Parenting of today is very different from that of my mother’s generation.
My mother was most concerned that I ate well, slept well and did well in school. When I was a teenager, she was concerned that I hung around friends who did not lead me astray. When I was of marriageable age, she was concerned that I found a dependable man. Parents of today are concerned about the same things, and much more.
With more parents who are better educated today, there is also a greater realization that parents have the responsibility to harness the potential and talents within our kids. Every kid is unique and talented in his or her own way, and we as parents want to be able to develop that potential and talent to the max.
Last week, I had a chance to meet up with a young boy named Javier and his parents. Javier looked like any other 10-year-olds on the streets, but there is something that he’s done that many boys of his age haven’t. Javier is an award-winning competitive Go-Kart Racer. To-date, he’s clinched many awards and top positions in local and overseas races.
When Antics@Play, a PR agency, approached me to cover a story on Javier, I was interested because I was curious to find out from the parents on what they did to develop Javier into who he is today. For a young boy to be so committed and disciplined in order to do well in a certain arena, it’s definitely not an easy feat. I thought it would be interesting to find out what the parents or the boy himself did. It turned out to be a very casual chit-chat that inspired me in a big way. Here’s what I talked about with Javier:
How did you first get to know about Go-Karting? Who introduced you to the sport?
J: My dad introduced me to go-karting when I was 9. I grew up loving cars. I started playing Radio Control cars first, then later my dad introduced me to karting. Since then, I’ve been enjoying this great sport.
Share with me how you felt when you first tried Go-karting. Were you nervous, excited or scared?
J: I was scared at first, of being burnt by the engine of the kart. But after a while, I grew to love it and found that I could be very fast and even go faster than the adults I race with.
What is it about Go-Karting that attracts you?
J: I enjoy the speed and the physical and mental challenges.
How do you cope with both studies and your commitments in Go-Kart competitions? Is it physically or mentally tiring?
J: My parents always ensure that my studies go first – that I finish my school work then go for my kart practices. I usually train once a week. During competition period, I’ll train twice weekly. It’s tiring when I need to do my school work and still kart, but because I love karting, I always look forward to it.
What motivates you to continue Go-Karting on a competitive level? Do you see a future in this area?
J: I enjoy a good sport and like karting. So, my parents and my coach, William, see that this is a good platform to compete. I’'ll enjoy myself and continue to get good results in my karting. I hope to become a professional driver if I’ve the chance to race and receive sponsorships.
What is one characteristic or personality trait in you that you feel helps you in Go-Karting?
J: My focus and determination to win.
What has Go-Karting brought you? Share with me some tangible as well as intangible benefits?
J: It has enabled me to believe more in myself and my potential. It helps me see that I’m blessed through my parents’ support for me in this sport. On the tangible side, I get to travel to different countries like Malaysia, Macau, Japan and even Italy to race and meet with other strong competitors around the world.
If there is one thing you can share with the other young people like yourself, what is it?
J: If you have the chance to do what you like, go for it!
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Taken during interview with Javier
I also had a chance to chat with Javier’s father, and what I took away from the session was that I felt inspired to spend more time to discover what my daughters really loved to do. Passion is not something that exists only in adults. Kids, too, can have a deep passion for something they really want to do in life. It’s not about being kiasu or wanting to make your kids more superior than their peers. But it’s about giving them something to strive for and develop the determination to want to do well. Having a passion in life and doing something about it can build up self-confidence and assurance in our kids. They may not be the best, but at least, they know they can try their best to be the best one day. That’s really all that matters.
It was so apt for me at this point, because recently, I’ve been toying with the idea of sending Joey for some creativity classes. I’ve been concerned that she seemed overly self-conscious and shy especially in front of a crowd. I wonder if it’s because she lacks the confidence in herself, and so feels inadequate at times. I am hoping that she can overcome this by picking up a skill that interest her, either ballet, piano, singing, whatever. And the chat with Javier and his dad affirmed that I should be even more proactive in this area. Kids have so much potential in them waiting for people to help them bring it out and develop it into something really great. I believe my kids are capable of so much more. As a parent, I also feel inspired by Javier’s parents who spend so much time and effort to develop his potential, and for believing in him.
Hope that this has brought you some learning points, just as it did for me. =)
All the best, Javier! I pray that you’ll continue to shine in the karting arena and in your studies as well. Keep shining! =D
