Anyone a "Big Brother" in that program? | FerrariChat
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Anyone a "Big Brother" in that program?

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by SRT Mike, Dec 30, 2006.

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  1. SRT Mike

    SRT Mike Two Time F1 World Champ

    Oct 31, 2003
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    #1 SRT Mike, Dec 30, 2006
    I've been thinking about it. The only fear is I'd get some jackass kid who drives me nuts :) I haven't called the program for fear they will give me the hard sell, but as I understand you just hang out with the kid, show them a good time (responsibly), etc - right? I drag race, I work on my cars, I ride motorcycles, I like to cook, I like movies and other things. So are these the things you do with the kid?

    I'm guessing there is no disciplinary role the mentor plays? I'm not really into trying to impose discipline on the kid or doing what the parents didn't/won't. I just thought it would be cool to expose some underpriviledged kid to the things I am lucky enough to enjoy.

    I'm also assuming there is no financial aspect (i.e. not looking to take on a charity case where I'm buying him school clothes because crackhead mom wont) and I furthermore assume it's expected to be just the mentor/child and you're not generally bringing them to your place or to family dinners and that sort of thing.

    Anyone done it? How did you enjoy it? My sole motivation is to try to help an underpriviledged kid and have fun in the process - just dont wanna get into more than I bargained for, ya know?
     
  2. Whisky

    Whisky Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 Whisky, Dec 31, 2006
    There's bound to be websites where someone has discussed this....
    I would not expect you to have to buy a kid anything like clothes, but I do think in order to do it the right way you would be (possibly) entertaining the kid at your place, or possibly with your family once in awhile, as well as going places and doing things that will cost money - yours.
    You are not adopting the kid, but you are mentoring him, and part of that is having them around a functional family or lifestyle, I'm guessing.
    As far as discipline goes, I'd imagine you are not to be an enforcer, physically, but one of the main reasons you are there would be to tell/show the kid right from wrong.

    You are not babysitting a cat for a day, and there is a possibility you would get attached to him or he would get attached to you, be careful...

    I was considering it years ago, but I spend enough time tending to overpriviledged kids in the neighborhood - the ones where daddy throws $100 at them and tells them to leave him alone for the day.

    It IS a worthy cause, I hope you do indeed take it on.
     
  3. lawandorder360

    lawandorder360 Formula Junior

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    #3 lawandorder360, Dec 31, 2006
    I was a little brother for about 6 or 7 years in the "jewish bb-bs" until our "graduation" into the alumni. It was a great experience for me, as I was an only child and my father would travel about 75% of the year internationally. I'd highly recommend you do this, you have no idea how it makes the kids feel when they have a mentor that they can talk to and hang out with. I still keep in touch with my big brother, and we still see each other occasionally.
     
  4. rollsorferrari?

    rollsorferrari? F1 Veteran

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    #4 rollsorferrari?, Dec 31, 2006
    my cousin is a big brother, and he says that he loves every second of it. i think this is one program that is definitely worth being involved with, and is one of the few charities that i will gladly support.
     
  5. robert biscan

    robert biscan F1 Veteran
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    #5 robert biscan, Dec 31, 2006
    I did it twice. Once in Iowa and once in Nashville. The kid and mother in Iowa were awful. It was a terrible experience. The kid in Nashville was pure joy. I thought he was great and we had a good time together. His father came back and we cut it off after a year. He was a real good person. I ran into his mom years later and she showed me pics of him in the marines. She said he never got together with his dad and was ashamed to call me back. A lot of these kids have low self esteem. Both of mine were like that. You are required to see him I think 4 hrs. a week as a min. The first kid had a horrible mom and it was hard to be a buddy to a kid that was dirty and hungry all the time. Before you do it I would check the mother out before meeting the boy. The second mother was great and we got along well. The experience could go on more than a year if all works out. Good luck in your decision and I hope it works out.
     
  6. SRT Mike

    SRT Mike Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #6 SRT Mike, Jan 1, 2007
    I think I am gonna give it a shot.

    I am not afraid of a 'problem child' because I am sure the program is all about taking such children and pushing them in a different direction. I've had a lot of ups and downs in my life and I feel I can relate to a kid at a crossroads where he can be something great, or fall into a bad place.

    I just would hate to end up with a kid with a parent who starts calling me because she wants to hang with her crackhead friends and I become the new scapegoat. I would probably end up feeling bad for the child and helping out, but then would be feeling taken advantage of. I don't mind bringing the kid to my home for dinners etc, but I dont want to have some irresponsible parent suddenly see me as a rich new suga daddy :)

    Anyway, I think the responses above are helpful - sounds like many have positive experiences to report and I think I will sign up and let the folks at the program do their job and match me with an appropriate child. It sounds like a good time and a positive experience for the kid, which is what its all about :)
     

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