We are not mental health professionals. This is our journey, and the experiences of others. If you're worried about your child, please speak to your GP.
Mental health in young people is more common than ever, and it's no longer hidden. As an adult I was diagnosed with dyslexia, but at school I was just called stupid. Thankfully, things have changed.
Finding an activity your child enjoys is important for building skills they'll use later in life. I've seen how positive karting has been for Zenico, but I've also seen others at the trackside struggle when they lose, or simply can't control their emotions.
The positives
Karting involves new people, winning and losing, schedules and discipline. One of the best things about an activity like this is the boost to self-esteem. A child with high self-esteem pushes themselves further, gets on better with others, and is better at solving problems on their own.
Since Zenico started racing, he's practised his skills, looked at what needs improving, and started working on things independently. He plans his week around being on track and eats better to improve his karting. His self-esteem and his relationships have both improved.
Many children struggle to separate home and school life, and to find something to do with their spare time. Activities outside school give a break from studies, homework and school stress, which can improve their work ethic.
Karting also teaches new skills in a new environment:
- The discipline of listening to the people in charge, to stay safe and stay on track.
- Learning to manage themselves.
Things to watch for
Karting takes time away from homework, revision and test practice. Keeping a good balance is important to reduce stress and keep up with school.
Many children haven't experienced winning and losing. At tracks I've seen young children lose, or miss the lap times they wanted, and become very upset with themselves and their friends. Winning and losing is a big part of life, so it's important they experience both, with the support of parents, guardians and friends either way.
Competition between friends at this age is healthy, setting boundaries and expectations, but it can also strain fragile friendships.
Karting is expensive, and not every family can afford the same things. Some children feel embarrassed that they can't have what their friends have, or guilty and anxious that they can't help their parents. It's also a chance to talk to your child about money, and that while not everyone has the same, we share so much together.
On their own on track
Once your child is on track, no matter the preparation, training or pep talks, they're on their own. They decide whether to overtake, whether to slow down or speed up, and what to do if they spin or lose focus. Children are told what to do for most of their early life: when to go to bed, what school to go to, what to eat. But on track no one is holding their hand. Every decision is theirs alone.
Zenico's nemesis was a wet track. He'd always try to find a way out of racing in the wet, but if he wanted to keep racing, he had to get past that mental block, on his own, on a track he couldn't prepare for. When he finally went out in the wet, he pushed too hard and spun, just missing the barriers and almost flipping the kart. He was scared and didn't want to carry on. He knew he was safe, but when fear stacks on fear, reasonable thoughts don't always win. With time and encouragement he got back in the seat. The fear didn't vanish, but he learned it was in his mind, not a lack of skill, and he learned to control it in his own way.
It's scary for families to watch, too. One mum we met won't watch her child race because she's too scared of seeing them get hurt. It's a possibility, as with any sport.
Look after yourself too
That's why planning, talking to your child and talking to the professionals matter for you as well, right down to the money you spend supporting their dreams. According to Bankrate's financial wellness survey, 52% of adults say money has a negative effect on their mental health.
Your own wellbeing matters. A parent's wellbeing rubs off on their child. How you stay positive through crisis, excitement, frustration or just everyday life is your choice, but understanding how it affects your child is just as important.
Best of luck. I hope this has helped.
Read the expert view
Consultant psychiatrist Dr Josep Vilanova wrote for us about karting and the value of self-reliance: Mental health and wellbeing for kids in go karting.