We had signed up for a pack of lessons. The deal is time based, and we could go for as many lessons we could within a one month period. In true Spore behaviour, we attended twice in a weekend (once Saturday and again Sunday). Nisa and Jamie got the theoratical basics nailed down and it was only just yesterday that we bought our blades. Of course Jamie wanted his own pair the day we signed up for the lessons but we thought it best that we waited for a while to see if he would lose interest after 2 lessons.
In the past 2 lessons prior to this weekend past, Jamie had been able to stand up but balance remained doubtful. He did better on the Saturday lesson and I relented when he asked again. Nisa bought a pair as well. Jamie was really pleased when he got his blades, and whilst at the shop, he wanted to put them on and skate away down ECP!! The light drizzle (which turned into a downpour) did not seem to deter him. Anyway, here he is examining his blades in detail when we got home.
He couldn't resist himself and put on the pair in the house and moved about - a little dangerous to do so, but so did Nisa, who could not resist as well!!
I could well justify the purchase because it would allow Jamie to practice in-between lessons. I am thinking the lessons are for learning something new, and you spend the time outside the lesson practising what had been taught - then you go back to the next lesson where you learn something new. Without blades (and hence practice), lessons are simply practice sessions - which is really not the point. Well, the truth is that I find it hard to say no to my boy, especially when he's learning a new skill.
But there was still no breakthrough in the blading adventure. Jamie could stand, and could barely balance, let alone move along. He was still excite about blading nonetheless and that was all that matter to Nisa and I. In true Spore style (again), we got up earlier this morning and brought Jamie to the skateboard park. There is a practice area and this is where Jamie strapped on his blades to have another go. I started my run just as Jamie started with his practice.
After 49min (or an 8k in very muggy weather), I returned. Nisa said Jamie had something to show me; Jamie said "watch this, daddy". And he moved towards me on his own. Balance was fine! Movement was good! That 20m distance that he bladed towards me were like his first steps and it felt that way as well. The little successes bring the most joy, because every success deserves recognition and celebration. Jamie was now really looking forward to his lesson later in the day.
I think A (the instructor) was a little surprised, and pleased with the progress as well.
He's actually moving on this own!!
What did I learn? It is to step back and let Nisa do this. Nisa was the one who coached Jamie whilst I was away on my run, and got him to balance on the blades. I would have been impatient and would have over-analysed the situation. Nisa really aced this one, and all on mother's day as well. I love the both of them.
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