It’s the school holidays and you decide to dig out the roller skates your kiddo got only to realise that you haven’t got a clue with how best to support them?
Here is our run down of do’s and dont’s.
DO: Continue to repeat instructions
Either these TWO things: Waddle like a penguin, crouch like a tiger.
or these two: Bend your knees, look where you’re going.
No need to overload younger skaters with lots of information. Just focus on two instructions.
It may depend how old your kiddo is, but the principles of learning are pretty similar regardless of age. We start structured classes for children aged 7+. We have found than children younger than this learn better through self-discovery and play. Younger children may also need different skates, that have added support so it is harder for them to fall.
The number one thing I want you to hold on to, is this. It should be FUN. Fun for them. You may have an agenda of getting them to learn to skate as quickly as possible, as they can then be independent, or the next child prodigy skater. These things may or may not eventually happen, but if we as parents suck all the joy out of skating, by having them continue to ‘push through’ the falling, it becomes something they will dread.
DO: Put safety gear on them. Please make sure wrist guards are on properly – the curve should be on the palm of their hand with their thumb through the thumb hole. These are designed to prevent them from falling on a bent wrist. We always recommend a helmet.
So how do we get started? It does depend on the kind of child you have – are they confident and a risk taker or not so much? The body needs to be relaxed for skating to be successful, so please take it slowly.
DO: Practise falling safely
This video has some suggestions of how to get started.
DO: watch an online learn to skate course for more suggestions and troubleshooting tips.
We have a complete course available here, also published on Udemy.
DON’T: Allow your child to lean on you. It is essential they find their own balance. If they are insistent on leaning on you, they may need more support. Try finding their balance point on a rug or yoga mat. Try working on balancing on one skate.
DON’T: Overwhelm them with information. Where to look, bend their knees, smile, keep trying, shift your weight, penguin waddle… it’s too much. Stick to just two instructions.
DON’T: Push through when they start falling. For very inexperienced skaters, their body will have been tense, exhausting muscles more quickly than an experienced skater. Skaters start to fall when their muscles are tired (failing). At this point, it is time to rest. It can be difficult to work out when this point is with inexperienced skaters, but you know your child. Aim to stop before repeated falling.
DON’T: Say ‘One last time’ as this puts additional pressure to make the last time, the best attempt. Something almost impossible when muscles are tired. Instead, tell them skates off and stop.
We hope these tips are useful!
If you live in Leeds, we are now able to offer structured classes for children aged 7+.
Please book Level 1-2 for inexperienced skaters and Levels 2-3 for those with more confidence looking to learn good technique. Our classes are held on Sunday mornings.
Pick a different date by clicking register now and select a more suitable date when prompted.
Sunday mornings already a whirlwind for you?
Gather a group of 5 children and we can arrange a block of 6 sessions for you.
Is your child home educated?
We are able to offer sessions for home educated children to teach them roller skate skills.
What about younger skaters?
We have Skater Tots for younger skaters – a session to skate and play.
This monthly roller disco also has our coaches on hand to offer tips.
Book your own PRIVATE STUDIO SESSION from just £10 (the day before) or £35 in advance and have anyone you like in your session!you
