That's how we roll - Learning to skate!

About a year ago, we went to our favourite sporting store, Decathlon, on Bannerghatta Road. Though we went for something else, Yash, who was 7 yrs old then was all excited to see skating gear. He looked at his dad, my dear husband, Vickram with longing eyes. Presto! We were billing for the whole shebang before we knew it. The person who attended us at Decathlon was patient enough to help Yash with the trial, all the while giving some good tips:

• Buy a helmet that covers the back of the head specifically, as the other ones (used for cycling, etc) may not be able to protect the back of the head fully.
• Ensure that the skates are tightly fastened, if not, it may cause the ankle to twist.
• The child should be able to wear and remove his gear on his own, making him (or her) not only independent but also responsible for his (or her)now safety.
• Wear all the safety gear even if it is just a small trial as accidents may happen anytime.

I was a bit apprehensive because the skating gear which included the protection kit (three in one), the helmet, the bag and the inline skates, cost us a small fortune. My apprehension was based on how quickly Yash outgrew his other interests, literally, as his growth spurts were in full swing. But when father and son have made up their mind, there is no looking back from there. My fears seemed to be proving right. Yash put on his full gear once and went skating. It later sat in a cupboard for a whole of two months.

In August, Yash's newest friend who had recently moved into our apartment, was showing his fantastic skating skills. This proved enough motivation to Yash. Watching him in the process of learning to skate was insightful to say the least. I learnt that Yash had perseverance. This was the first time I had seen him so determined to learn a new skill. His friend's mom had some very practical tips to help Yash learn quickly and the right technique. As you know, learning to skate is not as easy as the ride looks. He fell, so much so that at the end of the first day, he had wounds where the skates met the skin on the back of his leg. He did not complain.

On the second day, much to our surprise, he was up and ready again. Wearing all his gear, ready to face his challenge. We did not have to say anything. What a great spirit is showed! Still continued to fall!

On day three, he was ready to take off! He had learnt the basics of keeping balance while skating! After that day, many evenings have been spent skating!

The lesson for me in all of this is simple, if children love something, they will persist at learning it, no matter what. The love for a skill, new knowledge or plain old academics is at the root of getting a child to focus, make mistakes and learn from it, and finally master the skill...

Yash learnt to skate. I learnt about perseverance!

It's most certainly fun, Growing Up With Yash!