I've Hit My Limit!

That's right, I've had enough. I usually don't mind driving kids to sport practices, but tonight was ridiculous.

Here's the driving scenario:

1. Home to point A.
2. Point A to point B.
3. Point B to point A.
4. Point A to point B.
5. Point B to point C.
6. Point C to home.
7. Home to point C.
8. Point C to home.

That makes EIGHT trips in one evening. EIGHT! My advice to you is don't do this. Just say no.

Now, you might be thinking that I signed the kids up for all of this so it's my fault. But that's not the case. When I signed the kids up, their schedules weren't a problem. Then the swim team changed practice from late evening to early evening. And the hockey team changed off-ice practice to a different rink. This change meant that the boys had to go to off-ice at one rink, followed by hockey practice at another rink fifteen minutes down the road. Crazy!

OK, in truth, I've survived the year thus far thanks to a carpool. However, that boy separated his shoulder so he's not going to practice for a month. My backup possibility got injured too--he broke his knee cap. (Look for an upcoming post on injuries...)

Could my daughter skip practice? Sure, but she's already missed several times because of her brother's practice.

The next time that my husband is unavailable and there's no car pool, I will say no to my children. The coaches will have to understand. Period.

Did I mention homework? Two tests and a paper? It's going to be a late night...

-Kim

Give Your Child the Gift of Lessons

Ski season has arrived with a vengeance all over the country. Kids are itching to hit the slopes.

Unfortunately, parents are dropping their kids at the ski hill. Most of these kids have little or no prior experience and no clue how to ski or snowboard. They don't know how to turn, slow down, or stop.

Folks, this isn't sled riding. There are specific techniques and skills needed simply for the sake of safety. Your child could run into a tree or even another skier.

When my daughter was three, an out-of-control skier went speeding down the hill and flew right between my mom and my daughter. I saw this with my own eyes. Both were lucky to come away without injuries. However, my mom's ski pole did not survive the event. Yes, her ski pole was bent almost in half. Good thing it wasn't mom's knee.

Even if your child begs to skip the lessons, please don't give in. Remember that safety is first.

-Kim