We took Michael ice skating on Saturday. I expected him to be terrified and freak out, but it is something I had wanted to do for a long time. We talked about it on Saturday and he said he wanted to go and then when the time came to leave he said he didn't. So I decided not to push it. He had already had a full day of activities and he and Doug were playing a game and I figured we could always go another day. But an hour later he said "Mom, I changed my mind, I do want to go ice skating."
Of course, by that time there was only an hour left of free skate time and Doug and I weren't even dressed but we threw on our clothes and ran to the local ice rink. Man is free skate expensive by the time you pay for everyone and skate rental and I figured we would be on the ice for 10 minutes tops.
Michael looked well, terrified. Doug told him everyone was going to fall once. He held both of our hands and I held onto the wall. To be honest, I was feeling a little shaky because I think the last time I was on ice skates, I was well, Michael's age? Maybe? And then Doug decided his skates were too small and he left the ice to exchange them. Leaving Michael and I. And I thought Michael was going to lose it. This child does not do well when he is scared. And Daddy can do anything. And I'm just Mom.
But I told him I had him and we would stay close to the wall, which was all true. Eventually he let me let go off the wall, and we skated, slowly, but we skated. We fell down, once, and he looked like he was going to cry, but he didn't, and we got right back up, and kept skating. Doug rejoined us and we lasted about 45 minutes on the ice. He had a blast. He eventually went to holding the wall on his own, but he never wanted to not be holding onto something. He never asked to leave, or stop, or asked to go home. In fact, he was disappointed when he had to leave because free skate time was over.
Is it OT or maturity that is making him braver? I'll probably never know. But I know this, 6 months ago there is no way in hell he would have gotten out there.
**Who gets the obscure 80's movie reference?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Ice Castles!!! Loved that movie when I was little.
We took Joshua to Cabin John a little while back. It was fun, but expensive for the 10 minutes or so he was on the ice. He wasn’t quite ready for it, and one or both of us were holding him the whole time. We’re planing on trying again in the next month or so…
Oh well done, that’s great! You never know with these 5 years old, do you ? I’d love to try ice skating, but I’ve never ever been myself, so I wouldn’t dare taking Ashley. It’s awesome that he enjoyed it, and I’m sure he’ll get braver the next time.
It’s from “Ice Castles” starring Robby Benson!