Since the birth of my two kids, I have abandoned (out of time constraints) two activities I dearly enjoyed - racing Porsches and playing rugby. I understood at the time that I needed to focus on the family. Well, now my son is 6 and I really thought that ATV riding (just trail) would be a great bonding activity for the both of us. Found this site and mined the knowledge I needed to make my purchase (thanks!). We (son & me) went test driving one day and he really loved it. Last peice of the puzzle was to "inform" the wife of my new activity that would include our son. Didn't think it would be much of an issue, but a resounding NO was heard before I could even finish my pitch.

Maybe this is more of just venting, but I thought I would ask if anyone here has some advice on how to convince your spouse that a 6-year old and an ATV can be a safe, enjoyable combination? Surely I'm not the first to encounter this hostility toward the sport. Any favorable statistics out there I can show her?

I really want to join in the fun!

Ben

 

Maybe you might try fishing first.

Sounds like she has made up her mind and being a bit protective. My wife said no until my kid was 8 then
we bought him his Quad. I wouldn't rely on statistics....only the bad ones make the news.



Darrin

 

I started riding when I was about 8, my daughter loves to ride, my suggestion would be to get a powerwheels atv (that way he will be going slow(for moms sake) to start with and when she warms up to the idea and sees how much fun he is having she might relenquish the idea of a real atv like a 50cc the yamaha raptor and some of the others have throttle adjusters which only allow the rider to give it just so much gas.

 

i did not ask or tell my old lady i was getting my 5 year old son one. i just went out and got the thing.

if i want to buy my kid a 4 wheeler i am going to buy my kid a 4 wheeler that sall there is to it.

it is great for bonding it has gotten me and my son much closer. it is a exciting sport and or pass time that me and my son will be doing for the rest of our lives.

my old lady thinks the bike is cool. but i did not give her a chance to think about it, i just sprang it on her.

if i did ask her or tell her and she said no, i would have told her to go F her self, got in a screaming match and baught the dang thing anyway.

i baught her a 4 wheeler a few years ago and i did not tell her about that one eather. i got in for her on valitines day as a suprise.

the way i see it that is my son and i am his dad, i am the guy who gets him the cool stuff. i take him fishing i take him 4 wheeling she takes him to school and the doctor.

i buy the fire works,guns, camo stuff,sling shots, BMX bikes,BB guns,knifes,boots,...and she can buy the food ,socks and clothes.so i don't give a good god dang if she dont like what i get the boy,it ain't her job. thats dad buisness.he will be my son the rest of my life she pobably wont be my last old lady you know what i mean.

my dad gave me my first rifle and buck knife at 5 years old, so i dont see nothijng wrong with a 4 wheeler.

it is our duty as fathers to bring these boys up rite. so don't be a puss and put your foot down man.

good luck tell us how you do.

 

AMEN to that!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

there is a saying "Its easier to ask for forgiveness, than permission" [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

 

All three of my sons started riding at about age 6. All started in the yard with restricted bikes but quickly moved up to full available throttle. Two learned on an LT50 and one started on a TRX90. It became pretty obvious that the TRX was too big for a started bike so we got him an LT80 to learn on. As they learned in the yard with me right there with them they also wore their helmets with a radio in it. Only after they would always stop immediately on my command would they be cleared for trail riding. Oldest son took a couple of months in the yard and then hit the trails. he's 15 now and an experienced rider. Middle son took about two years to get comfortable enough to ride on trails. Youngest took about 6 to 8 months. All of this was with wife's blessing and participation.

We started taking ATV vacations several years ago. Some were camping trips, some were to hotels that connected to trails (wife really liked that). ATV riding has become a complete family activity for all of us although the two younger ones are infrequent riders. The only real concession is that when we ride on the trails I make sure that the wife is riding way, way, waaaaaaaaaay in the back. That way she can't see our youngest and doesn't panic.

I would call this method #1.

Method #2 is to announce that you are giving up ATV riding with the family and are getting a mistress.

Jaybee

 

Benjh1028,

bought my son a Raptor 50 at 6 yrs old. wife wasn't real happy about it but I promised that I would pay close attention to safety and I would keep the machine speed down as slow as possible until she and he where comfortable with his riding. My son is above average in height but lacked confidence. He rode in the yard (familiar place) for a while and my wife witnessed how he handled the machine and how riding seemed to give him some confidence and independance. 1 1/2 yrs later he's now riding a raptor 80 and handling it very well. we ride trails, mud, sand. the wife has no problem with him riding. however I have payed close attention to his riding skills and keep his riding adventures to within those skills. I have added wider tires and spacers to the machine for safety. I looked up statistics about ATV accidents. kids riding too large (adult) machines, no helmets, riding double and riding in an unfamiliar area are the largest reasons for accidents. As a parent you have control over all of these and can make riding a very safe and fun activity (my son and I spent full days out riding). I made rules for riding and I stick to them. if their caught not obeying them the quad is garaged until I feel the lesson is learned. the big 4 manufacturers also offer ATV safety riding courses and $75-$100 dollar rebates for taking these courses. (good reimbursement for helmet purchase).

 

Welcomer to the forum Benjh1028! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I would take her to a local riding area just to watch. Hopefully there will be a few families having a great time together.

 

Taking her to a riding area is a great idea, even motocross, there are alot families who ride check into local clubs they often have famly outings if she still says no buy one any way and have fun, and make up the sofa just in case[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]