Updated: Feb. 19, 2021 | Originally Published: Aug. 14, 2015
At the roller rink, I learned about the hustle—not the shady kind, but the dance that defined a generation. For those unfamiliar, the Hustle involved taking off our skates and dancing in the center of the rink until the referees, often irritable, kicked us out. The referees were typically obnoxious—unless they were named Greg, in which case they were always relaxed.
We all fancied ourselves as great skaters back in the day. We danced to hits like “Jungle Boogie” and “Wildfire,” while today’s youth likely groove to artists like Lil Nas X or Dua Lipa. I can’t help but think our music was superior.
Skating taught me an important lesson for adulthood: just because something was enjoyable in youth doesn’t guarantee it will be the same in later life. You might consider taking your pre-teen skating, envisioning the fun and the chance to impress her. However, reality sets in as soon as you encounter the skates, which smell like a mix of stale chips and something far worse.
Once you hit the rink, your body realizes that skating is no longer as effortless as it once was. The floor feels slicker than you remember, and instead of gliding gracefully, you find yourself struggling to maintain your balance. After just one lap, you’re out of breath and questioning your life choices, all while trying to avoid the dreaded skate funk.
The thrill of the couples skate has also shifted dramatically. Back then, it was exhilarating to be chosen by the popular boy, but now as a mom, you’re left wondering about the dynamics of this ritual. Shouldn’t it be an equal choice? You worry as your daughter skates hand-in-hand with a boy who may not recognize her worth, feeling a pang of protective instinct.
You reminisce about your own youthful skating nights, which ended too soon, and then realize that as an adult, you’re ready to leave after just an hour and a half due to the overwhelming scents and sounds. On the ride home, you find amusement mixed with concern as your daughter and her friends engage in conversations, seemingly forgetting you’re there. Despite the exhaustion, you count the outing a success—though one you won’t rush to repeat anytime soon.
In an effort to reclaim your “cool mom” status, you consider taking her to a hip-hop concert instead, where no uncomfortable skates are required. After all, your prior experience at a pop concert was bearable.
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In summary, revisiting the roller rink as an adult can be a stark reminder of the joys and challenges of parenting. While the nostalgia is rich, the realities can be quite different. Embracing new experiences, whether they involve skates or concert tickets, is essential as you navigate motherhood.