My eight-year-old made her debut as a synchronized ice skater last night. If you're unfamiliar with this sport (I sure was, until my daughter joined her team), think of it as similar to the synchronized swimming performances you may have seen. Teams of as many as 20 skaters perform a routine together, crossing the ice with arms interlocked or creating forms like circles, blocks, or wheels. (Synchro was once called "precision" or "drill" skating.) And of course, the skaters wear identical costumes and must have matching hairdos too. Who knew that being a skating mom would mean I'd need to learn how to create the perfect "donut bun"? Now I know!
I've also learned that it's invaluable to have a fellow rookie skate mom in my corner. One of the other new skating moms and I have shared rides to the ice center, tips on where to find blonde hairnets, and warm blankets to sit on at the rink. So that's my advice today for anyone who is experiencing a sport for the first time, as a participant or a parent: Make a friend!
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