My boys started skating lessons just over a week ago. My oldest took a few lessons a couple years back, but it was my first time out on skates for the four and five year old. We walked them out onto the ice and reluctantly let go. I’m not going to lie, it was hard. We knew they were going to fall, and they did. They fell A LOT in fact. It was brutal to watch. The coaches helped a bit, though they did not hold their hands or guide them under their arms or even offer them a chair or device to push. I admit, part of me was a little sad that they didn’t. My boys needed help out there!
But what they did do, is teach them how to get back up. While my heart ached, my head knew these coaches knew exactly what they were doing. First and foremost my boys needed to learn how to help themselves. When they fell, they were given instruction on how to get back into a standing position. It was hard and when they struggled, instead of being lifted up, the coached held their foot firmly onto the ice to give them more stablility to raise themselves up off the ice. They fell so. many. times. and I cringed each and every time. But I gave them thumbs up from behind the glass and encouraging smiles and I was PROUD!!! I knew myself, I would have given up by the second fall. My babies were determined and resilient. They never stopped trying!
That night my middle guy complained of sore wrists on each arm from catching himself on his falls and during a warm bath to soothe their aches, I noticed the bruises on their knees. My poor boys. Sure enough, getting ready for lesson two was tough. Neither one of them wanted to go. They didn’t want to fall anymore. It was really hard making them get in that van, knowing what they were up against, but not willing to let them give up. We told them that they would get better with each lesson and to give it their best. And they did!
Watching this P&G Canada video in preparation for Sochi 2014, was timely for us. It made me cry, realizing that we are doing the right thing. As parents we have to give our kids the chance to try new things, fall and pick them back up. Even better, they are learning to pick themselves back up. Pass the Puffs!
For teaching us that Falling only makes us stronger.
The Olympic Winter Games are less than one month away and P&G is continuing the celebration countdown with the #ThankYouMom Twitter party on Wednesday, January 15 at 8 p.m. EST
hosted by Nugglemama’s Handful and Tales of a Ranting Ginger, with very special guests:
- Joan Montgomery (@skeletonmum), mom of one of Canada’s most beloved athletes, Jon Montgomery
- Deb Westlake (@RRSNG), mom of Paralympian and Ice Sledge Hockey Captain, Greg Westlake
Hope to see you there!
Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom/mamanP&G. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.
Oh I remember those first few days of hockey. Our son was terrified. The first drill they learned? Falling and getting back up. Over and over. It was awesome to see each child, so determined, to keep trying.
I’m glad that your wee ones pressed on. We ccan learn so much from them eh?
this was actually the very first thing they did too, if they weren’t already on the ice they asked them to fall. being able to get up on their own determined what group they went into! it’s so important to be able to get back up!
Great post Jen. 🙂