one behavioral expert. “But it can also reinforce the idea that violence is an acceptable solution to problems.”
Instead, many professionals recommend strategies like assertive communication, seeking adult help, and knowing how to safely remove oneself from a dangerous situation.
Cultural and Generational Differences
Some of the reactions to the mom’s stance reflect broader cultural and generational differences in parenting philosophies. In many households, especially those with older or more traditional values, standing up for oneself physically is seen as a life skill. Others from more progressive or trauma-informed backgrounds emphasize emotional regulation and peaceful resolution.
“This is how I was raised,” one user shared. “You never start a fight, but you damn well finish it if someone puts their hands on you.”
Others disagreed: “We’re trying to raise emotionally intelligent kids, not boxers. There’s a better way.”
The Ongoing Debate
As the video continues to gain traction online, the debate remains unresolved. Should kids be taught to turn the other cheek—or to defend themselves when necessary? What is clear is that parents everywhere are grappling with how best to protect their children in a world where bullying remains a serious concern. While the mom’s approach may not work for everyone, it has undeniably struck a nerve and opened up an important conversation about boundaries, safety, and raising resilient children.
