# Backyard Fencing League Grows Too Big

> Parents turn backyard fencing into a chaotic kids' league with 11 children.
- Title: Backyard Fencing League Grows Too Big · Slate Magazine
- Summary: Parents turn backyard fencing into a chaotic kids' league with 11 children. A backyard fencing group for kids has grown to 11 children, causing conflicts…
- Keywords: backyard fencing, kids sports league, parenting advice, fencing, children, conflict resolution, home activities, Backyard, League, Grows, Too, Big
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/advice/2026/10/parent-advice-sports-fencing-kids-group.html?via=rss
- Author: Arionne Nettles
- Published: 2026-10-26T10:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: backyard fencing, kids sports league, parenting advice, fencing, children, conflict resolution, home activities
## Backyard Fencing Starts
A parent started a backyard fencing group for their child using swords under supervision.
## Swords Work Well
Behavioral benchmarks with swords reduced tantrums and improved communication among family members.
## Sword Practice Begins
The parent commissioned a scaled-down sword and padded jacket for their child to practice fencing.
## Friends Join Group
Neighborhood children became curious and joined the fencing group, leading to more parents getting involved.
## Group Grows to 11
The fencing group now includes 11 children with varying levels of interest in the activity.
## Conflicts Form
Some children treat fencing as serious training, others enjoy it for fun, and some just want to play with friends.
## Rifts Between Groups
Children from different groups have argued during weekend sword lessons, causing tensions.
## Parents Involved
The parents are the most involved in the group, though other parents help with snacks and drinks.
## Injury Risk
The group faces injury risks without proper supervision, equipment, and space from a certified instructor.
## Moving to Real Place
The parents should move the group to a real place with a certified instructor to reduce injury risks.
## Group Rate Option
The parents can work out a group rate with the instructor and other parents to share costs.
## Injury Prevention
The group should have waivers for injuries, similar to how kids sign waivers for basketball leagues.
## Next Steps
The parents should find a certified instructor and move the group to a safer location to prevent injuries.
## Key takeaway

A backyard fencing group for kids has grown to 11 children, causing conflicts between serious fencers and those just playing.