My middle guy started skating this month, and it's definitely not as easy as when I signed up my oldest. The two are completely different personality-wise. My oldest is outgoing and very independent, while my other one is very shy and very close to his dad and I. We always have to be within walking distance of him, so this is definitely out of his comfort zone, as it's the first activity away from Mom and Dad.
It's always such a bittersweet feeling watching my boys grow up. On one hand, I love seeing them thrive and enjoy something away from us, becoming their own person. It's so cool to watch them experience things, make friends and develop their own interests. On the other hand, it's sad for my mom heart to watch them grow up and get away from me. I really struggled with dropping my oldest off at school last year, as it's just that next chapter of them becoming more independent. I have no regrets, as my oldest is really thriving at school, with lots of friends and good stories to tell, which is always so nice to hear.
My middle son really likes to skate and is so excited the morning of, but when it comes time to go on the ice, he's in tears as his teachers say, 'he just wants mom.' I'm not allowed to stand down at the glass as he'd probably just come running out to me, but I wave from up high when I can. It's definitely quite the process, as I'm holding onto my youngest one, who weighs 30 pounds! It's a great arm workout that's for sure.
It's hard to see my son crying on the ice, as he's very shy around other kids, and I think the instructors, too, as they are strangers to him. One of the instructors was telling the parents on day one that it's a very tough thing to do. You are the most important person in your child's life and you are throwing them on a dangerous surface with random people. If you think of it that way, it's no wonder that are nervous!
With all that said, I'm excited to watch my kids get into sports as they get older. If they really don't like it, I'll pull them out and try something different, but for now my little one likes the skating, it's just being away from mom that's the hard part. It will be rewarding to see him get over that hurdle and realize that I will always be there, but that he will be okay without me, doing something he likes.
When I was a young girl, I was actually the same way. I hated school, and was very shy, running after my parents' car. Let's just say they got a few phone calls from the school. That was the hardest part for me about growing up, saying goodbye.
My most used sentence to both boys has always been, 'Mommy will see you soon.' The goodbyes will just take time, and that's okay.
