Confessions of a figure skating parent

Our parent “confessions” series gives an inside, anonymous (unless you choose otherwise) look at life in the activities that help define our kids’ childhoods. Want to share an inside look at your kid’s activity of choice? Email [email protected].

In this edition, a Sioux Falls figure skating mom takes us for an inside look behind life at the rink.

How did it all start in figure skating in your family? What drew your daughter to it?

I was a figure skater growing up but only in group lessons once a week. I figure skated for fun at the outdoor rink out in the country that all the parents took care of. There was a hockey rink with boards and lights and then a full-size skating rink next to it, also a large warming house with a wood-burning stove and hot chocolate. The parents all signed up for working shifts to flood the rink and be in charge of the warming house. We would go to the rink every night after dinner and play music on the loud speakers with a cassette player — it was a long time ago.

I then continued to skate for fun during college; there was a rink in downtown Minneapolis that we would skate at. When I had kids, I knew that it was something that I wanted them to try. I am not sure that when they started they were drawn to anything about it rather than me signing them up for learn-to-skate lessons. That was approximately back in 2009, 2010. I have two girls, and they were ages 4 and 6 at the time.

Talk us through the progression. How did your daughters start off skating as far as level of participation, frequency of practice, etc., and then how has it steadily increased?

Both girls started at the same time, and they skated once a week for the first couple of years. Two years later, they participated in the spring show and from there added another day or two a week of skating, and then we found a private coach and added going to a few competitions a year.

What does their participation look like today? How often do they practice, perform, compete, etc.? Is it year-round?

They both have eased off skating the last year or two because of high school academics and other activities and clubs. But with that said, they still skate approximately three to four hours a week each, and then they coach learn-to-skate classes.

No competitions were possible last year, and so far two competitions have been canceled this year due to COVID. My youngest competed recently in a group number and in Blaine, Minn., for the Frosty Blades competition in a group and as an individual. Yes, skating is a year-round sport for both girls. They offer practice ice all summer through the Scheels IcePlex and our Sioux Falls Figure Skating Club.

How would you describe the travel? Do you have a most memorable trip?

Travel is what you want to do, which is one thing that makes this sport so great. It is what you want your participation and dedication to be. We have our local shows and exhibitions, and we host a yearly competition, which they both participate in. We usually travel to New Ulm, (Minn.,) and the (Twin) Cities for competitions, and we have traveled to test their skills in Minnesota and North Dakota as well as here in South Dakota. The most memorable trip to date was to Birmingham, Ala., in 2019. Both girls were on the Theatre on Ice team, the South Dakota Stars and competed at the national level. They placed second in the short program and eighth overall. It was a great experience, and we turned it into a moms-and-daughters mini-vacation.

So if we were watching you (and/or your spouse) during a competition, what might we see? What kind of parent-spectator are you?

Relaxed and cheering for all the skaters. It can be a little stressful when you know they are doing a jump, and they fall or stumble, but it happens to the best of them!

OK, be honest, what should parents budget with a child in figure skating? A range works fine!

It really does depend. Ice is expensive! You have the club fees, group lesson fees, practice ice, private coach fees, skates and competition dresses. Depending on where you are at, just starting could be $200 up to $5,000-plus for a competitive figure skater.

What’s the coolest/most memorable thing you’ve seen happen during one of your daughters’ competitions or performances?

Nothing specific stands out with a specific time but just knowing that they are having good sportsmanship and being gracious with winning or losing.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen another parent do in this sport?

Put on some really intense stage makeup, and I guess I have seen some yelling at their skater!

What do you think your daughters’ biggest benefits have been from participating in figure skating?

Beside all the health benefits of being fit and strong and having coordination, stability and balance, they have learned self-discipline, determination, confidence and how to be resilient.

If you could go back and change something about your daughters’ experience in skating, would you do anything different?

Nothing at all. It has been a great experience ,and they have learned a lot on and off the ice and have made some fabulous lifelong friendships!

What do you wish you’d known about being a figure skating parent that another figure skating parent should know?

To be prepared and willing to devote both time and money to the sport but also to know that it will all pay off in the end when they are able to achieve their goals and become better people because of what they learned on the ice. I also believe that figure skating parents need to be very patient with their skaters and their skill progression as so many skills in this sport can only be achieved with lots of practice and repetition.

Finish this sentence: When my daughters are done with figure skating I hope they …

Enjoyed their sport and continue to skate for fun and find joy in coaching.