In fact, I am so screwed up, I am doing the same thing to my son. He’s only five, but he’s car crazy. He has been to races, car shows, auctions, demolition derbies, monster truck shows; I make him help me wash my car. I feel sorry for him.
But in all seriousness, I love it that he wants to do this stuff with me. I’d love him and be close no matter what, but it is nice to share something that I am really passionate about with my son.
Actually, I think it goes beyond just cars, though. Having a common interest means that he seems to enjoy my company, and wants to learn and ask questions. He knows and cares about the other cars on the road, which makes him more aware of his surroundings. I honestly believe that his “car brain” has made him a better, more critical thinker in general.
Of everyone I’ve ever met, I have more respect and admiration for my dad. And yeah, cars was sort of the excuse for us to have such a great friendship, but it wasn’t the reason.
I hope someday my son can think half as much of me as I do of my dad. And as long as we have this car thing going, we’ll always have a great common interest. It’s not the most important part of our relationship by any means, but it is still a great way for us to spend time together.
So I guess the point I’m trying to make is that if you like car stuff, I recommend enjoying it with your kids. It has worked for four generations of my family (my granddad was a car dealer), and countless other people I know. Car events and involvement can be a great social and learning tool. And it can be a strong bond between you and your kids.
Of course, I end up buying him way too many toy cars and things, but that’s another story …
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