A 3 Minute Read For Parents of Active Kids
MICHAEL J. ROBINSON·MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2016
I rarely create long posts; most people are too busy to read them anyway. When I do, its because I really have something to say. And today I want to say something to parents of active kids.
Please take 3 minutes out of your day to read this, and I promise, I won't ask you for anything else today. You can get back to all the other craziness in your life.
TEAM SPORTS ARE AWESOME, BUT NOT FOR EVERYONE
Most parents have their kids in some organized team sport, and that is good. They're fun and kids learn about team work, effort and get away from a screen. I grew up playing team sports and I still love them. However, not all kids love team sports and not every kid gets to play as much as they want. While team sports are great, they're not for every kid.
THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE . . . AND ITS PROBABLY IN YOUR GARAGE
As a parent if your kid (boy or girl) is looking for a sport that combines individuality with team concepts, I can't stress enough to check out BMX bicycle racing.
Its the GREATEST sport you've probably never considered. I know we didn't . . . until we did, and everything changed for the better.
I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE
The general motto is that "no one sits on the bench", and that could not be more true. EVERYONE participates. In fact, the more the merrier.
No parent complains that their kids aren't getting enough playing time. And no parent ever complains that some other kid is getting more playing time.
If it is your kid's first day at the track and he or she want to race, by golly they will get the chance to race against kids their own age and skill level.
PAY AS YOU GO. PRACTICE WHEN YOU WANT. RACE WHEN YOU WANT. ITS UP TO YOU.
Kids can race or practice as much or as little as they want and as the parent, you control the cost and the time commitment. Its usually $5.00 to practice on practice nights and $10.00 to race on race days, per kid, for hours and hours of activity.
Most tracks have a designated "coach" to provide tips and advice. Every track has awesome parents willing to answer any questions.
WE ARE A COMMUNITY . . .AND WE ROOT FOR EACH OTHER.
You want to meet a group of really excellent people from all over, in real life and not just via Facebook? If so, then go to your local track. That's where they all are.
We've met and befriended scores of families and some have become our closest friends.
BMX racing is the ultimate family sport.
ITS "HEART IN YOUR THROAT" EXCITING
Races are short. Usually under a minute. It is a sprint after-all. But I double dog dare you to breath during the race. You won't. Races are nail-biting. Think buzzer-beater, or the last at-bat . . . all the time. Yeah, its that good.
ITS AS SAFE AS ANY OTHER SPORT
We've had our fair share of ER visits as parents of active kids, but NEVER because of BMX racing. Its always been because of some other physical activity.
And remember, your kids compete against kids their own age and skill level. That is by design.
Do the kids sometimes fall? Yup. Do they get the occasional bumps, scrapes and bruises? They sure do. Do they get right back up and finish the race? Usually. And do they shake it off before the next race? Almost always.
YOUR KIDS WILL BE IN GREAT PHYSICAL CONDITION
Its bicycle riding combined with sprinting. High interval intense training. They will develop strong legs, cardio-vascular endurance, coordination and self-control. They will sweat, and they will love it.
KIDS WILL LEARN MORE ON A TRACK THAN ALMOST ANYWHERE
I suppose I'm guilty of burying my lead. Perhaps I should have started with this, but, like a good racer, I wanted to finish strong.
It would be impossible (for me anyway) to list everything your child will learn on a bicycle track, so here is just a sampling:
Self-reliance - They are on their own out there. They may join a racing team, but on the track its every racer for him/herself.
Courage - It take guts to try to go as fast as you can over obstacles designed to slow them down. They will learn to conquer their fear. Conquest is good.
How to Win . . . and Lose - Some days you're kid will be the dog. Some days you're kid will be the hydrant. Its the way life is and racing is no different. Someone will win. Everyone else will not. When the race is over, they're all friends again. And there will be another race soon.
Effort is Rewarded - Practice makes, well, not perfect, but certainly better. The more they practice and compete, the better they will get. Results are instant and effort matters. They will learn that.
Sometimes Its Possible to Do Everything Right . . . And Still Not Finish First - This can be a hard lesson for kids to learn, but sometimes, someone else will make a mistake that will effect them on the track. It happens on the track, just like in life. On those occasions, the kids learn to pick themselves up, and start again. There will be another chance soon. There always is.
Life is a Participation Activity - So is racing. Everyone participates. As in life, nothing happens until you get in the game.
There Are No Participation Trophies - See Effort is Rewarded above. 1st, 2nd and 3rd get trophies. Results matter. Your kids will learn that in racing. And it will motivate them. Once they taste winning they will NEVER want to taste anything else again.
Determination - Most of these kids amaze me with their determination. Failure is only final if they quit. And these kids never quit. Its the same as in life. Get knocked down? Pick yourself back up. They will learn that.
Resiliency - They will fall. They will fail. It will break their hearts (and yours too). But they will get back on the bike and they will try again, and again and again and again. And they will be proud of themselves, and you will be proud of them.
Friendships - They will make friends from all over. I promise. It happens.
Responsibility - Its their bikes; they need to take care of them or they don't ride. They will take care of their bike.
There is alot more they learn than what I've listed, and other BMX parents (that's what we call ourselves) can certainly add to my list and expound upon it better than I can, but if you or your kids have any interest, please feel free to contact Trumbull BMX through Facebook or www.TrumbullBMX.com.
