A little while ago, my wife found a skating rink that was offering four free lessons on ice skating and hockey. While we are not what you call a “hockey family,” we wanted to expose our son to various sports to see what he does and doesn’t like.
The first lesson, he spent a lot of time falling on the ice, but he steadily got better with each week. I had a front row seat for the fourth lesson to see the last chance at progress.
Two things stuck out to me that I am compelled to share.
The first things is that, along with adult coaches, there was a local high school hockey team out there with the kids teaching them as well. I was impressed that these teens on the hockey team would get all their equipment on and be out on the ice at 8 a.m. sharp waiting to instruct small children. They were so good with all the kids and seemed to enjoy themselves, teaching and helping all the little beginners.
The second thing that stood out to me was that when my son, or anybody else’s son or daughter, would fall, a hockey team member would skate up to them, get real low and talk to them, helping them get up using only their voices. These kids would fall a lot, and not at any point did a coach or a teen instructor try to prevent a fall or even help them up physically.
I loved this fact. Falling is a part of ice skating and hockey; the kids must learn this fact. I love that they were gently taught how to get up each time, all the while having a coach or teen checking on them to make sure they were OK and not discouraged.
After my son’s last lesson, he was not bitter or angry at his high school instructor. He felt connected to him so much so that he wanted to hang out with him a lot longer.
Why? I think we all know. Even though my son’s new role model did not help him up or prevent him from falling, my son knew that his young teacher would not leave him alone on the ice. My son knew he had learned and accomplished something that he would not have if he had been prevented from falling or constantly helped up.
To conclude, I have learned many things over the years with the benefit of playing sports. My son will be no different.
