What do I do when younger kids copy an older sibling’s WWE moves? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a younger child copies dramatic wrestling moves from an older sibling, their motive is usually admiration, not defiance. They want to feel strong, share the excitement, and be part of their older sibling’s world. The problem, however, is that televised moves are carefully choreographed by trained adults on padded stages, whereas your living room has tables, hard floors, and toddlers. Your aim is to preserve the sibling bond and the excitement of their play, while replacing the dangerous moves with safer, more respectful alternatives. 

Explain the Difference Between Performance and Play 

Sit down with both children and explain what professional wrestling really is: a performance. You could say, ‘Those wrestlers are acting. They train for years with coaches and use special padded mats to stay safe. We can enjoy watching them, but we do not copy TV moves in real life.’ Keeping the tone calm and factual helps the younger child understand the rule without feeling shamed for their admiration. 

Establish Non-Negotiable Safety Rules 

Keep your safety rules short and repeat them every time: no contact with the head or neck, no lifting or slamming, and an immediate stop when anyone says ‘pause’. You can post these rules near the play area and recite them together like a pre-game ritual. If a risky move appears, step in with steady authority: ‘Freeze. That is a TV move. We either switch to safe mode or we take a pause.’ 

Create a Designated “Yes” Zone 

Choose a soft, clearly marked area in your home with foam tiles or thick rugs. Explain the boundary: ‘Rough play happens here on the mat. Off the mat, our bodies stay calm.’ It is also helpful to link this space to clear start and stop cues, so that a sense of control is maintained. 

Give the Older Sibling a Leadership Role 

Instead of making the older sibling feel like the problem, empower them by making them the ‘Safety Captain’. Explain that real strength is shown through control and self-restraint. Teach them protective habits, such as starting on their knees, keeping hands below the shoulders, and slowing down if their younger sibling looks unsure. Praise specific moments of restraint: ‘You slowed down as soon as he looked wobbly. That was a great way to keep him safe.’ 

Offer Safe, High-Energy Alternatives 

It is important to replace risky imitations with high-energy games that still feel exciting. You could try timed bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, or pillow tug battles on the mat. Announce them with enthusiasm: ‘Welcome to the Home Championship, Safe Mode! Three rounds!’ The more you make safety a part of the fun, the more natural it will become. 

Coach Consent and “Check-In” Phrases 

Teach two simple scripts: ‘Can I tackle you?’ and ‘Are you okay?’ Practise these during calm times so they are easier to use under pressure. Make it clear that a ‘no’ or ‘not now’ must be respected immediately. 

Handle Mistakes with a Calm Reset 

When a TV move inevitably slips into their play, keep your correction brief. ‘Pause. That was a slam. We must protect our necks and backs. Let us take a quick energy break in the hallway, and then we can restart gently on our knees.’ A short pause followed by a clear path back to safe play protects both your children and your relationship with them. 

Younger Child: ‘Can I do the big jump like on TV?’ 

Parent: ‘That move is just for watching. In real life, we protect our bodies. You can choose: a pillow tug on the mat or a wheelbarrow race.’ 

Older Child: ‘I will be the Safety Captain. We will stay on our knees.’ 

Parent: ‘Brilliant. You can start when you both say yes.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam calls us to combine energy with mercy and to make safety a shared responsibility. Teaching children to avoid dangerous moves, to ask for consent, and to check in on one another is a practical application of ihsan (excellence) in their everyday play. 

The Command for Justice and Excellence 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahal (16), Verse 90: 

‘Indeed, Allah (Almighty) orders you to promote justice and benevolence; and to be generous towards (positively developing) those that are within your jurisdiction; and to prevent that which is immoral, acts of irrationality, and cruelty…’ 

This verse reminds us that even during play, we must choose what is just and excellent, and avoid anything that could cause harm. Replacing reckless imitation with safe, agreed-upon games is a child-appropriate act of ihsan that protects both hearts and bodies. 

Removing Harm as an Act of Faith 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 35, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Faith has over sixty branches, the highest of which is “There is no god but Allah,” and the lowest of which is removing something harmful from the road.’ 

If removing a physical hazard from a path is an act of faith, then removing hazardous moves from our living room is also an act of faith. When you ban head and neck contact, stop dangerous slams, and establish a ‘yes’ zone with rules of consent and care, you are teaching your children that an important part of worship is safeguarding one another.