The other thread on kids got me thinking: how did having kids impact your car hobby? Did you have to give up racing, if you did so before? Sell anything and everything without four doors and a dvd player? Become a no-show at HPDEs and cruise-ins? I'm just interested in how big of a dent did having kids put in it
It takes longer to complete projects now, and I've done fewer track days this year because of that.
I also used to go to a cruise night almost every week. I only went to a few this Summer, but that was mainly because I wanted to be home when the baby went to bed.
On the upside, I used the tiny back seat as an excuse to sell a Miata and buy a 911.
Woody wrote: On the upside, I used the tiny back seat as an excuse to sell a Miata and buy a 911.
I guess it would take a very young child to justify a back seat of that size. I made a bet when I was a kid that I could fit into the back seat of a 996 convertible at an auto show. I'm glad I didn't make the bet that I could get out.
I had to sit in the back of an early mini. Not to bad, except it had race seats with fixed backs. It took me 10 minutes to get out.
Oops, threadjack.
Hey Tommy, I'm glad you popped in. I was wondering: does your pop let you drive any/all of his cars?
Another thing I'm concerned about is having to hear how I'm a selfish, bad parent for racing, or for owning any type of sports car. Stuff I've actually heard, along with the same crap directed at people without car hobbies but any hobby.
I'm not a parent, but a lot of my friends are becoming parents lately. I think you'll get criticized as selfish by someone no matter what you do.
No matter what, you (and your baby's mama) need to stay connected to the activities in which you find enjoyment and renewal. If not, you'll end up as miserable as the shiny happy people who criticize you.
Hmmm the kid gets there stuff.... dad get his stuff to just a little later. Oh yes they will pay me back someday
I got INTO cars because of my kids.
My son was into them, and I wanted a father/son project. Eventually became the Challenge.
However, my son's attention span is way too short to make it through a car project, so ultimately it became my hobby, and he moved on.
Now, I do not do my hobby as much as I would like to...
...but it's not all about ME (and that's OK). I coach my kid's teams, get involved in their activities, and sometimes relax alone in the garage.
I have a blast autocrossing with my daughter, and I involve my younger kids in my car projects (which we all enjoy). I just have to understand that they lose interest after a short while, need to be given some space, and then I get them re-involved.
It's about balance. I have lost some of my personal freedoms, but gained a lot in relationship with my family and their interests.
I have definitely missed out on a season of autocossing this year and quite a few non competition related events as well. My girls (2 and 4) are just starting to show an interest in dad's hobby now, though. So hopefully it will be a little easier going forward to find time to attend more events. My 4 year old is definitely curious. She likes to help out in the garage, holding wrenches and parts. I'll probably build them their own work bench/tool area out there this winter, so they can spend more time developing their interest if they wish. The oldest loves G-forces, too! When I take a fast corner, she responds with a hearty "do it again!"
Woody wrote: On the upside, I used the tiny back seat as an excuse to sell a Miata and buy a 911.
I thought I was the only one who used that excuse!
Hell I keep threatening my family that I will buy a wagon, of course it would be a early 70s Torino .....they are the dissenting voices
I can honestly say other than lack of money, kids never slowed me down and I have 4. My eldest was going to r/c car and boat races at 1. He is now 21 and spent the day with me yesterday painting the RX-7. (finally) The other three 17, 10, and 6 go to most of the autocrosses with us. We haul 2 cars now, and with the daughter in law and grands, 9 people to most events. The wife, eldest son, and daughter all drive. We are trying to talk the daughter in law into driving as well. One of my winter projects is probably going to be building a go kart for the younger boys to drive. I look at the events as a quality family outing. If other people think it is selfish or what ever to drag children all over the state to participate in "my" hobby, too bad. Get the kids involved as young as possible. It will teach them that there are better things in life than video games or drugs. Having a family event that everyone enjoys is worth all the expense and head ache. It will pull the family closer together. It does make projects take longer. Waiting on a 3-4yo to grab the right wrench can be trying. Having to explain everything you do to a young child takes time. But, seeing your 17yo daughter with grease up to her elbows helping you work on a car because she enjoys driving, or your 21yo son call you at 7:30 Saturday morning asking if you are ready to paint your car because he enjoys working on them and driving them is worth every dollar and hour you spent explaining and teaching them. When your young kid walks up to you and says "Daddy can I help." you better say yes. You won't regret it in the long run.
Within two years of my son being born, I sold my Saleen, two Gen1 Lightnings, and three early Bronco's.
Everything now goes to the house and kids. I like it that way. I'm quite sure that I will get a project soon, but the kids are growing up too fast. I don't want to miss any moment that I can with them.
Toyman, you finally painted the RX7? Jeez, it just won't seem the same. 
My daughter slowed down my racing activities, more accurately it shifted my focus from racing dirt bikes to something with less chance of getting hurt. I don't get to go to as many events as I would like but that's OK, being a dad has its rewards as well. 
As noted in the other thread, there's something automotive on the horizon which should bring us closer together. Shhh, don't want her to hear about it just yet. 
My eldest son's first prayer at bedtime: "Dear God, dear God, dear God, dear God, thank you cars! Amen!"
JeepinMatt wrote: Another thing I'm concerned about is having to hear how I'm a selfish, bad parent for racing, or for owning any type of sports car. Stuff I've actually heard, along with the same crap directed at people without car hobbies but any hobby.
Do not become one of those parents who give up everything but work and sleep to live their lives through their kids. You will just get old, bitter, and hated by your kids later in life.
As for getting in and out of old sports cars... I remember sitting in the back of my father's MGBGT when I was at least 14 (my sis was 5 when he got rid of it)
All great insight from everybody. Something Toyman said really struck a chord with what I've been saying for a while: get your kids involved in hobbies, it'll keep them out of trouble (or at least make them less likely to get into it).
JeepinMatt wrote: Hey Tommy, I'm glad you popped in. I was wondering: does your pop let you drive any/all of his cars?
Yep. I can drive just about anything.
JeepinMatt wrote: All great insight from everybody. Something Toyman said really struck a chord with what I've been saying for a while: get your kids involved in hobbies, it'll keep them out of trouble (or at least make them less likely to get into it).
Along those lines:
With my older kids, I spent a lot of effort trying to do the things that interested them. Guess what?- I couldn't EVER keep up with their rapidly changing interests.
I have since decided that it is more important for me to show them what is important to ME than to spend all my effort trying to keep up with what THEY think is important.
Balance.
Used to be I could be found trying to coax or coerce my kids into the things I thought were meaningful or important. Now, I make the effort to show interest in their interests, but when the time comes, I simply say, "Come with me. I need your help in the garage". They know I care about them, but also know what else I care about, and that I value their involvement in my stuff too.
Balance.
JeepinMatt wrote:Woody wrote: On the upside, I used the tiny back seat as an excuse to sell a Miata and buy a 911.I guess it would take a very young child to justify a back seat of that size.
It's easier to get the baby in this car than it is into the back of the Accord, WRX or Tacoma Double Cab.
Having kids hasn't made me give up the hobby/lifestyle/whatever, but it has definitely affected it, both in terms of budget and schedule. Kids require time and money. The more of each you can put toward them the better off your kids are likely to be. Keep your priorities straight, because unless you're a CEO or lottery winner you will need to make some sacrifices and work your ass off to provide the best possible upbringing for your kids.
On the plus side, kids are an unbeatable way to help some young people find some focus and direction with their lives; I think that's what happened for my wife and I over the last 13 years. I don't have a shred of regret, and I think we've been able to strike a good balance of Dad stuff, Mom stuff and kid stuff. Kids are fun, and can make you laugh any time you let them. No automotive experience I've had has been as rewarding as a good conversation with one of my sons.
In the now almost 3 years since my first son was born, I sold two 5.0 Mustangs, and bought a minivan and an E36 (328is). Major projects are tougher to complete, but getting the kids involved definitely helps. They both enjoy helping dad work on his cars, so that's a big plus. And, my motorsports activities have taken a bit of a back seat, but it's worth it.
Tommy Suddard wrote:JeepinMatt wrote: Hey Tommy, I'm glad you popped in. I was wondering: does your pop let you drive any/all of his cars?Yep. I can drive just about anything.
I'm allowed to drive anything, at any time (just as long as mom has an automatic), but not so with my brothers...
I'd say that I've helped (worsened?) my dads addiction. I give him someone to talk to, someone to share it with, and someone to justify the unjustifiable.
Once my oldest son wa old enough, about 3, I started taking him to every car event I could. I got a lot of enjoyment out of seeing how excited he was to learn about the cars and other aspects of our hobby.
One of his favorite things to do when we are at Mid Ohio is to take the camera and snap pictures of car. He will get down on the ground and shoot the underside of the car and he likes wheel and emblem shots. He is 6 now and has started asking me already when Mid Ohio will open up again, its going to be a long winter.
I guess for me he has made me slow down and take a closer look at things in order to answer the many question he has. He has also been a great way to get to talk to racers, he gets invited to sit in stuff all the time.
And every kid with a dad into cars should have at least one cool car in the driveway, that is where the good memories come from.
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