TO THE PARENTS...

I really want to keep this blog going with positive posts about fun skateparks, really good sessions where I’ve learned something new, or talking about the really fantastic people I meet when I’m out skating. However, this post is not about any of that. I need to get this off my chest so I can focus on the good.

Parents- GET OFF YOUR ASSES and get involved in your children’s lives!!! Don’t sit on the side of the skate park while your kid goes around terrorizing smaller children, nearly getting themselves (and others) seriously injured by snaking other people, and in general making a complete nuisance of themselves while you catch up on work, or read the newspaper, or whatever the fuck else you might be doing that is keeping you from having quality time with your kid teaching them how to be respectful of other people WHILE having fun.
How can you participate? Most obviously ASK THEM QUESTIONS about what they have learned, want to learn, or are having problems learning. ENCOURAGE THEM to keep trying. Also, when you see that your kid is cutting in when someone else has been waiting patiently let them know that it’s not alright! It’s bad manners and those are unacceptable anywhere. You know your kids learn by example IF you are there to guide them. So simply BE THERE WITH THEM. Let them know that the skate park is just like anywhere else that they need to be respectful of other people. That doesn’t mean that they can’t have fun. It just means that they can’t do it at another person’s expense. Lastly, if you are willing and able GET ON A BOARD. It’s hard. Yeah, o.k. it’s really hard, but that’s what pads are made for. I understand that it’s not for everyone, but even if you do it one time your kid will understand that what he/she’s trying is worthwhile and that their interests are important to you. So, in conclusion GET OUT AND BE A PART OF YOUR KID’S SKATEBOARDING. IT’S IMPORTANT TO THEM!!!

O.K. That’s all I have to say about this.