Of Shoes and Boots

On Saturday, Dave took Spazzerific skiing with several extended family members. The rest of us stayed at SuperGran's (Dave's mom) and hung out. Now, when I was in public school, there were pretty much one or two years where a kid could go skiing. I hated it, and avoided it after the first year. However, our bratties have the chance to go every year. Dave scours garage sales for good used skis and ski boots every spring, often available for as little as $5 a set.

Today, the girls got their tap shoes on and started practicing for their dance exams. They have oral questions to answer, a group dance to learn, and barre and floor work to demonstrate. The Spazz knows that as long as he takes his exam, it's his choice whether he continues in dance next year. However, if he wants to switch to judo, he has to pass the exam.

He does enjoy dance somewhat, just not that much. A year off might be good for him. He's learned enough that he could pick it up again later in life, should he want to. The point is not to make it a permanent requirement, but to use it as a tool for practicing self-application, working with others, and motor skills.

I explained to him how taking his exam will help him prepare for taking a driver's test later in life. It's a necessary skill for getting along in the world. The point is not to make dance (or soccer, or hockey, etc.) the end, but allow it to be the means for building life skills.