PARTNERS IN PERFORMANCE

Sport and recreation should always be "athlete-centered", meaning the efforts of all involved should be foremost to provide the opportunity for the athlete to learn and have fun.  This required an array of partners working together for the athlete.  Some of the key partners working together to provide that opportunity to your skater and their respective roles are:
 

The Parent

The skating parent's role is to provide physical, emotional and, of course, financial support.  Your skater will need you to show an interest in their progress, as well as giving your encouragement and understanding when times are difficult.  You help to shape your child's attitudes, how they cope with success and failure, how they relate to other skaters and how they react to criticism.  Set a good example, as your child will be watching and learning from you.

Even young skaters need to have some input into skating decisions.  Do not impose your goals onto your child.  Assist your child in establishing his or her skating goals with the coach.  Most importantly, enjoy being involved in skating.

Skating can become expensive if you allow it to.  Ultimately, the decision of how much money from the family budget should go to skating is up to the parent.  Try not to put added pressure on the skater about financial matters.  Money spent is your concern, not theirs.

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