Pushy parents - karting
Discussion
I take my 6 year old son karting several times per month to Daytona - it's not cheap at £26 per 15 min session and it's a 150 mile round trip but they are the only company that I have found that allow sub 8 year olds to kart
At this age they are not allowed to race but each lap is timed - they are effectively competing against themselves but obviously there can't be anything other than overtaking
After today's session one father hauled off his 6 year old for a (in his raised.voice) a full de-brief, this was after the Marshall's had been quizzed about 'inappropriate' use of blue flags
My de-brief amounted to 'did you have fun'
First time I have come across the 'pushy parent' mentality I have heard so much about - felt really sorry for the child, despite being fully kitted out ( own helmet, gloves, racing boots), enjoyment did not appear to be in the equation for his father
At this age they are not allowed to race but each lap is timed - they are effectively competing against themselves but obviously there can't be anything other than overtaking
After today's session one father hauled off his 6 year old for a (in his raised.voice) a full de-brief, this was after the Marshall's had been quizzed about 'inappropriate' use of blue flags
My de-brief amounted to 'did you have fun'
First time I have come across the 'pushy parent' mentality I have heard so much about - felt really sorry for the child, despite being fully kitted out ( own helmet, gloves, racing boots), enjoyment did not appear to be in the equation for his father
Happens in any activity - swimming, dance, gymnastics, football, cricket, rugby etc etc.
The Vikingettes are in gymnastics squads. It's pretty appalling to see parents shout at their kids from the viewing area, make movements with their arms to coach them from the sidelines and breate them when the session has finished.
The Vikingettes are in gymnastics squads. It's pretty appalling to see parents shout at their kids from the viewing area, make movements with their arms to coach them from the sidelines and breate them when the session has finished.
Disco You said:
How much did he beat your kid by? 
My little un lapped him several times - no idea on lap times as they get emailed out later.I couldn't have cared less if my son had been lapped by everyone as long as he was smiling at the end of it - surely the priority at 6 years of age is enjoyment, all I saw was the enjoyment being kicked out of the poor kid I saw, looked close to tears
That's nothing. Just wait until you see the pushy parents at jr formula races.
Mothers hitting mechanics because their little darling isn't the fastest driver.
Dads having it out with the clerk of the course because the marshals aren't putting blue flags out when darling child can't overtake the kid in front.
Dads getting punchy with other dads.
It's hilarious in a sad way.
Mothers hitting mechanics because their little darling isn't the fastest driver.
Dads having it out with the clerk of the course because the marshals aren't putting blue flags out when darling child can't overtake the kid in front.
Dads getting punchy with other dads.
It's hilarious in a sad way.
t any more. I'd imagine that motor racing is no different.Ved said:
On another point which Daytona?
Manchester - really good venue, apart from traffic when Man U are at home - always check the fixture list before booking for himI used to do a fair amount of karting but enjoy watching my son far more - he loves it and I try to give as much encouragement as possible but never lose sight of the fact that it should be first and foremost fun
When I was a very young nipper (6 or 7 I think) played some footy with school, we lost a inter school game, one of my class mates got a proper arse smacking off his dad for not playing his best when we went to parents cars afterwards!
It's scary stuff!
I know a couple of guys that have kids or grand kids in some youth team for a "big" name club.. Keep banging on about how the child at 11 years old is already worth 50k on the transfer market... Or some such balls...
Frankly if my son doesn't wind up a junkie and gets a half decent job And is happy I will be pleased.
Maybe I've just got low expectations.
It's scary stuff!
I know a couple of guys that have kids or grand kids in some youth team for a "big" name club.. Keep banging on about how the child at 11 years old is already worth 50k on the transfer market... Or some such balls...
Frankly if my son doesn't wind up a junkie and gets a half decent job And is happy I will be pleased.
Maybe I've just got low expectations.
Olf said:
For some people taking a 6 year old on several 150 mile round trips per month for a few minutes carting would seem pushy....
Wtf - I'm a petrol head as is he, he goes when he asks and when I have the time and money, there is only me and him so we spend our complete lives together - I don't see how anyone could see that as pushyGassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff