The same kids that we see looking so grown-up on the competition ice probably still cuddle their favorite stuffed animals when they go to bed at night. Let them be kids, and support them as they grow. Allow time for school and personal growth. Very few skaters make skating their life career. Don t put so much focus on your child s skating that you forget they ll have to function in a normal world when they grow up.
School is important.
Social development is important. Being a kid is important. Help him or her to be realistic about those goals, but also to make them challenging enough to make the sport fulfilling. Help to achieve these goals by setting targets, plotting progress, etc. Be willing to reevaluate when necessary.