In thinking about the parents of skaters, they are endlessly unselfish. They sit at the rink, for hours, watching their kids skate. I don't know how housekeeping and dinners get made, or their own selves taken care of. They seem to do it all, without a complaint. I call them, "Super Skating Parents." Even a few of these parents will not leave the rink, perhaps a small errand, in case their child is hurt. The rink does have the parent's phone numbers, but I understand because I am a parent too. I can totally see that if the child was small, and I can also see if the child was older. But, not because of the child getting hurt, but because you never really 'know' who you are leaving your children with (sexual predator, etc). Most parents seem content to watch, a few run a business, and others are glad to help out with costuming, show props, etc. A few will walk laps outside the rink. And, a brave few have ventured onto the ice themselves, and extra kudos to them.
But, I run into the parent who seems to regret her decision to be at the rink. It's her "job", she bemoans not being able to work-out at a nearby gym, she says her house is a mess, her appearance is usually a mess, but always states "it is her daughter's time." I don't say much back, but I quietly disagree that she should let herself go. She's not doing herself any favors, or those around her. If she was happy, the others would be happier. If she doesn't take care of herself, she could die prematurely and then she will be the missing rock that others have relied upon. Plus, having had men in the family that cheated on wives who let themselves go in their mid-life, I am becoming more vigilant to remain physically & mentally in balance. When you become a parent, you become an example. Yes, I am active. But, both my kids are active too. I want them to see me and my husband active & engaged & happy in our 40s, 50s, 60s, etc. I am not sure if she is a martyr personality or not. It could be, but she is also unhappy/bored about her life. We do have a gym at the rink with personal trainers that overlook both practice ices. I'm fairly certain she has the means to join it, but I haven't suggested it. I just quietly nod, and this is our conversation every time we talk before I go onto the ice. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.