Parenting and skydiving

[JohnMitchell 16]

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Most drop zones are not "family friendly", especially after dark.

Vskydiver and I were very lucky to be jumping at Kapowsin in WA while the next generation of Farrington jumpers were being raised at the DZ. It was a very family friendly DZ. In fact, when we first moved up here, I was briefed that the parties would be "different" from my old home DZ, which they knew of all too well.

[Skydivesg 7]

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But now, I'm just a clueless nuisance to them (except when they need money), so that's my green light. I guess since I'm so clueless, I'll just have to start spending their inheritance now. DOOR!

Joe

Now that's funny............. good one.

Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

[VideoFly 0]

As a single parent, I brought my youngest to the DZ since he was seven. By 16, he had 6,000 pack jobs behind him and now at 17, he has over 500 jumps and shoots video. My home DZ has been a wholesome place and the regulars have been family to my son. My two older children have done some tandems, but never wanted to get into jumping on a serious level. My son has seen two friends go in and has seen many accidents when he was relatively young and has dealt with it well. Additionally, he saw me break my neck skydiving. These incidents have helped to make him a safe and aware skydiver. I think I worry about his safety more than my own. As far as preparation for my death, I am well insured with a clear will describing plans for my survivors. However, I have survived a year of chemotherapy and other health issues and somehow feel that for me, there are greater threats to life than skydiving.
Have I done the right thing? I am not sure. I have been a single parent of three for over ten years and also have two wonderful grandchildren. I have done the best I could. My children are all successful and we are a close family with lots of love to share.

[LyraM45 0]

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Drop zones are "adult" playgrounds.

Even at the most "family friendly" drop zone, some of the adults there skydiving won't want anything to do with your kids. Some will get up-tight if your kids get within 10 yards of their gear; be prepared to hear it. Some will mellow when they get to know you and your kids, but don't count on it across the board.

Most drop zones are not "family friendly", especially after dark. Some there would likely rather y'all leave your kids at home and may let you know it; be prepared to hear it.

Other jumpers at the DZ, staff, manifest, DZO, etc. are NOT responsible for YOUR kid's safety nor responsible for their corruption. If you don't want your kids to hear bad language, see drinking, smoking and/or fornication, the DZ isn't the best place to bring them. If you choose to, don't get bent at the other skydivers when they're exposed to such things.


Have fun!

Oh... same goes for bringing your dog to the DZ.

I'll echo this post. One of the DZ 's I've been to recently has a jumper(s) that ALWAYS brings his/her kid out and just leaves them to run around while they are off jumping. IMO, the dropzone is NOT a baby sitting service. If you want to jump and your kid wants to spend the day at the DZ then please bring a family member or friend to accompany them around while you are jumping (while they are young to walk around and get in trouble... obviously teenagers and older kids are more likely to not run around and trip over your lines you have laid out while you pack or pull on that shiny handle sticking out of the webbing.), or get a baby sitter for the day where you can drop them off before you go to the dz.

Apologies for the spelling (and grammar).... I got a B.S, not a B.A. :)

[rehmwa 2]

"family friendly" just means the DZ staff and regulars respects the fact that people have kids and will have them in their lives.

you and ZZ Marquis are confusing that with instances of selfish parents and how they are

take it up with the individual parents - not with ALL parents just because of a few bad examples - that's just a lazy way of looking at it

I don't like dogs at the DZ - however, I don't make blanket statement to have the DZ to ban ALL dogs - I just want those owners that don't restrain their dogs and those owners that refuse to clean up shit to not be allowed to bring them - those that do a good job don't bother me one way or the other, or at least it's none of my business

as far as people being out of control at night, they are usually assholes whether or not there are kids around, so that's a whole different topic that really relates to people having respect for others, not really about kids on site or not

Now as far as BOOGIES are concerned - absolutely, keep the kids and pets at home.....

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[airtwardo 7]

Now as far as BOOGIES are concerned - absolutely, keep the kids and pets at home.....

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[ZigZagMarquis 9]

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"family friendly" just means the DZ staff and regulars respects the fact that people have kids and will have them in their lives.

you and ZZ Marquis are confusing that with instances of selfish parents and how they are

take it up with the individual parents - not with ALL parents just because of a few bad examples - that's just a lazy way of looking at it

Um, no... and I'm not lazy... and while I recognize people do have and want to have kids in their lives, it doesn't mean I have to like having someone else's kids in mine. I don't see it as my responsibility to "take it up with" the individual parents. If it becomes a problem, I ask them to keep their kids away from my stuff and then as so long as their kids stay away from me and my stuff, no problems.

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I don't like dogs at the DZ - however, I don't make blanket statement to have the DZ to ban ALL dogs - I just want those owners that don't restrain their dogs and those owners that refuse to clean up shit to not be allowed to bring them - those that do a good job don't bother me one way or the other, or at least it's none of my business

Agree and I respect the fact that its up to the DZO in question, but I'm still entitled to my opinion and to make blanket statements that I'd rather folks leave the dogs at home (and kids too)... but you know what they say about opinions... you don't have to care. When at drop zones that have lots of dogs around, I take extra cautions (responsibility for my own stuff) as to not get into a situation where I'd get really pissed because someone's dog pissed, crapped on my gear or decided it would make a nice "doggie bed". I used to have a dog myself, never took him to the DZ, and I do enjoy the well behaved, well cared for DZ dogs some of my friends have... others, not so much.

If I was ever so stupid as to own a drop zone, I'd have a NO DOGS policy.

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...as far as people being out of control at night, they are usually assholes whether or not there are kids around, so that's a whole different topic that really relates to people having respect for others, not really about kids on site or not

This is true. Just saying, if folks are going to allow their kids around such debauchery, what ever your opinion about the source, the parents shouldn't get bent at the source.

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Now as far as BOOGIES are concerned - absolutely, keep the kids and pets at home.....

[Andy9o8 2]

As far as taking one's younger children to the DZ - there is one other thing that should be said openly: are you willing to risk your kid being there if you're seriously injured or killed? I'm not advocating one way or the other; but it is something to consider.

[skymama1 0]

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Drop zones are "adult" playgrounds.

Even at the most "family friendly" drop zone, some of the adults there skydiving won't want anything to do with your kids. Some will get up-tight if your kids get within 10 yards of their gear; be prepared to hear it. Some will mellow when they get to know you and your kids, but don't count on it across the board.

Most drop zones are not "family friendly", especially after dark. Some there would likely rather y'all leave your kids at home and may let you know it; be prepared to hear it.

Other jumpers at the DZ, staff, manifest, DZO, etc. are NOT responsible for YOUR kid's safety nor responsible for their corruption. If you don't want your kids to hear bad language, see drinking, smoking and/or fornication, the DZ isn't the best place to bring them. If you choose to, don't get bent at the other skydivers when they're exposed to such things.


Have fun!

Oh... same goes for bringing your dog to the DZ.

I'll echo this post. One of the DZ 's I've been to recently has a jumper(s) that ALWAYS brings his/her kid out and just leaves them to run around while they are off jumping. IMO, the dropzone is NOT a baby sitting service. If you want to jump and your kid wants to spend the day at the DZ then please bring a family member or friend to accompany them around while you are jumping (while they are young to walk around and get in trouble... obviously teenagers and older kids are more likely to not run around and trip over your lines you have laid out while you pack or pull on that shiny handle sticking out of the webbing.), or get a baby sitter for the day where you can drop them off before you go to the dz.

Oh, absolutely.. I would never ever plan to bring a child to a DZ or anywhere else if I wasn't either directly supervising or had others along who could when I was not- good call. I totally agree and am shocked that anyone would consider bringing their kids of any age along without having at least one other parent, family member, or friend who was NOT jumping to be the designated babysitter or supervisor. I mean, I don't know about most parents, but I wouldn't ever go up in a plane to skydive and leave my child on the ground at an unknown place, however family friendly, to watch himself or be watched by others- totally unacceptable in my book/for my family. Now, I get that if say I do get more involved in jumping and get to know the DZOs better, and say my son grows up and gets older, becomes friends with her kids, she offers to trade off childcare duties, I meet another parent who jumps, and we alternate loads and watch the kids.. but my kiddo is the first grandchild/great-grandchild/nephew on both sides, and has plenty of doting people more than willing to watch him- and actually, my first jump being Sunday we've talked and decided it is best that he stay with my folks at their house and I will go to the DZ to jump with my brother and a close friend. So, in the future, maybe he'll come out, but I want to scope it out first, and of course, I totally agree that any kids at the DZ need to have concise arrangements made as to who is responsible for their welfare and safety at all times.. Thanks for the continued replies and food for thought!

Blue skies...

Tandem 4/4. FJC and AFF-2 completed 4/9. Rescheduled AFF-3 and 4 due to winds for this next weekend.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world..."

[rehmwa 2]

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If it becomes a problem, I ask them to keep their kids away from my stuff and then as so long as their kids stay away from me and my stuff, no problems.

that works at any DZ and agrees with my basic points - it's not the kids, it's the parenting of specific parents

your post was, well, really well stated and reasonable...thanks

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[skymama 37]

I left the dz in an ambulance once. I was so glad my kids weren't there to witness that, it was bad enough for them when they saw me come home all broken. Don't assume getting hurt won't happen to you, it happens to the very best of us. It's up to you as to whether you want to put your kid through that trauma or not.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[ZigZagMarquis 9]

Did you flirt with the EMTs on the way to the hospital?




JOKING!!!

[skymama1 0]

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I left the dz in an ambulance once. I was so glad my kids weren't there to witness that, it was bad enough for them when they saw me come home all broken. Don't assume getting hurt won't happen to you, it happens to the very best of us. It's up to you as to whether you want to put your kid through that trauma or not.

Thank you- this too is important to think about. As a toddler of my son's age he would not understand any such thing but of course thinking long term if I get involved in the sport over the years then yes this is relevant.. this would be very upsetting for a child, and is absolutely worth considering.

I surely don't mean to come across with the assumption I won't ever get harmed, it happens and I will do all I can to stay safe but that is absolutely no guarantee.. so this is absolutely important to hear and consider, thank you.

Luckily I do have excellent health coverage and all my estate planning and such taken care of, but seeing a parent harmed in an accident is a huge trauma for a child of course, and important to consider.. I guess I hadn't thought that far ahead quite yet as I am doing my first jump in three days and my kiddo is still a toddler.. but important point, thanks.

also- off topic-- Skymama, I wrote Sangiro as you suggested when I first joined and have had no response, so I will continue to participate in the forums and will allow you staff to decide what if any action to take wrt deleting or changing names or accounts- please just keep me posted. Thanks for the input..

Blue skies.

Tandem 4/4. FJC and AFF-2 completed 4/9. Rescheduled AFF-3 and 4 due to winds for this next weekend.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world..."

[JohnDeere 0]

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I left the dz in an ambulance once. I was so glad my kids weren't there to witness that, it was bad enough for them when they saw me come home all broken. Don't assume getting hurt won't happen to you, it happens to the very best of us. It's up to you as to whether you want to put your kid through that trauma or not.

Good thing Im not one of the best of us!

Nothing opens like a Deere!

You ignorant fool! Checks are for workers!

[skymama1 0]

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I left the dz in an ambulance once. I was so glad my kids weren't there to witness that, it was bad enough for them when they saw me come home all broken. Don't assume getting hurt won't happen to you, it happens to the very best of us. It's up to you as to whether you want to put your kid through that trauma or not.

Good thing Im not one of the best of us!

LOL... I'm with him...

Tandem 4/4. FJC and AFF-2 completed 4/9. Rescheduled AFF-3 and 4 due to winds for this next weekend.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world..."