Tim and I disagreed for the first time yesterday.  HA!  Not really, but honestly it was our first parenting discussion that I feel we are seriously at a crossroads, where neither one of us will budge and I'm not sure how it is going to work itself out.  Here's the issue... Tim feels that we should let our kids do whatever the hell they want to do even if it means putting them in harms way.  OK - that might be slightly overstating the fact, and a little bit of a dramatic way of saying what I want to say (I just think I'll win more of my readers over if I put it like that).  The example that we discussed was sports.  Basically, I DO NOT want Luke to play football (the American football that is for my European and Australian readers).  Jewish boys do not play football (except for Tim).  Just like Jewish boys aren't cops and don't join the marines... they just don't play football.  We Jewish moms just aren't wired to deal with the constant worry.  His religion is really not the only reason I don't want him to play though.  It's just not a wise sport to choose (unless of course you're 6'6 and 300 pounds and everyone who looks at you states, "I sure hope you play football.").  Tim played football through high school and college and is PAYING for it still today.  He'd be the first to admit he's a 38 year old in a 50 year old's body because of football.  His back is a mess - because of football.  Tim thinks we should let Luke choose what he wants to do and be supportive of it.  I think we should encourage him to play other sports from an early age (like now at age 1) so that football doesn't look as appealing.   Just like I won't encourage sky diving or bungee jumping, I don't see why we can't discourage a sport that requires men ramming full speed into one another and piling on top of each other.  (I'll also admit I'm not even a fan of WATCHING the sport but would have no problem if Luke enjoys viewing the silliness from the couch).  Tim is worried that I'll be one of "those moms" that prohibits their children from doing something that their friends are doing and then require Luke to admit, "my mommy won't let me".  Well, I just might be, and if it is for my kid's safety and benefit... I'll be ok with that (see I AM a good mother).   Tim retorted at one point during this discussion that gymnastics is very dangerous for girls and I'm not discouraging Hannah from that, and I told him, if he felt strongly about it, then I'd have her stop (although I had my fingers crossed behind my back).  That shut him up... but didn't get him to change his mind on football.   I don't think any guys read my blog but my question is, is it most dad's desire to see their boy play football?  Is there nothing that would make a dad prouder?  Am I going to be up against Tim and Luke's "manhood" if I press this subject as he gets older?  If so, I'm ready for that fight.  Can you ask your husband's for their take on this?  I grew up in a house where neither my dad nor my brother had any interest in football so I already know their opinion.  My dad would most likely recommend a much safer subdued sport like golf or even baseball where only a helmut and penis protector is required.   One thing I do have to say though, is if Luke continues as he is with his speech development (everything under the sun, and my roof, is a "buh") then maybe the sport of meatheads will be appropriate.  But for now, I'm going to secretly be sitting Luke in front of Major League Soccer or baseball games, placing a lacrosse stick in his hand and quietly whispering in his ears each night, "football is for wussies, football is for wussies".