Extracurricular activities for kids

[VaBusa]

I watch my neighbors stay busier than I can even fit in a weekly schedule with just one of their sons and baseball and soccer...they're grooming the youngest now for the same, and I've felt the pressure of getting my sons involved in something lately...

I feel bad that I didn't sign my oldest up for tee ball this year...just can't swing their schedules with our schedules, but I'm starting to think I'd rather get them involved in dirt bikes more, maybe sign 'em up with a "league", racing, etc...both of my sons LOVE the 50 cc Honda we bought last summer; another Honda is already in the works because they are now fighting over who's turn it is on the dirt bike, especially since Dad built them an awesome track through the woods yesterday.  My 3 year old is "scary good" at riding.  I'm not kidding; he's impressive in his skills, the lines he takes in the turns, watching him 'tap' the brake just enough to take a turn without losing steam, how quickly he grabs both brakes to stop on a dime.  He spins tires because it's fun and now my 5 year old is trying his best to learn just how to do that

 He seems to have really taken to riding...I'm not yet sure how I feel about that LOL but it impresses the hell out of me...

I hate that I can't "do it all" for them (baseball, soccer, etc), so I'm trying to find an outlet to help build their confidence, sense of sportsmanship, just have fun...aside from the every day riding with kids, is anyone else involved in "organized" dirt biking for your kids?  Would you recommend doing it?  Any negatives?  It seems to be mostly "weekend riding" so that fits in to our schedules far better than most other sports... 

I'm looking in to THIS

Kids can begin at age 4...anyone else involved in something like this for their kids?  Any opinions on doing it?

 

[hbr]

Not quite MX, but there are some great BMX programs up your way.  Mostly weekends.  I believe there is a track in Hampton, VA that runs a nice show.
PM if I can help.



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[VaBusa]

I'm thinking I'd like to stick with MX for now, at least until they find something else they really like...forgot you're big in to BMX...one day I'm sure my kids will be in to that...

You ever travel to Hampton for races?

 

[PDBusa]

Hey M.,

Just some quick input before I get my 4 year old off to Karate class and 11 y.o. to soccer practice.

Anything that your little guys enjoy is great for them. The fact that they are riding is awesome. If you get them involved in an organzation I think it would be great. They will learn responsibility for the machines, scheduling and the need for practice, how to handle twisties...not like Mom

(dammit Hank, stay out of this).
Dirt bikes and motocross is definately sport. And I think it's one that will help them learn and grow as individuals, and also you all grow as a family and team.
Just my $.02. Wish we had something like that here.

 

[hbr]

Been there bunches.  Closest to you this year is Woodbridge, VA.  Next big race is Raleigh, NC  Memerial Day weekend.  

Nasty digger when I was 13 on a CR125 and that was the end of MXing in our house.  

Jeremy McGrath started in BMX, the things you see in MX happen on a BMX bike first  

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[VaBusa]

Hey M.,

Just some quick input before I get my 4 year old off to Karate class and 11 y.o. to soccer practice.

Anything that your little guys enjoy is great for them. The fact that they are riding is awesome. If you get them involved in an organzation I think it would be great. They will learn responsibility for the machines, scheduling and the need for practice, how to handle twisties...not like Mom

(dammit Hank, stay out of this).
Dirt bikes and motocross is definately sport. And I think it's one that will help them learn and grow as individuals, and also you all grow as a family and team.
Just my $.02. Wish we had something like that here.

Hey, Hank! Unlike Mom, my boys will have two-wheel experience prior to turning 30!

I didn't have that and boy do I regret it now...now, Hank - TO THE CORNER!

Karate's another I've considered...don't know why I feel pressured to get 'em involved in school sports, but I do...the schedules are horrible for parents that both work...

*sigh* Thanks for the advice and additional bashing LOL

 

[Gunnybusa]

Heres a good site for you VBee Dirt bike school

 

[VaBusa]

Thanks Gunny...just saved the site...can't start the boys 'til their 6, but it would be a must for them when they reach that age.

 

[HT_USMC]

No MX schools nearby

But some more food for thought possibly? We take Martial Arts (Small Circle Jujitsu and Tae Kwan Do) together two nights a week and a few Saturdays a month. It's a kiddo and adult class combined so they split the class when we're done with the warm-ups and basic moves (the kids don't need to know the more lethal side of things yet kind of deal). It's really helped their confidence a lot! I can be overbearing at times and their confidence has taken a hit in the past, which the instruction has also helped me level out a bit.

I got the nicest call about my oldest son, 10 years old, from his principal the other day. It seems he and another boy got into a fight at school. I sank a little and thought, "oh great, how bad did he hurt this kid". The principal continued by telling me she didn't understand why a 10 year old boy would take three punches to the face and just walk away and not even run to the teacher. I was so amazingly proud of him and certain I misunderstood her at the same time! I asked him why he didn't fight back, almost upset with him(though we do have an understood zero fighting at school policy)... I mean three punches to the face, come on kiddo! His reply was classic. "Well dad", he starts, "that boy doesn't know how to hit. Besides it didn't hurt as much as it does when we all spar in class". I just about fell out of my chair.

I'm glad I'm not a spectator and have been able to participate in his "sport" of choice. Bonding there. However, I think we've bonded more from the aftermath of it all. I really respect his ability to reason and act accordingly.



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[A'Busa'd]

Here in Florida, there is an organization called Florida Trail Riders. It has a huge membership and a full racing schedule of all forms of off-road racing, including MX.

My son and I were members and I have to say that it was a great experience! Very family oriented. Never met anyone unpleasant. And there's something for everyone. The little guys and girls were amazing on the track. I'm sure some of them would have lapped me!

If you can find something like FTR in your area, you will be very happy.

Word of caution; it's dangerous. I have been at a couple of events where racers had to be air-lifted to the hospital after bad crashes. Get your little guys some instruction.

Other than that, it's great fun. You might find yourself wanting to join in as well.

 

[captain]

BOYSCOUTS

Confidence
Leadership
Excellent life skills
Practical lessons
Experience helping the community
Sense of ownership and involvement
Exercise
Camping
Hiking
Ropes

its a great place for them

 

[omslaw]

I was thinking the same thing, Cap!

Well, Michelle, FWIW...

My kids don't do the MX/BMX stuff, but I can relate to the busy parent thing (it's a miracle I made it to the Bash!)

I coach my Son's Baseball team
I coach my Son's Soccer team
I'm Cubmaster for my Son's Scout Pack
My Wife coaches my Daughters' Soccer team
" " " " " T-ball team
" " is Den leader for my Son's Scout Den (& Committee Chair)
" " is PTO President @ my Son's school


Somewhere in all that, we manage to get some sleep!

Good luck - it sounds like MX would be a blast for them!