20/08/2025
ANONYMOUS INBOX:
My 11-year-old son really wants to play tackle football this fall. He’s been begging me and my husband to sign him up, and most of his friends are already playing.
My husband is on board but here’s my problem—I’m nervous about letting him do it. I know how physical football can be, and I can’t stop thinking about him getting seriously hurt. The idea of concussions or long-term damage to his body and brain really scares me. At the same time, I don’t want to hold him back from something he’s so excited about or make him feel left out from his friends.
Am I overthinking this? Should I let him play, or try to steer him toward something less physical until he’s older?