Kids and Ice Skating...without even pushing
By kpendragon77
@kpendragon77 (417)
United States
March 26, 2009 2:18pm CST
I have tried to get my daughter interested in so many different sports and events. Most of the time she really doesn't want to do it. She will start to cry or pout or go into this long dramatic tale of how awful it is for her. She definitely got the acting gene from me and her father (we both were into theater).
One day, we went out on a family outting to the local ice skating rink. At first, she was very fearful and she didn't want to do it much. So we only did one lap with her and let her get off the ice. Once we got into the car she stated that she wanted to skate again. I told her that if she wanted to she could take lessons. She jumped at it but also voiced her fear. I told her I would make her a deal. If after one lesson she didn't want to do it anymore, then she did not have to go back.
Needless to say, she loved it! She has been skating for about 3 weeks now and I have never seen her so devoted to something as much as she is to her skating. However, her school-work suffered just a little so we told her no more skating until we saw improvement. Within the next 24 hours, she was more focused and getting her work done quickly.
I have heard parents accuse me of being to demanding on her with her skating. The thing is that the only thing that I have 'pushed' her in is school. I want her to learn that she has to do her work before she plays. That is all and that she did herself. Anything she does on the ice, I can honestly say that she pushes herself. I have never seen her so driven. It is so obvious how she is on herself that I have three coaches begging to work with her.
Isn't it amazing how even kids can be their best motivation? Tell me your thoughts.
2 responses
@xhaylea (361)
•
30 Mar 09
I think its good that you're trying to encourage her to do new activities, and i completely disagree with those who are saying you're being too pushy, you certainly aren't, everyones scared of iceskating for the first time, and noone can blame her or you for her being scared. Its great you encourage her to do things, because she will do the same with her kids when shes older, and it encourages exercise, and shes having fun and meeting new people at the same time :)
Iceskating is absolutely fantastic, and im sure she does love it now.
1 person likes this
@kpendragon77 (417)
• United States
3 Apr 09
All I have to say is love seems like an understatement. She will do anything to get onto the ice. She can hardly wait for her lessons on Saturdays. I am so proud of her. The skating rink has offered to pay for her next batch of lessons and are considering being one of her sponsors should she continue this love of ice skating. No, it's not love. I finally found the word...passionate. Yes, that's it.
I too cannot stand parents who push their kids. I think it is their way of compensating for what they didn't do in the past.
Anyway, I love that she is so giving too. I mean she has this golden sense of compassion. If she sees someone hurt, she asks how she can help. Sometimes, she does not even ask. She just thinks of a way and does it. Nine times out of ten it is the greatest way to help. She definitely thinks outside the box. I am so blessed to have her as a daughter and I thank God every day that he chose to give her to me.
Livy J
@la_chique (1498)
•
26 Mar 09
I think its good that you're trying to encourage her to do things, and actually I disagree with those people who would tell you you were too pushy.
My mum sent me to ballet and tap dancing when I was little. I wasnt too keen on the tap but it was ok, but one or two things happened with the teacher and I stopped going. I regret not pursuing it further because now I'd love to be a dancer, but my muscles are too tight and bulky and I dont have the time or patience now I'm grown up to do it.
I certainly think that you should push her to do at least one extra curricular activity. Just so long as its not because you wish you had when you were younger etc. Its actually proven that kids that play an instrment or do an addtional activity such as a sport actually improves concentration in school and helps them to do better.
I think you should tell people that you 'support' her in her skating though. If you use words like 'push' or even 'encourage' thats going to make people think negatively. Although it shouldnt matter to you as a parent what other people say or think, if your daughter hears negative comments from bystanders it could discourage her.
I hope your daughter does continue skating. It looks really hard, but I bet its really good fun once you know how! :)
1 person likes this
@kpendragon77 (417)
• United States
26 Mar 09
That's a really good idea. I think I will use 'support' from now on. I guess that does sound a lot better. I forgot to mention that she will be taking ballet in conjunction with her skating training. No surprise, she was jumping for joy.
When it comes to me, I wanted to do a little of everything when I was young and I did up until the point I got pregnant. I traveled, danced, sang, dj'd, back-packed Europe, acted, and so many other things. Do I regret not sticking to just one thing? Nope...lol. I know that sounds weird. Honestly, I have fun being a mom. I cannot wait until my little girl is older so I can travel more with her and my husband. I do miss traveling but I wouldn't trade my motherhood for the world. LOL.
Moving on, thanks again for the response and the kind words. It really did help a lot.
Livy J
