11 year old boy and paintball?

Question

My son has has a normal fascination with things that blow-up and shoot. We try to temper this fascination with things like music lessons, and he and I belonging to the local rocketry club.

Last week, I drew the line at a 4 hour paintball outting with one of his friends and his friend's dad. There were many different ages involved at the paintball field (boys 11 up through college).

Is paintball too aggressive for an 11 year old? Or am I just being overconcerned?

Thanks!

Answer 1

You are being way over-concerned. I have 4 boys and our 10 and 12 year old are both into paintball. They have been for almost two years now. Not sure if you want to own the paintball gun and equipment, something you can buy piece by piece for Christmas and Birthdays.
Maybe you might like to join in the fun as well. The boys dad often plays. Paint-balls are washable, so they do no harm if they get on clothes.
I say go for it and have fun.
( Connie Mom of 4 boys )

Answer 2

I think you may be a bit over concerned. Although paintball can be aggressive at times for the most part the people who are there to play take into consideration the ages of all people playing. I'm sure your son would have a wonderful time and who knows, he may decide it's not for him as well until he gets a bit older. As long as he is supervised by another adult (his friends father) I would think he would be fine. My husband took his nephew to play paintball last year ( he was 10 at the time) and they had a great time. However it can be pretty expensive sometimes once you buy or rent all the gear so they don't get to go too often. It's just something to think about, give your son a chance.

Answer 3

No, paintball is just a game. I'd only be concerned with it if it seems he takes it too seriously. If he has problems with aggression and barely cares about the feelings of others, I could understand sheilding him from things like this (put another way, if you are afraid he may become psycotic, do everything to steer him away from that path--otherwise, don't worry about it).

Its about time when you are 11 to start learning some very aggressive games, as long as he is responsible enough to handle it. One of the benefits of sports is that (in addition to other benefits) you learn how to deal with aggression in a forum that isn't real life. You get practice dealing with difficult emotions while it is only a game, so when real life hits you with difficulty you have some experience dealing with it.

(And while I'd advise the safer options available today, when I was a kid we played with air guns and none of my friends turned into mass murderers.)

Answer 4

As a current airsofter and ex-paintballer, I have to say that it is a sport that can build comradery among teammates and builds leadership skills.

As long as your son plays for the excitement and the intensity as opposed going to hurt people then it is a sport that should be encouraged.

I'm sure he would appreciate it if you joined him, because there is nothing that builds a father-son relationship than being pinned behind a bunker and only each other to count on for your "survival" =]

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Depends completely on the fps rating of the gun, if its 300 or under you'll feel an impact for sure, and probably get a welt in sensitive areas (neck, thigh, etc.) Where as any higher rating guns they'll leave a welt or bruise almsot every single time. Of course this is jsut physical characteristics, as to if it "hurts" or not depends completely on his pain tolerance. But in short, he should be fine with a lower fps gun.

Answer 6

Overconcerned. Let him play paintball. He's a big boy and I think he's responsible enough to shoot a paintball gun.

Answer 7

Too overconcerned.

As long as your son is wearing the correct protectvie gear, then let him go out and dominate the field.
As long as you are trying to diversify his interestes, which it looks like you are with music and rocketry, then you should still allow him his choice of activities.

He may just be competitive enough to whoop those college boys at their own game.

Answer 8

I would not say over conserned, i have been playing for a long time and it is a good way for me to get out have fun and forget about work and all the hassles of life, and paint ball is a very safe sport (yes sounds wird) but it is the worst thing that can happen is he gets a sprained ankel from running. that is if the referees are conserned about the safty of every one. if he likes the game i would say let him play. i know alot of kinds that come out where i play and they are the same age as him and they love it.

Answer 9

haha no. My brother used to paintball all the time around that age. He had a birthday party once and I also got to go ((i'm 2 years younger))

Answer 10

You seem to have ruled out paint ball without checking into it yourself. In this way you told your son that YOUR views know best even without information. Not good.

I would suggest that you and your son take a weekend to go and view a paint ball session and get more information. You will learn that they wear eye protection, heavy clothes and have rules which all must follow. Talk to other kids your son's age and get their perspective. Talk to the parents and get theirs. Discuss with your child what you see and how it appears to you, and how aggressive you feel that the others are being and why. Listen to his side of the story too.

It's best to make informed decisions, and this teaches your child to always get information and facts before deciding.