The Do’s & Don’ts of Helping Your Child Roller Skate

Do you want your child to excel in roller skating so they can easily skate with you? We all know it’s not very fun to skate when you’re stopping every few seconds because your child keeps falling. Sometimes, we are in such a hurry to enjoy something that we don’t take the proper steps to do things the right way. Here is a quick list of do’s and don’ts that you should follow when trying to help your child roller skate.

DO’S

  • Sign your child up for roller skating classes. Most roller skating centers provide classes to teach children (and sometimes adults) how to skate. In the long run, it will be easier to have a teacher working with your child than you. They won’t see it as a chore or an order and rather a teaching lesson similar to being in school. Take the pressure off by allowing professionals to teach your child how to roller skate.
  • Be supportive and encouraging. Kids look to their parents for positive affirmation that they are doing well or improving. Make sure to compliment them on their progress so they’ll want to continue learning.
  • Give your child space to learn. Allow your child to socialize and learn how to skate on their own. This independence will go a long way with improving their confidence.
  • Only use one hand or index finger. We know this sounds strange, but if your child is still wobbly on skates it’s important that they don’t drag you down with them when feet start flying.

DON’TS

  • Don’t lend support if you’re unable to skate. Make sure that you are able to skate well without falling before you’re offering assistance to your child. If you need to have a little refresher, try rolling on skates and marching in a carpeted area.
  • Do not hold your child with both hands. When feeling unsteady, your child will instinctively want to put their entire body weight on you. Holding them with both hands can lead to tangled feet and falls. Only use one hand or your index finger, as discussed above.
  • Do not lift your child. Unless you are a competitive pairs skater, never lift your child while you are on roller skates. Even if you can physically lift a child, the weight ratio between you and your child could be detrimental if you fall. Even the best of skaters can take a tumble.
  • Do not be impatient. Not everyone is a quick learner, so let your child progress at their own pace. If they want to take a break, let them do so – independence helps build confidence.
  • Don’t tie your child’s skate laces. Instead of tying your child’s laces, instruct them to tie the skates in order to help them learn a new skill. If they are having difficulty, offer assistance or instruction, but don’t overlook this as a learning experience.
  • Don’t contradict the instructor’s directions. It’s important for you to support the roller skating instructor’s guidance. Sometimes children will run directly to their parents or guardians when obstacles get too tough. Encourage them to stick it out and reassure them that the instructor knows what they are doing. It’s easy to get discouraged and not see personal improvement, so it’s important to reinforce progress.

It’s in your child’s best interest for you to support their progress while allowing the skating instructor to teach your child. Passing on the responsibility to skating instructors ensures that your child will learn how to skate correctly and doing so takes the pressure off of you.