Circus family life is a balancing act
By Gwenn Garland, The (Salisbury, Md.) Daily Times
Feb 05, 2011
Most families caught up in the day-to-day chaos of life with kids might think that between school, activities and playdates, life is like a three-ring circus and an icy commute can feel like a Globe of Death.
But the fact is, most parents would envy the life of a real circus family.
The Urias family has performed its motorcycle stunt act for close to 100 years, wowing crowds with tricks in a steel cage known as the Globe of Death. Now they travel with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the daredevils on the motorcycles are also parents.
"When your kids go to play with their friends, you not only know the children they're playing with, but you also know their parents — and maybe their uncles, cousins and grandparents," said Jodie Urias, who with her husband, Erwin Urias, performs in the act and take cares of Geovi, 10, and Alyssa, 6.
They say the life is exciting, educational and secure for their children.
"I think it's the best family environment to grow up in. Your family is always with you, and you become really close," said Jodie Urias's brother-in-law, Melvin Urias, 35, who grew up in the circus and is a fourth-generation performer. "And it's a really close-knit community, with a lot of other families with kids."read more at:http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/story/2011/02/Circus-family-life-is-a-balancing-act/43323454/1
Most families caught up in the day-to-day chaos of life with kids might think that between school, activities and playdates, life is like a three-ring circus and an icy commute can feel like a Globe of Death.
But the fact is, most parents would envy the life of a real circus family.
The Urias family has performed its motorcycle stunt act for close to 100 years, wowing crowds with tricks in a steel cage known as the Globe of Death. Now they travel with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the daredevils on the motorcycles are also parents.
"When your kids go to play with their friends, you not only know the children they're playing with, but you also know their parents — and maybe their uncles, cousins and grandparents," said Jodie Urias, who with her husband, Erwin Urias, performs in the act and take cares of Geovi, 10, and Alyssa, 6.
They say the life is exciting, educational and secure for their children.
"I think it's the best family environment to grow up in. Your family is always with you, and you become really close," said Jodie Urias's brother-in-law, Melvin Urias, 35, who grew up in the circus and is a fourth-generation performer. "And it's a really close-knit community, with a lot of other families with kids."read more at:http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/story/2011/02/Circus-family-life-is-a-balancing-act/43323454/1