What do you know now that you wish you knew then?

[isakswings]

I was talking with a board member of dd's club and she asked myself and another parent what kind of things helped us the most as our child got more involved in the sport. Truthfully, in the beginning it was other parents who helped me. I'm still learning as I go and I still ask more experienced parents questions and of coarse, I come here as well. I also talk to dd's coach. I also try and help other newbie parents and when I can't answer a question, I refer them to someone I know who can. Anyway, during our conversation, the board member was saying that the board was thinking about setting up a kiosk or some kind of display to help new parents out. I suggested that we create some kind of list of common questions with the answers listed next to them. Here are some of the things I came up with(keep in mind most of the people who will read this are learn to skate parents):

What should I/my child wear to skating lesson?

When should I buy myself/my child skates?

Where can I buy skates?

How do I know what size skates to buy my child/myself?

How much do skates cost?

When should I think about starting private lessons?

How do I find a private coach?

How much do private lessons cost?

When should I/my child think about joining a figure skating club?

What are the benefits of joining a figure skating club?

What is the difference between a Freestyle skating session and a public skating session? Why does it cost more to skate on a Freestyle session?

How often should I/my child practice skating?

What is a skating competition and can any one participate in them?

Can any of you think of other things you want to know or questions you hear asked frequently?

Thanks for any feedback. I apologize in advance if this post is jumbled. There is a lot going on here and I can't seem to concentrate! :)

[sk8tmum]

Rather than how much do skates cost, instead:

How do I know what skates to buy for my child (and, also, how do I know what blades to buy)?

The cost thing is variable; skates can cost $35 or $900, and it depends on what the kid needs, age, skating goals. Same thing for blades.
What are Moves in the Field, Dance, etc. When should my skater begin these? Do I need a seperate coach for each discipline?

Yes, these are LTS parents, but, I find that my rookie parents see these things at the rink and are curious - plus, it helps focus them on what is ahead.

What does off-ice for skaters look like? When should it start? How much should be done?