Is anyone else in the same situation as I am. I have 2 sons who race motocross. The eldest takes it pretty casual, but the youngest is proving very talented and for his age is racing at the highest level and racing Supercross as well. The stress of having children do such a dangerous sport is very hard to deal with. The youngest has been in hospital 4 times this year. I would love him to be doing something else, but what do you do when he is so incredabily passionate about the sport and will to do anything including get A averages at school to do the sport. And on the other hand not only do you worry yourself but people not involved in the sport look at you like you are an idiot for letting your sons do it. How does everyone else cope?
Oh and don't bother writing stupid answers as it just wastes everyones time
2006-09-11 18:03:37 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Auto Racing
Thankyou Jonny, but I am already a Motorsport Track Official myself so all that side of things has been covered it is mainly learning to step back and cope with the stress.
2006-09-11 19:11:11 · update #1
I don't know if there is a better way to cope that what you're doing now.
I think any time a kid is doing something that could potentially hurt them, a parent will aways feel their insides tighten up - whether it's flying over a triple on the mx track, or just flying past you on their bike down the street.
Even though motorsports can be dangerous, they are still statistically safer than many 'organized' sports like gymnastics or football.
I know some parents just can't watch their kids race - I think that's a cop-out. You should really take pride in being there and showing your support for the boys - even though it's making your hair turn grey every time they hit the dirt.
Will it ever get better? I don't think so. Would you feel better if the boys were playing football instead? I don't know - probably not much. How about golf? How about if they didn't participate in any sport at all, and were just 'hanging out' with friends you didn't trust?
I think the only thing you can do is try and think of how many things they could be doing that would be so much worse - there are so many good things about motocross. Kids spend way more time with their parents than they would in basketball, etc.
Moto kids seem to really learn independence and responsibiltiy at an early age.
In our club, there are many families. It always amazes me how fun the young ones are to be around at campouts. Most of these kids are pleasant, not whiney, not wrapped up in video games, but interacting with adults and the other kids so much better than their non-riding peers.
I'm not saying all motocross kids are perfect, but the skills they learn in riding seem to help them out in the 'real world' quite a bit.
I guess it's like anything else we do - weigh the good with the bad, and if the good wins out, then we do it.
If the good of motocross still outweighs the bad for your boys, then I guess it's like so many other things you have to do as a mother - you'll have to just deal with it.
As far as what 'other people' think? There will always be those women who say 'how could you allow your kids to do that' - but these ladies would be saying the same thing about a skateboard accident, or a football injury. These people don't matter, and you won't change their little closed minds, no matter what you say to them. What matters is you and your family being happy with your life choices.
I truly respect a mother that can make the right choices and do what makes their family happy. Not many seem to be able to. You are someone very special!
2006-09-12 06:29:52 · answer #1 · answered by ducatisti 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a tough one. I'm 30 and my mom still worries about my love of riding motocross. :) And as for people not involved in the sport- they just don't understand..really- they don't. So don't worry about what they say. Your son is doing something that he absolutely loves and that he excels at. Motocross is a sport where you are going to get hurt- it's not if, but when. I'm not a parent, but for what it's worth, my opinion is this: Make sure he wears all of his safety gear, make sure he's educated in riding safety (sounds like he already is), make him be responsible for his bike, etc. If he's that passionate and talented, let him go for it. Maybe he'll outgrow it, or maybe he'll be the next Jeremy McGrath! Good luck with this!!
2006-09-12 01:11:55 · answer #2 · answered by matty.. 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well its something he loves and he his good at. He is young but he is learning and when he gets older he will get better. Practice makes perfect my dad always said. You got to give him a chance because when he gets older he will do it anyway. Yea I no its a scary thing you never no whats going to happen but the best thing is that your there every race for him. And he well respect you because you were there for him. I see so many parents that let there kids race and believe me if there not on pins and needles every race but also right there for them just look at the young kid on this site. Your not a idiot its your child's dream that's what important!
2006-09-12 02:25:05 · answer #3 · answered by amy m 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have some really good answers here.I wanted to add that you should talk to him about safety before riding. Not in authoritative way but in a help full way. You just want to put the thought in his mind at exactly the right time. If you don't know what to say about it to him ask some other parents and track officials what things they say to the riders, and bring those points up with him along with some some encouragement to do well on his run.
2006-09-12 01:54:31 · answer #4 · answered by Johnny 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Me and my younger brother also race motocross.
We love this sport.Please don't stop your two sons from enjoying the sport they love. They are happy to have a very supportive father.
I live in the Philippines and even though the price of gas is high, we still race and find time to go to the racetrack on weekends.
2006-09-12 01:16:54 · answer #5 · answered by shongo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My byfriend has the same passion for motocross, and I really didn;t want him to get into it as much, but in the end, you have to let them do what makes them happy. You can;t interfear with their passions because if you do, they;ll stop and they;ll remember all their life. What you can do is remark exactly HOW dangerous this sport is and make sure he has all the right equipment and protection, because that makes ALL the difference. If thyey have the right protection, they are good to go.
2006-09-12 01:08:22 · answer #6 · answered by Macy L 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
let them do their best and be on their side all the time. Supportive gesture will speaks louder than just anything. Believe me ... who doesn't want to be supported ? and they will learn to love you back as parent.
2006-09-12 01:10:20 · answer #7 · answered by trademefx 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋