I've ALWAYS had the most pride in my son.
We've gone to several races for 50's, and watched from the sidelines. And, we've seen those parents (both moms and dads) screaming at their child - things like -
"Why didn't you just ride a little harder?"
"You disappoint me, because you can ride harder than that!"
And the worst we've heard -
"I can't believe you're my son...you ride like a girl - we're done!"
Now, with that said - my son had seen all this from the first few races. On that last quote - he actually took it upon himself (all 5 years old of him) to scream back at the dad telling his 7 year old he can't believe that the kid was his son. He said -
"BEEE NIIICE!!!"
I've never seen my son scream with such intensity and poise. Not even when he broke his collarbone @ 4 years old. This kid is a class act (not trying to brag, but I gotta) and has taught me a few things in life.
Then, he walked to the kid and shook his hand, told him he rides 'real nice' and wants to race someday. They started their own conversation, and I was standing there with the father that had just scolded his son for coming in 3rd.
The dad instantly started crying, and realized that he'd taken his emotions way too far.
After we left the races, I took my son for ice cream, told him he had done something special, and I was very proud of him. He did ask "Why did that guy yell at that boy?" I couldn't imagine what was running thru my son's head as he was watching some 40 year old man scream at his 7 year old son.....it's appauling. But he kept his cool as long as he could and then struck just at the perfect moment.
Look for big things in the near future from this kiddo. He's making a grand comeback!