What is the best way to handle this parenting question?

Question

I love my child more than anything in this world. I will always give him whatever he wants. (No, he is not a spoiled brat as he truely appreciates everything).

He is 16, he wants to be a race car driver. He has done several modifications to his car to make it faster. He is very serious to this hopeful career path as now he is enrolled in college mechanic courses.

I want to support him and be there and encourage his goals in life. But, I am so worried about this race car thing as I know he races around town. Of course since he's 16, he thinks he knows everything and that he drives so well a car accident is not imaginable.

I am so scared that one day I am going to get a call, but then at the same time, I want him to know I am behind him in any decision he wants to make in this life. I know he is 16, and I am stuck in between being a mother, his guidance and his support. What should I do? I am so worried about a car accident.

Answer 1

With good reason. You should enroll him in a race car driving school. They will teach him not just driving skills but respect for others lives and his own. The highway patrol used to put out a magazine with pictures of all the accidents every month. I used to manage a Taxicab company and we always put out the issues for the drivers to look at. It is the worlds best deterrent. The pictures were real and VERY graphic. As far as I know they do not publish it anymore BUT if I were you I would contact them and inquire about anything like that they can suggest. I guarantee it will make someone think twice about racing on public streets. there are organizations now which are trying to get these guys who do what your son does off of the street and on the race track. If he is serious about racing and wants to make a career of it, racing on the street will do nothing but spoil his chances at doing it professionaly. Big time sponsers will not give thier money and effort to someone who shows no respect or responsibility for other peoples lives. He has got to take it serious. (his future in the business) It only takes a second to ruin everything. Anyway good luck to you and your son, It sounds like he has got a good mom and he is lucky to have your support.

Answer 2

At some point you have to decide who you are:--- His mother the person responsible for your son's life.. His guidance the person who encourages his life goals.... His support the person who supports his every wish and hope in life.
Not so easy.
I think in the end, you'll make the right decision. You sound like a wonderful, caring mother/parent, brave and loving.
I tend to be too overprotective of my kids, but that's the way I am. If it were me, I'd be saying no way to any fast car racing. But as I said, I am always overprotective. I admire other mother's who can let go a bit. They are strong minded people who, I think, would deal much better with a tragedy than myself.
Only you can find the right answer to this one.

Answer 3

You can point out to him that the very best race car drivers drive in tracks, and when they are on the road they drive at the speed that is posted, Street racers are a whole different group of drivers, as they race on city streets, and the problem is there is no control over what can happen on a city street, wrong things happen all the time that is why you hear about a group of young street racers going to jail for hitting some one or themselves. encourage his career choice, but advise caution so that he can live long enough to enjoy his love of driving

Answer 4

if i were you, support him.. be the cool mom/best friend you can be to your son
BUT give him kind and gentle little warnings so he knows where and what he might get himself into in the future.. just don't be a nag and don't act like you know everything (even if you do ;D) because he might think you're not with him in his dream, and then he might become a little rebellious..
good luck! :D