This is the year that Jo gets serious about figure skating. While she isn’t at the point of taking tests and having to schedule ice time for 5 a.m., she has come a long way from rental skates, sweatpants, and a bike helmet. Now she is all about the tights and the fancy light-up blade guards, and the begging for a fancy skate bag like the other girls have (to the tune of $200+, ZOMG).
She has a semi-private (because only two kids signed up!) lesson once a week and team practice once a week, and will participate in several competitions and ice shows this season. Despite my initial reservations (some of which turned out to be unfounded), we have a good little routine going for the early Saturday practices. I find it easier to get to bed early on Friday nights since pressing work tasks can always be put off a bit on the weekend. So we two get up early together and hit the road. On the way, we listen to Jo’s Suzuki cello CD. During practice, I catch up on email, Twitter, and Facebook plus a magazine or two. After practice, we hit Starbucks for a mother-daughter breakfast. On the way home, we listen to Harry Potter on audiobook. We’re back by 10:30 a.m. with most of our Saturday still free.
While I am ever on my guard lest I become a wacko stage mother, it’s exciting to see her making progress and enjoying a sport. That didn’t happen for me until I hit my late 20s! I don’t know if she’ll stick with the team or even the sport past this year, but for now I’m enjoying the ride with her.
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Awesome! I figure skated for one or two seasons as a kid and loved it. I quit before the real commitment began (multiple early mornings) in favor of other activities (piano, cello) – hmmm, this is sounding awfully familiar.
Both of mine are in gymnastics and my daughter is taking dance (ballet/jazz/tap combo). She wants to do ice skating (and I would sign my son up too because they can take it at the same time which NEVER happens). But we have season football tickets…ice skating at 9 am followed by football? Recipe for tired kids (and mom!).
So I’m waiting until the second session to sign them up. But I really think it’s the continuity of doing something week after week for several sessions in a row that builds skill.
At the gymnastics place, my daughter noticed a flier for cheer leading. Ugh, do I dare let her sign up for that too? Seems a little early, but I think cheer leading is hardcore these days!
And girl scouts.
Looks like Jo is having fun and I’m glad it’s working out!
Oh, I loved skating. I hope it goes well – sounds good so far.
Oh, that sounds so exciting! My daughter (9) would love to pursue ice skating further, but life gets in the way too much – both finances and time. I think she likes the idea of the skating dresses
That sounds so lovely. What a nice way to spend a morning.
This year my son steps up his commitment to skiing. He’ll have ski team all day Saturday (9-3) and Sunday for 2 hrs. I don’t know yet about races… I’m going to sign my daughter up for Saturday lessons (also 9-3) so that my husband and I can (gasp!) ski together! Sundays however I’ll have some time with just my daughter while my husband takes Blake up to the mountain. It’s sort of overwhelming to think about but I’m hoping when it starts, it’ll be fun — just like you’ve described here.
I grew up figure skating at a private club in Canada. I loved it, more maybe in retrospect. I wish I’d had more drive when younger to go farther. Still, I have a love for the sport that will be with me always… as will Jo, I’m sure!
And I thought my daughter’s five dance classes were tough. At least those are all late in the day. Hope she loves it and has a great time. (And wins! Am I allowed to hope for that?!)
Ah, I envied my friends who skated – wtg Jo!
I think it’s awesome. I’m waiting for my girls to really. want. to. try. something. Anything. So far, I’ve enrolled my eldest in girl scouts. We quit cross country after learning there’d be (gasp!) competing, and that leaves swimming, which she hates and I’m just making her take so she won’t drown. Sigh.
Enjoy it. And keep us posted!
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