|
I get emails from parents from time to time, sometimes concerned, sometimes encouraging, sometimes just to "check things out" and make sure their kid is doing something safe, and talking to people who are legit. My favorite ones are from supportive parents. There is a big difference between "Supportive" and "Concerned". Just in case any parents reading missed that, there is a big difference between "Supportive" and "Concerned". Supportive is a listening, learning, and sharing process, concerned is a form of caring, but it is actually much less involved. Why parents would ever want to be less involved with their kids is beyond me, but I’m very excited when I hear from the real deal, parents who not only care (and are concerned) for their kids, but parents who engage, challenge, push, and sometimes even leave their kids alone, but "actively" leave them alone...
I got one such email the other day, from all accounts what seems to me a fairly reasonable, I daresay "ideal" form of parenting. Not only did this parent share some thoughts about their kid and Parkour, they offered to help with the site, the community, to BE INVOLVED! I can’t tell you how moved I am by that. But I can share it with you. PK Dad has asked to remain anonymous, a good plan as he doesn’t want to crowd his kid or invade their space. He did however agree to let me share some of his thoughts, I think a lot of people, parents and kids alike can benefit from this. Old-timers will remember a letter from a PK mom, a lady so involved she would go film her son when there was no one else to do it, she was not only a school teacher, but a life teacher. I hope PK Dad’s words will have as reaching an effect. PK Dad fancies himself somewhat of an artist… "Let me know if I can help with advancing the cause. Will work for a pat on the back and the occasional free t-shirt and training advice (a fatal business flaw I have, but hell, I can always draw more.) Thanks for hammering together this site by the way. Nice, useable, easy to nav and informative. Good luck and God speed to you. I'd prefer to remain anonymous to the PK community, so if you'd grant this wish, I would be appreciative. I’ve got a son who with his crew is a budding traceur. I do not want to embarrass him out of doing this with his buds by being some old fart trying to hang with the pups. They are way ahead, faster younger and slimmer than me. But, as far as I am concerned, parkour rocks and I back him all the way. The best lessons I have learned have been the ones as a result decisions under stress and changing circumstances. I know this flies for my son too. I am all for protecting kids. But, unless they are allowed to experience reality rather than video games or movies, "virtual" will be the only frame of reference they'll have. Besides, how can getting outside and running and jumping be wrong? I think I have heard the same "concerns" about every new sport out from parents, whether it is skateboarding, paintball or BMX. The world's a playground and life is short. We have to make the most of it. If parkour can develop a code of honor for traceurs from its martial arts antecedents, I think it'd go a long way. Sort of like traceurs becoming Jedis in gym shoes." Wise words. Thanks PK Dad |
