Summer in Dallas Texas have always been hot. This past summer was boiling. Looking for things to do on the cooler side can be a challenge. This summer we took ice skating classes at the Galleria.

I was hoping my husband would teach my daughter how to ice skate. That did not work out well as he, himself, was not very stable on the ice. Looking into lessons for my daughter, we realized they had classes for adults as well. Ironically the adult intro classes were the same time as the tot classes. This was too convenient. That is how our whole family started taking classes-my husband, my daughter and myself.

For $15/class, this is a bargain. Class registration also comes with some other perks. While taking classes, students can enjoy free admissions to practice and 3 companion passes. They even have classes on Sundays when the mall is closed. We usually go out there twice a week—once for our class and once to practice.

My husband and I were excited. There are so many positives to this. It is inexpensive and a good way to stay active. It is indoors and keeps us out of the extreme heat. Also, I believe trying something new is good for your soul. I thought it would be great for my daughter to see her parents learn alongside herself.

If you are self-conscious and reluctant to try something new, let me tell you something. You will never be as bad as I was the first day of class. I could barely move across the ice. It took me a very long time to make it to the other side. Everyone is always waiting on me.

My husband is natural. This is easy for him. Every time we start a new skill or technique, he gets it. On the other hand, I struggle with ice skating. Although, I have gotten better, I still do not feel comfortable on the ice. This is a whole new world for me using skills I have not used before, and it has been a humbling experience. Sometimes, I am frustrated at my own inability to master this right away, and sometimes I wonder how long I should continue. I realized I am also afraid of falling and getting hurt.

At some point, I realized it is going to take a lot of practice, time, patience, and effort on my part—physical and mental. Even then, this could be a struggle for me. Then I realized something else—this is what my daughter goes through every day! Everyday she is challenged with learning something new, in a world that is brand new to her. Whether she is learning to write, walk, talk—everything is new—everything is a challenge and can be scary. This has been a good opportunity to walk in her shoes. I have a new perspective of her frustrating moments and a better understanding of the world that I have long forgotten—a child’s world.

Having witnessed my daughter struggle and her frustrations, I now feel like I have been dismissive of exactly what she what she has been up against. I have been standing on the sidelines giving directions. It is so easy to tell her to keep trying, not give up, be patient and have faith, but walking the talk is a whole different ball game. Can I walk the talk? I tell my daughter not to give up and practice makes perfect. Can I show her? These are great skills to have not just to able to eventually glide on the ice but also to glide through life.

As much as I would like my daughter to do what I say, she does not. She does what I do.

Many believe that parenting is about controlling children’s behavior and training them to act like adults. I believe that parenting is about controlling my own behavior and acting like an adult, myself. Children learn what they live.

LR Knost, a writer and children’s advocate

I wanted to give a big shout out to our instructor Chantelle at Galleria Ice Rink. I appreciate her patience and expertise. She makes skating lessons fun and a comfortable place to build our own skills. Thank you.

Other Children’s Activities at the Galleria

Galleria also has a program for children. It is called PALS. You can register for it at the information desk.  They have different packages you can pick up every month. They are filled with activities. My daughter got a passport with items vendors were giving out during the month. We got pretzels from Annie’s.  They also had ice scream from Marble Slab.    

They also post names of the kids during their birthday month on the big jumbotron over the skating rink My daughter got a kick out of seeing her name on the screen.   

In addition to the PALS Program, they have children’s show Sundays at 11am close to the indoor play area on the 3rd floor.

For other ideas around town click here.