Almost there...

[Big Tuna]

I have a friend at work that has a little guy that has been saving up for quite some time for a bike. When his dad takes him to the store he gives the choice of toy or $$ to put in his piggy bank; it's the $$ every time, pretty empty toy-box, for 6 year old he's quite focused on getting the bike. Well the deal made with mom was if you can save up the doe you can get the bike; mom thought it would be forgotten and blow over. Next thing mom knows is Jr. has about 800 bucks saved up and should reach his goal by spring. Mom thought it would never happen, and now it looks like dad has to help Jr. convince mom into letting him get the bike. She said she would even rather him get one of those 4-wheeler things:scream: Anyway if anybody has some ideas to help father and son out in their quest for the first bike it would be greatly appreciated. I think when it comes time my wife will be all right when it comes to getting our little one a bike, but racing, that could be a tough one. Has anyone out there seen any parents do a complete 180 and actually become supportive of the sport when they were once dead against it?

 

[bbbom]

Maybe some info for mom on the problems with the 4 wheelers and the safety (with all the gear and supervision to be used of course) of the two wheeler. Also all the benefits of learning balance, steering, mechanical knowledge, responsibility.......

It can be a tough sell to someone that hasn't been around the bikes much. I know I've had more than one person comment that they can't understand how I can let my kids ride and race - should be a better mom I guess but, I learned it all from my mom!:cool:

 

[Soderlund]

I put my 3 year old and my 6 year old on motorcycles back in the spring. Xr50 and Xr70 respectively. I'm trying to sell my **** so I can have more fun on 2 wheels. The kids really want to go racing, as long as it's observed trials. They don't care much for motocross, except freestyle. Keep the kids on two wheels and they learn really well and safer, imo, plus in Michigan they can trail ride a motorcycle with no age restriction. ****s are very restrictive until age 16. Oh ya, remind mom that she gets some peace and quiet or shopping, etc. while the rest of the family goes riding.

 

[Miltonyz]

Yeah my mom used to hate all things motorcycle. When I was about six someone was giving me a ride on one I ended up splitting my chin and getting quite a few stitches. About a week later my sister broke a bone in her hand trying to learn to ride. After that I couldn't get a bike for about 5 years. My dad thank goodness finally talked her into it. She still hated them. I don't know when she changed her mind about them but when I was 13 I broke my foot in three places. As soon as I got my cast off she asked when I was going riding again. Now she screams like a lunatic at my races or so they tell me. She goes nuts when I pass someone. So if you see a crazy lady sitting in a electric scooter at the races screaming like all get out. I'm probably there.

 

[ride_red_15]

my little cousin, me and my big cousin rode all the time, but my aunt didnt want the little one to ride (9 yrs old) . rode his friends xr50, next thing u know hes got a 01xr80, and my aunt wants to get him some competition 65 smoke to race. on that xr, hes FAST he almost keeps up with me and my cousin, and thats pretty fast thru single track

 

[ride_red_15]

sorry, 65 2 smoke*

 

[Big Tuna]

It's great to see some situations where mom went from dead against riding to lunatic race fan:) I think one thing that does this is seeing that huge smile on their childs face after a day of riding.

Re. Almost there...
His dad took him to the dealer, and asked him what do you think of these (4-wheeler) He said "yeah you can get one if you want. I'm getting one of these(bike) ;)
bbbom, I think mothers are genuinely scared of their child hurting themselves, but like you mentioned I think they worry to much about the busy-bodies saying "oh, your a terrible mother if you let your child ride one of those motorbikes" IMO your a bad parent if you over protect, and baby your children, and don't allow them to figure some of life's ups and downs out on there own.

 

[WaltCMoto]

Originally posted by Big Tuna
. Has anyone out there seen any parents do a complete 180 and actually become supportive of the sport when they were once dead against it?

Ya, my wife did just that. when we got married, she hated bikes (had an old boyfriend who took her for a ride and scared the *#!* out of her). What turned her around was hangin with others that have kids that ride. Seeing how much fun they have, the excitment the kids have. Now my family has been riding - begining racing, for 2 years.
As far as getting hurt, so far one cuncusion. Before riding, we had broken bones from the swingset and a scotter crash.
good luck, Walt

 

[Vic]

If mom wants to have credibility in any future negotiations, she'd better keep up her end of the bargain.

 

[KDX MAN]

yeah, my mum and dad told me i couldnt get a bike. Then this guy who was living in a caravan on our property had an old farm bike that he fixed up and gave to me. Mum and Dad couldnt argue if it was free, and it wasn't like it was powerful. Dad has showed his support ever since and mum came to one of my races for the first time yesterday.

Mum and Dad now think its good that I ride as it gets my mind of school on the weekends, and it keeps me constantly active.

 

[Big Tuna]

Originally posted by Vic

If mom wants to have any credibility in any future negotiations, she'd better keep up her end of the bargain.

I agree whole heartedly, and in situations like this kids are like elephants they never forget.
As far as parenting goes, how do DRNers feel about the extreme of the Pastrana's laid back attitude? They take "live and learn" to a whole new level. I hope I can be as supportive as they are, but I think I may be a little more protective.