When kids struggle, encourage, don't pressure them, Hamilton tells parents

Dubai - Hamilton thanked his father for helping him in racing, which he calls as "probably the most expensive sport" ever.

"Parents should not pressure their children too much to succeed, but, should encourage them in the process instead" - this was the message from Lewis Hamilton, four-time Formula 1 World Champion.
Hamilton was speaking at the Global Education and Skills Forum (GESF) about the challenges he faced during his journey of becoming a world champion and also shared some tips to parents on how to prepare their young ones for the future.
Hamilton thanked his father for helping him in racing, which he calls as "probably the most expensive sport" ever.
"It's great to be in Formula 1 and it's a great experience but getting to Formula 1 is probably the most expensive sport to enter into," he said. "And I remember my dad, we had no comprehension of how expensive it would be. My dad and stepmom re-mortgaged the house like three times, my dad had four jobs and their entire live savings went on the racing. My dad didn't want their kids to struggle like he did. My grandad came from the Caribbean and he had a tough life. My dad worked hard to give his kids a better life.
"Today, there are parents that want their kids to do so well, that it can be so much. I definitely felt that sometimes with my dad. I had a lot of pressure as a kid. My dad wanted me to do good at school but also at racing. I'm struggling to do both of these and he couldn't understand. He said work harder and I was doing everything I possibly can. My dad and I kind of stumbled across racing. He never forced me to do it, though. He knew I loved doing it.
"For kids today it's about putting across lots of tools and giving them every opportunity possible and letting them choose. And when they struggle, encourage them. Kids can't do it on their own, parents are really the backbone of their future. You have to put a roof over their heads, but you also have to encourage them."
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com  

• Dubai