Roller skating has been around since the 1800s and is still going strong today. It is a great way to teach your children how to be more active while having loads of fun. It is also a relatively safe activity, as long as you take the proper precautions. However, many parents don’t know where to start and what they need to do to reduce the chances of accidents or injuries. In this article, we’re going to give you a few simple safety tips to follow for child roller skaters.
Know when it’s the Right Time to Start
We’ve seen children as little as three or even two roller skating, but that doesn’t mean every three-year-old can. It all depends on the child, and you’ll have to assess yourself if they’re ready or not. If your child has the proper level of coordination, then around four years old is a good age.
But you shouldn’t start them on inline skates yet. Get them familiar with traditional skates first. While four or five is a good age to start, it doesn’t mean that they can be left unsupervised. Kids should always be under parental supervision up to the age of eight when they’re skating.
Buying the Right Skates
The next step is making sure that you buy the right kids quad skates for your child. Buying the right pair of skates will reduce the chance of them falling and reduce ankle injuries as well. The right skate will also be comfortable and make it easier for them to learn.
Usually, skating boots will be a bit tighter than their usual shoes. This will provide them with a nice snug fit. You also have to consider which style of skating your child is into. If they’re into speed skating or roller derby, you’ll need to buy special skates for these styles. That’s why it’s better to go with a real manufacturer that will have a wide variety of skates for all skaters. But if they just want to skate with their friends, recreational skates will do.
Get the Proper Safety Gear
Buying the right safety is the next step. Some of the essentials you will need is a nice helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. You should also get a pair of wrist guards and gloves. And don’t forget to get a mouthguard as well to protect their tiny teeth if they happen to fall or crash.
Teach them the Right Way
Teaching them how to skate the right way will also diminish the chances of accidents. You can start by taking them by the hand or get behind and hold them by the armpits while they skate. Another thing you could do is get a skate mate trainer. Most rinks will have those and they can be very helpful as your kid starts getting better. Once they look comfortable, you can take have them go hands-free and stay close in case they fall.
Conclusion
Roller skating if one of the best activities any kid can learn and is totally safe if introduced the right way. Make sure that you follow these few simple tips and your kid will become a skating pro in no time.
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