The top 10 lessons I learned as a synchronized skating parent

When I started on this journey all those years ago, I knew very little. I knew that figure skating was in the Olympics every 4 years, that it was under a mysterious judging system called 6.0, and that skaters like Michelle Kwan and Kristi Yamaguchi were superstars.

I guess it’s fair to say I’ve learned quite a bit over the years and I know so much more about it now. But the technical and logistical parts were a small fraction of the important parts. The were so many life lessons I never expected to learn.

Here’s my top 10 list of most important synchro lessons.

1. They are just kids and it’s supposed to be fun.
2. Ice is slippery and sometimes they fall down. The important part is what they do when they get back up.
3. You won’t remember the scores when it’s all over. What you will remember are the bus rides, talks in the stands, friendships, and team celebrations.
4. Things change – you have to be flexible and adapt.
5. Every role on the team is important and has something to teach our children.
6. Life will go on if they don’t make the team level or reach the competition placement they were hoping for.
7. There are highs and lows to every season. Find the successes and celebrate, whatever they are.
8. No, they don’t really want you hovering around when they are with their team. That goes for the skaters and the coaches.
9. It’s expensive – bring your checkbook. Not everything needs to be new.
10. Synchro parents really are an amazing support network and become your second family and best friends.

People often ask me if I regret spending so much time and money involved in synchronized skating over the years. Yes, I could have just dropped my child off at the rink and left. Or I could have said she needed to find another cheaper and less time consuming sport. But I feel fortunate to have been able to share in this experience with her in so many different ways. Do I regret it? Nope, never. The path wasn’t without it’s bumps and struggles. I sometimes wonder who grew more from the experience, her or me? Maybe it was a little of both.

Follow my weekly blog the Confessions of a Synchronized Skating Mom, as I share all that I have learned through my 25 year experience with this amazing sport.