Recently my son and I were at the mall and we decided to use the elevator. The door opened and everyone filed out and it was time for us to get on. There was a family with a small boy and a stroller so my son held the door for them
to get on. Then he pushed the button and off we went. When the door opened he repeated the same, he held the door so the door did not close on them as they exited. They did not say a word to him for his kindness, which was fine, no big deal. However, they saved the big deal for later.

After hours of shopping we went to the food court to eat lunch and after I went to the restroom. My son waited in the hall. While he was waiting for me the same family from the elevator passed him and their son recognized my son
and said “Hi”. The father begins scolding his son for speaking to mine. He said things like “Don’t you talk to him, he is bad” and made comments he was a skater and maybe on drugs. When my son told me I could not believe it and he
was obviously hurt by it.

Skateboarding is not a bad influence on our youth, bad people are a bad influence on our youth and they do not discriminate as to what type of kid they want to influence. Skateboarding actually is a very good influence. It teaches
them perseverance; it challenges them and keeps them active.

Not to mention skateboarding is a professional sport with endorsements and fame just like basketball or football.

Now I know Skateboarding has been associated with drugs and alcohol for many years and it can be a pretty tough crowd. I have attended skate competitions and I have met all types of interesting and scary people. But I really believe that bad influences exist in every social class and group. I believe with today’s pressures any kid can fall to the hands of drugs and alcohol.

I bet you did not know that there are several wonderful pro skaters out there providing our kids great role models and encouraging them to make a difference? Tony Hawk is a family man and supports numerous charities. Paul Rodriquez Jr. is religious and donates skateboards to cancer charities. Jereme Rogers is religious and promotes spreading the word of god. RyanSheckler donates to a variety of charities supporting children and athletes. There are many more skaters making a difference.

My point is this, before assuming all long hair skaters are out to steal your soul, take a closer look. You may find a nice young man who is willing to hold a door for you, give his seat up on a crowed bus or help an elderly
neighbor. With all kids the key is taking the time to be involved, know their friends and don’t be afraid to investigate. Set clear guidelines and expectations and hold them accountable for their actions.

Again I am a proud mother of a drug & alcohol free Skater!

Can’t-Wait-to-Skate Onesies for your future skater: http://www.lilboyblu.com/item_534/Cant-Wait-to-Skate.htm