Get your own Free Home PageChildren can begin skating as soon as they learn to walk. Skating develops a good sense of balance and coordination. It does not require strong ankles but the skates the child uses must be in good condition to provide support.
Most skating school programs do not take children before the age of three. Some programs have Mom and me classes where an adult (mom, dad, relatives, or a good friend) take the class with the toddler and help the child. Occasionally, you can find a skating pro that will give private lessons to very young children.
These are general safety guidelines to follow when very young children skate.
| 1. | Supervise your child especially during crowded public sessions. Instruct your child to skate in the same direction as the other skaters and never against or across the flow of traffic. The center of the rink is usually reserved for the practice of jumps and spins and is a very dangerous place for a young toddler to wander into. |
| 2. | Make sure your child's skates fit and are laced correctly. The skate should fit snug around the foot. The laces should be laced to the top with the ends tucked in the boot. |
| 3. | Ensure your child learns to skate safely and correctly. Your child needs to learn how to fall down safely and get up quickly. |
| 4. | Dress your child warmly. Mittens are a must. Snowpants can soften falls and keep the child warm. A safety helmet, whether a toddler's bike helmet or a hockey helmet, is a worthy investment. When a child falls, their head can hit the ice. |
| 5. | Do not carry your child in your arms while on the ice. |
| 6. | Do not walk on the ice in your street shoes while helping a child. You may slip and injure yourself. |
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