There are a lot of really good reasons to put your child in ski school. Sometimes separating a child out of the family dynamic gives them a chance to take risks and make discoveries they might not otherwise. There is less pressure about pleasing Mom & Dad, or keeping up with siblings. Maybe you and your spouse want a day to yourselves. Maybe your kid is such an unrelenting brat that you can’t stand to be around him (ok, just kidding). Maybe you’ve tried to teach the little one to ski, and it ended up in a tantrum – yours or theirs, I’ve seen both.

There are several key things you want to know when you are booking a lesson for Little (the generic name I’ll use for anyone’s kid):

* If it’s a group lesson, what is the maximum group size? When you hear the answer, think about it. 10 nine-year-olds? Chances are, that instructor will spend more time on crowd control than teaching. As with adults, the group setting can be really fun for kids, but think about your particular child’s needs. Especially if they are unusual.

It’s a sticky subject, but learning disabilities and personality disorders are an issue. I have had parents drop off children without saying a word about problems that made it unsafe for their child to ski in a group setting. I understand their desire for their child to share an experience with his or her peers, but safety – of your child as well as others in the class -- has to be the first and foremost consideration. If you are unsure, talk to the ski school about your child’s specific issues and they can recommend the safest option.

* What level skier is Little? Some resorts will ask you this on the phone when you book your lesson. Be honest, be conservative. If this will be Little’s first day skiing since last year, he may not start up exactly where he left off the year before. It’s also easier for Little to learn new skills if he isn’t so challenged that it’s all he can do just to stay upright. This is also something to deal with the day of Little's lesson, but that's another post.

* Is lunch included, and what is a typical menu? Set your kids’ expectations -- they may have had a really tasty grilled cheese sandwich when they had lunch with you, but ski school lunch choices may be more limited. Also, make sure you can request a special meal if your child has allergies or dietary restrictions.

* Get a grip on the logistics. This is better done early than late – you’d be amazed how hard it can be to get out of the house with all that gear. Find out how much time you’ll need to get through the rental shop and to the designated ski school drop-off place. Then add 15-20 minutes for the unexpected. At the resort where I teach, there is an early drop-off program, so parents can put their kids in ski school and still make it to their own lessons if need be.

* What time does the lesson end, and where? Sounds basic, but it’s that logistics thing again. Also be honest with yourself about how much your child can handle. Did you arrive late the night before, and wake up jet lagged and woozy from the altitude? Maybe picking your child up early that first day will make for a more enjoyable vacation overall. Just confirm with Little’s instructor when & where that can happen.

Ultimately, you want your kid to be safe, have fun, and learn something. Pretty much in that order.