MARK MY WORD: DAUGHTER TURNS FAMILY HOME INTO SKATING RINK

Becca's on the move these days thanks to in-line roller skates. It's a Christmas present that has our 8-year-old rolling along.

She wears them constantly. It's hard to get her to take them off, even for bed.

Becca has turned our home into a skating rink.

The other day I was down in the basement family room trying to watch a Blues hockey game while Becca skated around her 5-year-old sister, Bailey.

Frequently, Becca rushed toward the TV set like a winger intent on attacking the opposing net.

At this rate, Joni, Bailey and I soon will need hockey pads and helmets just to survive in our home.

"Don't run over your sister," I constantly advise Becca in my best father-knows-best tone.

Thankfully, the only hockey sticks in our home are on television.

Still, that hasn't stopped Becca from kicking at a small, bouncing ball like a crazed version of roller hockey meets soccer.

The other day she wanted to go skate outside. We rejected the request, noting that her skates weren't made for an icy driveway.

I'm sure Becca's already looking to spring when she can skate outdoors.

I've advised her to avoid a hockey career. "You won't have any teeth by the time you're 30," I warned her.

Becca just smiled and informed me she would just wear false teeth.

At this point, she sees no reason to head to the penalty box. She's too busy turning like a top.

The skates came with a page of instructions. It advises skaters wear helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards at all times. Personally, I think its the rest of the family who need the protection.

Joni already has plans to outfit Becca with a helmet before she ventures outside.

"Skate only where legal and safe," the instructions point out. It makes no mention of skating in the family room, although that's preferable to skating in the living room which is packed with opened Christmas presents and an ornament-laden tree.

"Be sure skating surface is smooth, clean, dry and free of oil, water, sand and glass," the manufacturer of the skates advises.

I've checked our family room and found no signs of oil, water, sand or glass on the carpet, although I've found the occasional left-over potato chip.

"When skating in heavily congested areas always be on the lookout for other skaters, people walking and bicycles and runners," the instructions note.

So far, the only running has been Bailey trying to flee from her skating sister. The bicycles already had been banished to the garage before Becca took up indoor skating.

"Always skate under control and obey all traffic laws." That's a great instruction. I'm thinking of installing traffic lights in the family room to regulate Becca's skating. That's cheaper than having to bring in hockey referees.

If that doesn't work, there's always the penalty box.