How to Talk to Your Parents About the X Games

It's painfully obvious that when it comes to extreme sports, our parents don't know a blunt-grab nosebone from a half-cab stalefish to fakie. If you want them to understand, you're going to have to translate. And speak slowly. And no big words. Oh, and remember not to mention how dangerous this stuff is. Trust me, they don't want to know.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Skateboarding Apparel
• Binders
• UNO Card Game: X-Games

1. Start with the basics, such as the differences between a grind, an air and a tweak. Point out each trick when you see it at the X Games. Explain why it's important to tweak, but not to be a tweeker.

2. Speak slowly. Give your parents time to absorb the information. They really do want to understand, but if you go too fast, they'll lose track and get scared.

3. Explain that the names of the tricks describe different combinations and variations of the basics. Tell them that these names cross over from one extreme sport to another.

4. Explain that an air is always called an air, whether it's performed on a bike, in-line skates, a skateboard or a snowboard.

5. Explain that turning 180 degrees, no matter what the sport, is called a 180 air (or a 360 air, 540 air or whatever).

6. Mention that landing backward is called fakie and contorting your body during a trick is called a tweak.

7. Inform them about the terms "bad," "dope" and "getting sick," so that they will not take these phrases literally and worry about your health and habits.

8. Don't mention the consequences of getting sick on a dope 180 air and hanging up ... bad idea.

9. Demonstrate your interest, knowledge and dedication to your sport, and your parents will be more likely to support it.

10. Invite your parents to join you at the X Games and show them how much fun everyone is having. Take only your dad if your mom is easily frightened by daredevil activity.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that your dad might be a little hurt that you don't like lame-ass baseball, and that he might be a little scared because he is unable to help you learn your sport.
• Understand that your mom might be scared you'll get hurt. Never ever show her your cuts and bruises with pride. She doesn't understand that you earned them happily - she sees only the blood. Remember: blood frightens moms.
• Realize that by slowly and carefully nurturing your parents' respect and understanding for your extreme passion, you can more readily acquire valuable funding.

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on 11/22/2005 Just let them see what types of ramps are what, up close and they might really enjoy it if there are pros or just really good skaters there.