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I just spent an incredible week with my 6-year-old skateboarding son.

While his older sister was singing and dancing her way into a “High School Musical” frenzy at Drama Camp, Evan and I had some “mom-time,” which, as the mother of two, is rare in our home.

So, how did Evan choose to spend those many hours of complete, utter aloneness with me? I’ll give you one guess — it starts with S-K-A-T-E and ends with I-N-G. Yes, skateboarding.  Though, in my son’s persuasive way, he called them “Mom skate-dates.” Aww, he’s my adorable little manipulator.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to skate with my son. Of course, by skating with Evan I mean I have the honor of lugging all his gear, Gatorade, and my folding chair (with built-in cup-holder) all over the place to watch him. But, during these skate-dates I take on many roles as a SkateMom, starting with making sure all his physical needs are met:

1. Did he put on sunscreen (or “sunscream,” as Evan calls it)? — Check!
2. Is he staying hydrated? — Check!
3. Does he have a variety of nutritious snacks at his disposal? — Check!
4. Are there plenty of Band-Aids in the car? — Check!

After that, as chief of his “pit crew,” I make sure all of Evan’s mechanical needs are met:

1. Trucks tightened or loosened to his satisfaction? — Check!
2. Helmet, knee and elbow pads secure? — Check!
3. Fallen Footwear skate shoes tied in a double knot? — Check!

My final role, of course, is his number one fan. Since his dad was not with us skating, I can SO say that. To your skater, this is the most important role that you can take on with him or her.

Contrary to what your skater may tell you, they love having you there watching them — being their own personal cheering section, keeping the running tally on just how many “Pop-Shuvits” they did or just how high they aired out of the bowl. It’s imperative to support them in something they love doing, showing enthusiasm about it and spending that time with them. Even if you do nothing except give them a “high five” as they roll on by you, they notice.

I also think it is kind of neat to go to a few parks you haven’t been to before. Surprisingly, most towns do have them, and even the smallest of skate parks have something to offer because none are exactly the same. (This website has a great park locator on the main page - check it out!).

This week, we went to nine different skate parks. Yup, NINE! In sweltering, 98-degree sunshine, in two different states, uphill both ways. Now I know that may sound boring and exhausting to you (except for you crazy diehards—rock on!), but I have to encourage you all to try, even if it’s on a very occasional basis. You don’t have to go to as many as we did — one or two would be a great start! You will be surprise at just how much you (and your skater) enjoy it. Don’t forget the “suncream!”