A Right of Passage

I think every child should go ice skating at least once during their childhood.  For many, that one trip may be all that they need and another experience on the ice isn't necessary.  Others may realize they had a great time and may want to give it another try.  I wasn't quite sure what my oldest would think but I decided it was time to find out.

I remember learning how to ice skate when I was little, spending time with my cousins on the ice.  It is just like riding a bike; even though it's been years since I have gone, it all came right back to me when I stepped onto the ice this past weekend.  My husband's first, and only, experience was when we were dating.  He must have decided he didn't want to try it again because we've never gone back!  

I was so excited to see that the weather was going to be warm this past weekend and thought it was the perfect time to take Alena on her first ice skating experience. I love the outdoor Brenton Skating Plaza so wanted to take advantage of having her first experience be outside.  There's something about feeling the hot sun on you, the cold ice beneath your skates and the glare on the ice when you skate.  She was up for the adventure when I mentioned going. Wearing just a long sleeve shirt and donned with gloves, we laced up our skates and joined the crowd on the ice. 

It took a little while for her to get used to the ice, and I attempted to teach her to glide on the ice rather than walk on it, (referring to Elsa many times).  We spent many laps hand in hand, me catching her when she began to fall. She did fall to the ice a few times but was quick to get right back up and try again.  

After a little bit, we decided to rent something she could skate behind to help work on her balance. Then when she would feel ready, she would let go and skate by herself while I skated with the skate aid beside her, just in case she needed to grab it.

I thought after 30-40 minutes of going round and around she would be ready to go but she wasn't.  We took a few breaks, munching on our popcorn and people watching, but after each break she would ask if we could go skate again.   

By the end of the 2 hours she was skating mostly by herself, even changing directions, and my toes ached because I was wearing skates a size too small!  

During this trip, I realized my oldest daughter has acquired two traits from me:  

1.  Competitiveness- I'm a little worried that she has acquired this trait but hopefully it will be to a lesser degree than what I have.  I knew she was competitive and her teachers have even mentioned it to me, but this activity helped me realize it. The entire time we were ice skating, she was looking around at other kids, sizing them up and watching them. Whenever she saw a little boy or girl about her age or older skating without any assistance, she would want to let go and skate by herself too.  A little bit of competitiveness is great, but sometimes it can get you in trouble.  Hopefully she can keep this trait scaled back.

2.  Determination - This is an excellent trait to have, and it's no doubt my little girl is determined. I couldn't believe how anxious she was to learn how to skate, how quickly she would get up after a fall, and how often she would let go of the skate aid so she could do it by herself.  I love her determination and hope it takes her far in life!

Overall, it was a very successful first trip.  During our trip home, she asked when we could go skating again; a definite sign that she's ready for another adventure on the ice!