| Author | Message | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 494 Registered: 10-2002 |
Children love Ferraris. Long live the 4-seater Ferrari! | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 2157 Registered: 7-2001 |
The kids aren't the problem, the parents are. If they haven't taught the kids how to behave, they won't. Anybody that has 'good' kids know what I mean, the few ruin it for the many. I watched a teenage kid put an orange street cone on the hood of a 550 Saturday night, but he wouldn't be banned from any event whereas my 5 year old would make some people squirm. | ||
| Patrick Denonville (Arizonaguy)
Member Username: Arizonaguy Post Number: 375 Registered: 4-2003 |
Alex, you have a private message. | ||
| Alex Papas (Alexpapas)
New member Username: Alexpapas Post Number: 33 Registered: 2-2003 |
My two boys love Ferraris, but more importantly I love them infinitely more than any inanimate hunk of metal and leather. You can replace a car, but you simply can't replace your kids. So to those in our community who don't want kids around their cars, too bad - you're missing out on the one segment of the population who truly love the cars because of what they and not for what they represent | ||
| PSk (Psk)
Member Username: Psk Post Number: 814 Registered: 11-2002 |
I wouldn't take my 18 month year old son to a car show yet ... he would wear me out. Plus lets face it he is not going to enjoy it, unless Bob the Builder has one of his farm vehicles there  In a few years time I'll take him to one, and by that stage he WILL know how to behave and as important, enjoy it more. Pete | ||
| Bart Duesler (The_bart)
Junior Member Username: The_bart Post Number: 237 Registered: 1-2003 |
My 20 year son is learning how to drive a stick in my 550. A Ferrari is just a car. The finest but still just a car. So what if he misses a shift or stalls it in first. If kids are not welcome at an event, I will pass it. Any age kid, 1 year old to 20. Heck, I have seen adults who should not be allowed to come to an event. | ||
| Patrick Denonville (Arizonaguy)
Member Username: Arizonaguy Post Number: 371 Registered: 4-2003 |
I'm being serious here...Being 15 as of today do I count as a kid? I know not to touch etc...I just admire, drool, and ask to take pictures, enless the car is on display. | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 2186 Registered: 10-2002 |
I think Frank has made a very good point. We took our kids with us all over the world, to restaurants, on planes, and to shows. You can teach them to behave. It's the parents. Having my family enjoy my hobby with me has made me very happy but it wouldn't if my kids behaved like monsters. | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 368 Registered: 3-2002 |
As a parent of three who loves his kids far more than his Ferrari, I'll say that I like that there are kids-included events AND kids-not-included events... for various reasons. For one, the wife and I like to do some things that get us away from kids. And Ferrari events can be good ones. For another, I can fully understand how certain car owners with truly collectible concours-quality cars would not want kids around... not so much because of the kids, but because of the subset of inconsiderate or oblivious parents. While adults may be just as likely to lean against a car or drop something on it or otherwise be inconsiderate... its easy to yell at inconsiderate adults... you really don't want to even speak negatively to a kid who can't be expected to know better... you want to yell at the parents... but nothing is more violently defensive than a parent about their parenting skills. I have been to many an event where I have been totally appalled by parents allowing kids to behave wholly inappropriate. Enzo sitting on display... two kids yell that they want to sit in it and race to jump through the open window. OMG! With that said, I also think there is a place for kid-friendly events. I'll happily let a kid touch my car or sit in my car... as long as their not holding some metal toy or such And I like to bring my kids to see Ferraris other than my own. And as to some of Luke's other comments, I have seen many kid-raising Ferrari owners. But there are indeed many non-kid-raising Ferrari owners... and once again, that is another good reason for non-kid Ferrari events in the mix... Anyway, I guess I am advocating tolerance of a mix of events... | ||
| Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member Username: Donv Post Number: 123 Registered: 1-2002 |
I'll chime in here as well. I have two kids, a son who is almost 6 and a daughter who is 2 1/2. I take my son, especially, to various car shows and races (the Portland Historics being the most recent). That is one reason why I favor the 2+2 cars, as well (but not the only reason). Beautiful 250GTE, BTW! | ||
| Andy Barre (Abarre)
New member Username: Abarre Post Number: 6 Registered: 7-2003 |
Here are some pictures, they didn't attach to the previous message...   | ||
| Andy Barre (Abarre)
New member Username: Abarre Post Number: 5 Registered: 7-2003 |
I specifically bought my Mondial 3.2 cab for its "real" back seats. I had to replace the retractor seatbelts with standard belts to firmly lock in the carseats, but it works really well. My 2 and 5 year-old daughters love going for "red-car rides". Every where I go, people remark that it's the first Ferrari they've ever seen with kid seats. Some even take pictures. When the kids leave the house, I'll get a two-seater. For now, I can't imagine them missing out on the fun. In fact, my 5-year-old went to her first day of preschool ever in the Mondial. That's not spoiling her is it? ;-) | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Advanced Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2767 Registered: 9-2001 |
My kids(5, 7 & 9) often go with me to car shows and races. I have taught them to look and not touch and they obey. But, that has to start at home not at the first car show they attend. | ||
| Luke Kowalski (Lukek)
New member Username: Lukek Post Number: 13 Registered: 5-2003 |
I went to a local show and displayed my GTE there. There were no ropes. An older woman decided that she wanted to have a picture made with her friend, posing in front of the car. She thought all the scale models were cute displayed on the dash. She put down her purse, her keys (big set!), and her coat on the trunk of my car. On another occasion, a friend had an older guy just open the door to his TZ1 Alfa and sit down, completely without permission. Does it mean that we need to ban older folks, along with kids, from all the car shows? Seniors can have lapses, and forget to think about the consequences of their actions, it happens to some percentage.... If in any facet of life, we catered laws and regulations to protect ourselves from the occasional bad seed, or accidents, we would have a very strict, freedom-deprived situation, no? Managing risk, instead of overreacting to it is the solution, IMO. A nice big sign that says do not touch and you are responsible for your kid would be required. Optional ropes for those who do not want to talk to the attendees and do not trust the masses to respect their posessions? Like I said, I do not expect the organizers to welcome kids at time trials or late night socials, but shows should not ban kids. It is like saying that kids cannot go to a museum, because some irresponsible parent might let a kid loose and the kid slashes a painting. If somebody wants to share their multi-million dollar price only with a certain chosen section of the population, they can pick an appropriate event. I will be at Concorso Italiano with my kids (sorry). This is what the event FAQ says: Are children allowed at the event? Concorso Italiano is an adult-oriented event, though children are allowed. Children under 12 are admitted free, when accompanied by a paying adult. I think that free admission encourages rather than discourages the family from taking part in the hobby. On a less philosophical note, here is a pic of one of the models I let my son play with: thx luke  | ||
| spivy360 (Spivy)
New member Username: Spivy Post Number: 48 Registered: 3-2003 |
My son in Enzo at Hartford event.  | ||
| Jim Avery (Boxer12)
Junior Member Username: Boxer12 Post Number: 53 Registered: 6-2003 |
I don't think its the people with Ferraris or other nice cars at home that are the problem, its the same folks that will sling their door open at the local mall without regard to the $90,000 M-B in the slot next to them that also show up at car shows with strollers and unruly kids. Its a fact. People who respect their own car would obviously teach their kids to respect the property of others. Luke, I am sure you are in that category. But what do you say to John Q. Public with Dennis the Menace at his side running a stroller past your car??? You can't always buff out those stroller scrapes! I have had that experience last year (it was Joan, actually). Not the scratch, but a close call (thank you Ferrari gods!). | ||
| Luke Kowalski (Lukek)
New member Username: Lukek Post Number: 12 Registered: 5-2003 |
I have seen some "pseudo-Recaro" seats for kids at Toys'R us (they are all 5 point harnesses). I like the following as a source for fun Ferrari stuff for kids. I bought a neat F1 jumpsuit here, and he can get away with wearing it. http://www.maranellosales.com/store/products.asp?cat=5&sub=6 There is also speedgear and they have a ton of Ferrari kids stuff. http://www.speedgear.com/ Perhaps a list sponsor has some Ferrari branded kiddie stuff? Here is a hat that my kid refuses to leave home without  | ||
| Brian W (Jetx)
New member Username: Jetx Post Number: 49 Registered: 6-2003 |
DGS, your story sounds like another one I recalled that actually involved my son. We were at the Concorso show a few years back, and my son (who was 2 at the time) made a bee-line for an F-40. I naturally scooped him up inches away, when the owner (whom I knew through the Ferrari club) dismissed the whole thing "my kids are always putting their hands on the car." He actually encouraged me to let my son paw at the car (which I did - and with a concerned look on my face). No damage, no scratches, no lollipops in hand. He actually didn't care (and he uses his Ferraris a lot - no garage queens here). Maybe because he knew me he let it slide, but I don't think so. I purposely bought a Mondial T instead of a TR or 355 so I could take the family with me on drives. Only did it twice so far (finding out it's usually my son and I that go). As a parent, I want my children to use caution, not just around Ferrari's, but everything they come in contact with. Whether my car or anyone elses, I want him to be polite (even at 4, and yes, he can be) and careful, not careless. I also am keen on noticing if an owner is doing the pre-grimace wincing, in which case I'd intervene much sooner. Will I keep my kids 50 feet from others Ferraris? Certainly not. If my kids happen to have Thomas the Tank Engine wooden toys with metal parts, will I keep them 50 feet from other Ferraris? You bet! Let's face it, a childs hand is no more likely to do damage to a car than an adults hands. And our cars aren't made out of paper mache. But a child with an object in their hand near these cars, that's where I think parents need to be more in tune with the environment and what's going on both around their kids, and with their kids. I also think that parents should bring their kids to events if they're also going to spend time with their kids. Bringing them, and then ignoring them while the parent(s) are off talking with other friends is a no-no in my book. That's likely where an accident will happen. So my attitude (as a parent) is if you want to bring your family, make sure to keep it a family event. That's part of the Ferrari experience. Doesn't have to be an adult hobby. | ||
| sindo rodil (308qv_miami)
Junior Member Username: 308qv_miami Post Number: 64 Registered: 5-2003 |
Speaking of kids..... I have one on the way, where can I buy a racing inspired baby car seat. In red of course. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 1397 Registered: 3-2001 |
Wow, you can sure tell who has kids on this thread... better yet, you can really tell the people who don't have kids! I've got to think most of us with smaller kids have taught them not to touch nice cars at shows (or anywhere). I have a 10 yr old boy and a 6 yr old daughter and they were taught at a very young age. The problem isn't with our kids, it's with everyone elses kids at these shows! I have a neighbor who loves Ferrari's. He brings his 2 year old boy over while I'm in the garage... the little boy puts his hands all over my car, opens up the door, crawls in, puts his hands all over the windshield. And his Dad just stands there and smiles at him. | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 748 Registered: 4-2002 |
I have 2 kids, a 3yr girl and 2 week old boy (hence me not getting onto the chat board much in the last couple weeks!) and I couldn't have put it bettter than Jim Avery. I love kids but I do have a very uncomfortable feeling when they are 'playing' near nice cars (the cars don't have to be mine for me to squirm). | ||
| DGS (Dgs)
Junior Member Username: Dgs Post Number: 212 Registered: 5-2003 |
A while back, during a "wish list" thread on another forum, I put down a TR-60 as a desired car. Then I thought about it. There's no way I'd park a TR-60 at the supermarket, or the office, or the mall, or ... Just when would I use such a car? So I'm happy with my 328 -- a Ferrari for the real world. But, judging from all the e/bay ads -- 30 year old cars with 200 miles on them -- this attitude is not universal. There are those, apparently, who buy a Ferrari as an "investment" -- who polish it, hug it, pet it, call it "George"  , but never drive it. Event organizers have to try to please everyone. You want kid-friendly events. But the organizers have to worry whether someone who just spent three years and the pension restoring a 365 California is going to want to see a kid's lollipop stuck on the side. I've also noticed that people who don't own these cars often worry about them more than the ones that do. I pulled into my garage a while back, and a toddler (about 2, I think) made a bee-line for the Ferrari. I didn't mind -- I admired the kid's taste: three shiny cars, and the kid ignored the ricer and Alfa and made straight for the Ferrari. But the kid's mother zoomed over and snatched up the kid, warning him not to touch, taking him away before I could even mention that the car gets fingerprints all the time. The kid didn't start screaming until the mother took him away from the Ferrari -- way to go, kid! Or maybe she was just afraid that the kid would start demanding a Ferrari of his own, later in life. | ||
| Luke Kowalski (Lukek)
New member Username: Lukek Post Number: 11 Registered: 5-2003 |
I can accept a compromise, I think. What if I do take them to the next car show, but chain them securely to the picnick table (10 foot rumpus radius). With regard to screaming, I can always get one of those dog collars that send an electrical every time the dog barks. The neck diameter should be about right. If you need any more info, please reference Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (just got mine on DVD). Look up the episode with the child catcher in Vulgaria, a country where smelly children are not allowed. Seriously, I am enjoying all the pics. If there are any local F-car owners with young kids (peninsula, SF area), please reply off-list. | ||
| Sean F (Agracer)
Member Username: Agracer Post Number: 277 Registered: 2-2003 |
Well, I've taken the twins Matthew  and Kevin  too the show on the Plaza and one member let them sit in the car and was very nice to them. Chris Parr also showed them his basement and all his toy cars and gave them a ride in the toy F-40 in his basement (remember those pics he posted) so I'm not sure what the problem with kids is. I think you have to be smart about where you take them. Some events are probably fine, but the progressive dinner this Sunday is probably not. Oh, Eric  and John Luke are probably too small.  YES I'm showing off, I managed to take some great photos of them on day with my SLR, not to mention they are real CUTE! | ||
| Terry (Dogue)
Member Username: Dogue Post Number: 358 Registered: 9-2001 |
I see a lot more crying on this forum, from supposed adults, than I ever have from my two rug rats. I have always taken my kids to private areas for a little stern discussion when they start screaming, whether it is at a restaurant or the mall, It doesn't matter my kids are not allowed to act like that, even though they sometimes do. | ||
| Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
Member Username: Ralfabco Post Number: 583 Registered: 3-2002 |
Terry and Dom: Those kid pics are great. I bet you have alot of little fingerprints to wipe off the glass at times. I do. I got three little kids and my wife to go on a short trip around a few blocks. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5334 Registered: 5-2001 |
damn, where is my smilly gif when I need it!  | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5333 Registered: 5-2001 |
I think all kids should be banned from Ferrari events. Who wants these scream machines in their time off? Leave them home with the nanny for crying out loud! Otherwise I agree with Bruce, feed them to the fishes! <controversial> | ||
| Terry (Dogue)
Member Username: Dogue Post Number: 357 Registered: 9-2001 |
It was really not meant seriously, but when I first joined F-chat there was a lot of threads debating whether non-owners should post. I have also had to go into long explanations with new members of our club as to why I would join and not have a car. Many people I have met when they find out I am a member they quickly ask if I own one, when I say not yet, they always reply with something like "they allow that?". It is hard to explain enthusiasm. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5332 Registered: 5-2001 |
Terry, now why should you not be a FCA member or a F_Chat member? | ||
| Dom Vitarella (Dom)
Member Username: Dom Post Number: 323 Registered: 11-2002 |
Luke, I agree. They key is responsibility. In my incident with the pine cone, had it actually hit the car, I would have walked up to the owner and made amends. Even if it meant repainting the whole car. I have a responsibility for my kids, and it is up to me to ensure that they behave. When they don't, I am responsible. I hope more people will take responsibility for their kids, so that we can continue to enjoy these shows. Dom | ||
| Terry (Dogue)
Member Username: Dogue Post Number: 356 Registered: 9-2001 |
I do not own a Ferrari (and I know that is a whole other debate about whether I should be a member of FCA or this forum), but I am the communications director of our local club and I attend almost every event. I every so often bring my kids, a 4 year old girl and a 2 year old girl. They have never caused a problem, they both know not to touch cars, and I reinforce this every few minutes with a "remember DON'T Touch". I have a few friends that encourage them to touch their cars and undermine my reinforcement , but as of yet they have never touched any car that they didn't first get permission. If I cannot share my passion with my loved ones it would really not be a club I would be interested in being a part of. I understand certain events being adult exclusive, but those usually are the exception and not the rule.   | ||
| Luke Kowalski (Lukek)
New member Username: Lukek Post Number: 10 Registered: 5-2003 |
I agree there are irresponsible parents out there, but banning kids from all shows would be an overreaction to the few bad seeds. We are all very fortunate and lucky to own a Ferrari. IMO, it entails an obligation to share with others. If we have shows where everything is roped off and inaccessible, just in case a kid should touch it, or a bird crap on the leather, it will not be much fun for anyone. I always tell Jacob to hold hands while walking by a Lusso, or any other car. Buit if an accident does happen (whether I drop my camera, or he puts a smudge on the fender), I will make things right with the owner. If a club organizer cannot accept this, they should only arganize events where cars are viewed inside plexiglass containers and entry is only granted after an intensive interrogation and a credit check. Maybe I should be more anal about my car. I use mine and accept certain risks associated with taking it out on the street, show, or track. If a kid goes wow at a gas station, I let him sit in it, without making him put on clean room / museum booties... Events would be easier to make more inclusive if people believed in being more responsible for their actions and their kids, so I understand people's points about screaming brats running among very expensive cars... | ||
| "The Don" (The_don)
Senior Member Username: The_don Post Number: 6194 Registered: 8-2002 |
Jim, I agree with you. Maybe we have a good group that hangs out together. We have never had that problem. There are some a$$clown parents out there. | ||
| Jim Avery (Boxer12)
New member Username: Boxer12 Post Number: 50 Registered: 6-2003 |
Unfortunately, there is always some parent who lets their 3 year old start pushing the stroller around....and the ropes are just an enticement. (See, Circle car show at Indy last year at FCA-CIC). Car shows are no place for toddlers or youngsters because you just can't keep them away from pretty cars. Now, I have been there, and am a parent of two, so don't think I am prejudice. It is a matter of common sense (which some parents lack). How is an organizer going to know which parents have sense and which don't??? Beautiful car and kids Luke. | ||
| Luke Kowalski (Lukek)
New member Username: Lukek Post Number: 9 Registered: 5-2003 |
Dom Thanks for a nice post, exactly the kind I was trying to solicit... I had a GT4 (10438) before I got the 250 GTE. I sold it to a friend during the height of the dot com craze. He made out because the stock he sold to pay for it was soon worthless, and I got a pretty good price. FYI: I found that a Porsche branded Britax seat fits in the back of the GT4 (seat has a narrow base), for when the second one comes ! Congrats. | ||
| "The Don" (The_don)
Senior Member Username: The_don Post Number: 6192 Registered: 8-2002 |
I understand. I have two so it must not bother me anymore. Next long drive I will bring my 2 year old and they can play | ||
| Dom Vitarella (Dom)
Member Username: Dom Post Number: 322 Registered: 11-2002 |
The Don, My concern on long drives is that if she gets tired/bored, she can be a real handful. I don't think anybody minds kids, but that might change if its a screaming kid. That's why I prefer shorter drives with her. Dom | ||
| "The Don" (The_don)
Senior Member Username: The_don Post Number: 6190 Registered: 8-2002 |
Dom
I have always said on our long drives that she is welcome. I think you are more worried about what others are thinking then what is actually the case. It's nice to see kids at the events. Jim brought his son a couple of drives. The whole hearst castle drive is focus around kids and family. I guess I am different but I love to have kids on our events. I agree a autocross is not a place for them but a weekend drive should not kid unfriendly. discrimination is discrimation. regardless of age. I'll see you Sat morning @ 7:00 | ||
| Dom Vitarella (Dom)
Member Username: Dom Post Number: 321 Registered: 11-2002 |
Luke, Nice car, and nice kids! I have a 2year old daughter, and am expecting a new baby boy in september. My daugher is definately a tifosi, and I've posted several photos of her in past threads. My daugher loves riding in the GT4. The kid seat I have does not fit well into the back seat of the GT4, so we put it in the front seat. My daughter loves this, since she can wave to people as we drive by. If I ask her if she wants a ride in the ferrari, she always responds with a YES!! I have attended several So cal/FDC drives with her, and have never had any problems. But, I've been wary of long drives as well. I know what you mean about doing things when they nap. If I am waxing the car, she always wants to help. I can give her a microfiber towel to rub against the car, but she will also rub it against the wheels, on the floor, and then back on the body  Same thing if I try to fix things, she always wants to "help" If my wife is around to keep an eye on her, I do encourage it, since she enjoys it. I haven't had any bad experiences yet, but almost did one weekend at the crystal cove car show. We were walking around together looking at the cars, and my daughter picked up a pine cone and was playing with it. All of a sudden, she decided to fling it at a really nice vintage jaguar. Thank god, she missed, but I felt awful nonetheless. I quickly picked her up and gave her a time out, while explaining that she should never throw things at cars. Since my wife is currently pregnant, I've used that as an opportunity for some bonding with my daugher. Especially during the first trimester, when my wife had awful morning/day sickness, I would take my daughter and just go out for a drive, so we could let my wife rest. So, I think Ferrari's and children do mix. My daugher is a true tifosi, and hope that my forthcoming son will be also. Dom  | ||
| Luke Kowalski (Lukek)
New member Username: Lukek Post Number: 8 Registered: 5-2003 |
A couple of yous missed the point, or I was not clear enough. I understand why some club events are not kid-friendly, that is fine. I do not expect the club to welcome my 2 year old at a time trial, come on... I oferred (and sought) advice about how to make do: which events work for a Ferrari maven with kids, and which do not. On the other hand, there is a certain amount of arrogance, as cited in my "Zoo event" example. Folks who hate kids, value their Ferraris more than anything else (have no lives of their own beyond the club), or tend to be overly serious with rules and exclusionary. I will continue to attend club events, post to forums, and enjoy my kids. All I was trying to do is to see how all of this could be better reconciled. So this is not a bitching session, but I am interested in hearing what events other Ferrari owners do with their young kids. | ||
| Rijk Rietveld (Rijk365gtb4)
Member Username: Rijk365gtb4 Post Number: 255 Registered: 1-2002 |
Luke, Good to see your car in good shape. I am this week in Holland and visited Arie Mandemakers from AME. He was clearing out his car and came across your fax. Funny coincidence. Rijk PS. I have two boys, 6 and 8. | ||
| Tillman Strahan (Tillman)
Member Username: Tillman Post Number: 807 Registered: 11-2001 |
There are many events in life that are not appropriate for small children who run around and scream. If an organizer of an event feels that their event is not appropriate, then parents should accept that viewpoint and get a babysitter. If you don't like that, organize another event and invite the kiddies. | ||
| Bruce Wellington (Bws88tr)
Intermediate Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 2428 Registered: 4-2002 |
BROTHER MATT HE HAS TO COME TO THE EAST..THEY ARE ALL KID FRIENDLY HERE OR WE FEED THEM TO THE FISH... BRO B | ||
| "The Don" (The_don)
Senior Member Username: The_don Post Number: 6180 Registered: 8-2002 |
Brother Bruce, I think he want's to take his kids but the events are not kid friendly. | ||
| "The Don" (The_don)
Senior Member Username: The_don Post Number: 6179 Registered: 8-2002 |
Luke, I love sharing the f-cars with my 5 and 2 year old. I have noticed that the FCA and FOC events are really not geared to kids. I am not sure if it's insurance reasons or arrogance. When I do events for the FDC, everyone, including kids are welcome. | ||
| Faisal Khan (Tvrfreak)
Member Username: Tvrfreak Post Number: 679 Registered: 3-2003 |
Luke, adorable kids, cool Ferrari! best, f | ||
| Bruce Wellington (Bws88tr)
Intermediate Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 2427 Registered: 4-2002 |
LUKE READ YOUR POST 2X,,STILL DONT KNOW WHAT THE HELL YOUR TALKING ABOUT>. ARE YOU DENOUNCING F-CAR OWNERS OR TRYING TO MAKE SHOWS MORE REALISTIC FOR KIDS?? HELP ME OUT BEFORE I BLOW AN O RING REGARDS, BRUCE | ||
| Luke Kowalski (Lukek)
New member Username: Lukek Post Number: 7 Registered: 5-2003 |
I am not really trying to start a support group, but it would be nice to know that these two are not mutually exclusive in other people's lives. At first glance, tt would seem that way, from the type of events the clubs are organizing and from the "user profiles" one is able to observe (anecdotal evidence here). For the most part Ferrari owners seem to be pre-kids, or their offspring already flew the nest. It makes sense, as young folks are going to have disposible income, while empty nesters have more time (and possibly income, unless they sent the kids to Stanford). I found that shows are actually pretty good for including the kids in the hobby. I took my 2 young ones (2.5 and 8 months) to Palo Alto and Hillsborough Concours. They can run around, park at the picnick table to eat and hide from the sun. I also loved the raised eyebrows when I changed one of the diapers by paying the kid down in the trunk of the Ferrari (it was before the public came to ogle the cars...). I even took them both to the tech session (older one pigged out on crackers while the younger one took a nap). Long drives and rallies are out of the question, unless I make a deal with the wife (I did for the Anti-Football run organized by Martin Swig of the California Mille Miglia fame). Working on the car only happens when the kids are asleep, as the young one wants to help, poking at everything with a screwdriver. He loves to sit in the car and steer. He also does well when it comes time to wash the car, as long as I remind him that the brush is only for the wheels. I take a lot of pleasure in seeing his smile and pride in accomplishing something. My youngest is attracted to anything covered in Connolly (no damage to the car or the baby, BTW). The only negative experience I have had was with one event, where I tried to sign up for the Ferrari/Jazz/Zoo event at my local club, and while my car was good enough to be displayed, the organizer later called me back to say that he could not help overhearing a child in the background and that they were not allowed at the event. Who knows what the reason was, but I found it insulting that someone would not trust me to keep my kid from scratching someone's Mondial or being eaten by a gazelle while I was talking cars with fellow club members. I will leave them home (and I did) for a dinner at the Candy Store, but a Zoo event...?!!! So...these are some ideas for people who are in my position, and please post what you do with your kids and the Ferrari. If one is creative, the two can be reconciled.... luke, Bay Area, CA 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE, 1974 Alfa Spider, 03 Ford, 03 Audi Kids and I: http://www.guigui.com/tatokids.jpg Ferrari: http://www.guigui.com/ferrari3.jpg |