Childzilla.com

Hi....I am not a parent, however I have good friend, who is a single mom of a very smart four year old boy. He is all boy, meaning he likes the rough and tough play, sports, all the boy stuff, spider man etc. Her concern is that in karate and t ball, he lets other cut in front and that kind of thing. He doesn't stick up for himself. I have noticed he has a very sweet spirit and cares about others which is great, but can anyone give some advice on helping a child learn balance between being kind and not getting pushed around????  Thank you...Heidi

Being a mom of three kids, I can assuredly say that I am NO expert! But, I think age 4 is a bit early for a child to understand "balance." Watch what is taught, because you don't want to create a bully either. Children at that age do not have a true sense of when they are being taken advantage of. I have a "gentle spirited" child - although I would love to see him toughen up at times, I know his caring nature and knowing what it is to feel hurt will get him far. Too many kids today could care less for others. If his mom and others show him strong role models, and they let him know that he can stand up for himself, just as others do. It may take a few situations with explanation of what he should and should not allow - like hitting, etc. This is a fine line...good luck.