Sometimes we forget what it is like to be a kid. Sometimes we forget the mental apsects of the game might not have anything to do with the child but everything to do with the parent. I weigh 200 pounds. I would never go on the ice with risk of getting checked by a 400 pound man. Would you? How many parents are playing hockey where checking is allowed? Few if any.
It is interesting that checking is introduced in Peewee but goes away in adult leagues, unless you are in college hockey, semi-pro or the NHL. As adults we know it hurts and we don't want to get hurt.
When your child first steps into a checking league it is scary. If not fear then anxiety. If not anxiety then nervousness. If not nervousness then caution. And thats how I feel when watching my son. Image how your son or daughter feels. It is not unusual for weight differences to be double your child's weight. They are getting hit by someone 2x's as big as them. Wow! What brave kids.
Let them know it is alright to be scared, anxious, nervous, or cautious. Let them know how they are quite brave really. Let them know that getting hit and checking is part of the game that they can learn over time. Give them permission to be cautious and avoid it but learn how to use it and take it. If they love the game. If they want to be on the ice. If they stick with it, they well learn how to take a check and how to deliver one. They mentally need time to prepare for it.
They don't need to be told to toughen up or to shake it off. If you don't believe me... get a friend that is double your weight and tell them to run full speed into your back. Yeah - a bad check. Then have your wife tell you to toughen up and shake it off. How are you feeling with her advice? Good I'm sure.
Kind of funny when you think about what we tell our kids sometimes. Give them permission to be cautious and learn. They will appreciate it. Talk to them about checking and see what the think.
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