Is just me or have people in Minnesota completely forgotten proper sled hill etiquette? I've taken the kids sledding twice so far this year and I've been confronted by:
1. Kids lollygagging at the bottom of the hill after finishing their run, leading to inevitable collisions and near-misses.
2. Small herds of self-absorbed parents holding impromptu conferences directly in the middle of the hill, paying no attention to the the kids at the top of the hill waiting to go.
3. Kids walking up the center of the hill instead of walking up the sides, while their parents look on.
I completely blame the parents for this sad state of affairs. Someone needs to teach this generation of kids the proper way to sled on a hill.
Two simple rules:
1. Kids: Unless your shoulder needs to be popped back into its socket, get up when your run is finished and promptly walk to one of the sides of the hill while watching for incoming sledders.
2. Parents: Unless you are performing a medevac, stay out of the way and chat with the other parents somewhere that isn't exactly in the middle of where kids are trying to sled. When you see your child breaking rule #1 above, tear yourself away from your iPhone and educate them so they know the proper way to do it in the future.
It's all so simple.
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7 comments:
I think you should write a modern day etiquette book, or blog.
Your second entry could address parking lots and carts.
Well said Mr. Manners!
And with more snow expected, they should interview you on the nightly news! Having been creatively reminded, I'll certainly follow Slediquette when flying down the hill with my 7-year old nephew this holiday season.
Did you sled down Skinner's Hill when you lived in Austin?
Speaking of Skinner's Hill - if you're using a tray you stole from Hardee's as a sled, please pick up the broken pieces when you're done. If you're using a matress that someone else left on the hill as a sled, bring it back up to the top when you're done so that others may enjoy it. Lastly, if I accidentally run your plastic sled over with my wooden sled's runners, cutting your sled in half, it's your fault and you shouldn't get upset at me because I'm rolling around, laughing.
Sorry I haven't kept up on these, Chris, but I entirely agree with the idea of a Sledding Book Of Etiquette. This generation of parents needs sledding manners foced upon them, apparently, and I'd say you're the one to do it.
I sense a story behind Hans' tale of woe, akin to your journey to the Source.
Also, an addendum: be sure to check your sledding path for minor obstacles such as railroad ties, as these can compromise the impression that you are attending a major university and land you in the hospital on a course of painkillers.
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