| "Mom, can I get an ATV for Christmas?" "Daddy, I | | | | child much more than how to do these tasks, but |
| want an ATV for Christmas!" Have you heard this | | | | how to appreciate what they have and how to think |
| before? If you haven't yet, chances are high that | | | | for themselves. Plus, just imagine how much better |
| you will sometime in the near future. At first glance | | | | you'll feel about handing them the car keys a few |
| an ATV purchase may be simply out of your | | | | years down the road when you've carefully trained |
| comfort level as well as seeming just out of your | | | | them to be responsible all these years using the ATV! |
| budget - especially in these times of economic stress. | | | | Thirdly, ATV ownership can be a great teaching tool. |
| However, the rewards of your purchase price will | | | | Just imagine all the things you can teach your child - |
| likely outweigh your initial sacrifice by far if you | | | | not even considering how to take care of the ATV |
| handle it the right way. | | | | at this time. While you're out riding around, you could |
| Think of all the positives of owning an ATV and | | | | easily teach your child about many different kinds of |
| suddenly you may change your mind about getting | | | | wildlife in your area - birds, lizards, bugs and smaller |
| one of these in the first place. Sure, they do require | | | | mammals (larger ones too if you're lucky enough to |
| maintenance, they have to have a place to store | | | | have those near your home). You could also share |
| them and they can be dangerous in the wrong | | | | information with them about many different types of |
| situations, but they can be loads of fun and a great | | | | plants and trees, which ones are safe to touch and |
| teaching experience if handled in the right way. Lets | | | | which ones aren't. What to do in various situations, |
| take this opportunity to think about getting an ATV | | | | what to avoid and what is safe and so much more. |
| a little more in depth. | | | | Just think about it. |
| First of all, owning an ATV offers your kids the | | | | Finally, and perhaps most importantly of all, ATV |
| opportunity to get OUTSIDE and off the couch and | | | | riding together as a family promotes good, clean fun, |
| away from the TV and computer. It may just be the | | | | and facilitates conversation and sharing between all |
| one and only thing that will draw them outside to | | | | of you - something that, unfortunately, is lacking in |
| play. It's a shame, but truly, there is so much beauty | | | | many families today. And just imagine all the |
| to behold outside in nature that many of us are just | | | | memories you'll make while out on that ATV. ATV |
| missing out on. The ATV will take you to it, up close | | | | riding is one hobby that can bring families closer which |
| and personal - whether it's a forest trail, a local creek, | | | | is what we're all really wanting, right? |
| a mountain ridge or a desert dune. | | | | So, whenever your child asks you for an ATV as the |
| Secondly, ATV ownership can teach your child | | | | next birthday or holiday rolls around, don't be so |
| responsibility (if handled correctly). An ATV, like any | | | | quick to say no to them. It may be just the thing |
| other vehicle needs maintenance and care among | | | | your family needs the most to bring you all closer |
| many other things. Parents, if you can teach your | | | | together. Happy trail riding - now get outside and |
| child to take care of the ATV - how to keep it clean, | | | | play! |
| minor repairs and the like - you'll be teaching your | | | | |