Ridecamp: [RC] [Guest] Children and horses, motorcycles, skiing, etc.

Char Antuzzi char_antuzzi@xxxxxx
I am the mom to a very active 10 year old boy. I would much rather have my 
son face both the mental and physical stress by being in a "sport" (in his 
case motocross) then the mental and physical stress of peer pressure and 
drugs! Yes, even at 10 years old, there are kids that are trying out drugs 
and we live a great country life! I find that by having my child suceed 
(not by winning but by going out and trying) this gives him the much needed 
inner strength to say "NO" to things he might be lean toward due to peer 
pressure. Are all kids that are involved in sports not going to try things 
because of peer pressure, NO! Does a 5 year old try drugs, probably not. 
But, if you can give the child something to focus on, get a strong self 
image (and what better way then to cross a finish line, first or last)and 
yes, let them face something that is demanding on them physically I see no 
harm in this. I cringe when I see my "little boy" on that big motorcycle at 
the starting line, would I ever say no he couldn't do it because he's to 
young, NEVER! If he however came to me and told me he didn't want to race 
anymore I would of course honor his wishes... then I'd go by him a horse!
Let the kids ride and lets assume the parents have the responsibility to 
make it as safe as possible.


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

If you are an AERC member - PLEASE VOTE in the upcoming By-Laws 
Election!!!! (it takes 2/3rds to tango!!)

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=