Active winter: how to safely practice winter sports with your child?
Both parents and children know that movement is health. When it's warm outside, we take out our bikes, roller skates, etc. and go with the children to playgrounds and sports fields. However, in winter, summer accessories should be put on a shelf for a few months or hidden in the basement. However, nothing is lost - the place of summer activities can be safely taken over by safe winter sports for children. Not sure if snowboarding is a good idea for your child? Or maybe you are planning your first ski trip with your child?
In addition to the answer to the question of how to safely practice winter sports with a child, in the article we will try to suggest when a child can ski or when a parent can start teaching a child to snowboard.
Safe winter sports for children
Children generally do not need to be persuaded to winter sports, which provide a lot of excitement and fun. Parents often have doubts as to when a child can ski, skate or when it is actually possible to teach a child to snowboard. All these doubts are of course dictated by concern for the health and safety of the youngest.
We will try to dispel these fears and encourage you to practice winter sports together, family and safely - not only those for children, but also for adults. Since in recent years snow in Poland is not always good in winter, let's start with activities for which it is not necessary. How to safely practice winter sports with a child?
Winter sports for children: skates
Ice skating is one of the great winter sports for children, which will provide us with excellent family entertainment without large financial outlays. The more so that in order to use it, we do not have to go on a long journey or wait for the snow to finally fall. Even in small cities, there are ice rinks in winter. There are usually skate rentals next to ice rinks, but for hygiene reasons, it's best to have your own equipment.
If we buy equipment for children in a sports store, a professional will help us choose. In supermarkets you will also find children's skates, but it is worth paying attention to their quality. Don't forget the helmet too.
What is the right age to start ice skating?
Expert advises
A 4-year-old child on the ice rink will usually be fine, but taking into account the fact that falls on hard ice are not pleasant, it is better to wait until the age of 5-6, when body awareness is greater and motor coordination is better.
If a child catches the bug, skating will not only be fun, but will also positively affect the dynamics, anticipation and coordination of movements and the sense of control over your own body. As parents, let's remember to sensitize children to never skate on frozen ponds, lakes, etc.
Winter sports for children: narty cross-country and roller skis with child
Cross-country skis are gaining in popularity, as are roller skis - especially when there is no snow. Cross-country skiing with a child is a very pleasant form of spending winter time for the whole family. Not only does it not require long preparations, but you can use it basically anywhere. Some tourist destinations have designated cross-country skiing trails, but this is not a prerequisite for using this sport. Just go to the forest or park.
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Head of the Department of Assessment and Development of Cooperation at the Institute of Mother and Child
When can a child ski? cross-country skiing and roller skiing?
As with ice skating, cross-country skiing requires body control, so children under the age of 4 will not benefit from this activity, but 5-6 year olds should be able to move around freely.
Winter sports for children: skiing with baby
Skiing is a sport loved by adults and children alike. For lovers of white madness, going skiing at least once a year becomes a must. Skiing parents can't imagine their child not skiing.
When can a child ski? downhill?
on 3-year-old children we can start getting used to skis. Of course, it won't be real downhill skiing, but rather skiing. Driving instructors believe that a large proportion children aged 4-5 she is already aware of her body enough to start studying seriously.
However, when going skiing with a child, there are a few important rules to follow:
- The first hours of learning to ski should be supervised by an experienced instructor who has good contact with children. He will take care of the warm-up, he will make sure that the child learns to slide technically well, instilling good habits, and all this in the form of fun.
- A helmet and goggles with UV protection are essential on the slopes. Set a good example for your child and use a helmet yourself.
- Appropriate clothing is the basis for enjoying this sport. Forget thick sweaters and scarves. Let's focus on functional clothing and underwear, designed for winter activities. It will protect us against moisture, frost and wind, while not restricting movement.
Expert advises
When going skiing with a child for the first time, do not buy all the equipment at once. Ski equipment is expensive, and if you are not sure whether this type of activity will appeal to your child, you risk unnecessary expenses. Skis or a helmet for the first season can be rented. The issue of ski boots is debatable, because although equipment rentals offer them, own boots are a better solution, both for hygienic and practical reasons.
It is worth spending some time to choose the right shoes for your child - comfortable, well protecting the ankle against possible injuries. The same thing will look like when we wonder how to choose the right snowboard for a child. Let us also remember that prepare and adjust the equipment properly before the seasonusing the offer of ski services.
Winter sports for children: snowboard for a child
When can you teach your child to snowboard? Snowboarding lessons can be started by 5-6 year old children who are familiar with the concept of sport. Opinions on whether the child should ski earlier or whether the child can start snowboarding right away are divided.
It is therefore worth asking about the preferences of the main interested party. It is very likely that older children and teenagers will recognize the superiority of one plank over two. Let's remember that before buying snowboard equipment, get knowledge on how to properly choose a snowboard for a child.
Snowboard for a child, just like skis, has a great influence on motor coordination and balance, and properly selected equipment and clothing will ensure great, many hours of fun.
Safe winter sports for children and learning responsible behavior
Teaching children any winter sport – regardless of whether we have chosen ice skates, skis or snowboard for a child – we should sensitize them to one more very important issue – anticipate the consequences of your movements and skiing culture on the slopes. Bravura or ill-considered behavior can lead to unpleasant and painful consequences for both our child and other amateur athletes.
It is also important to properly prepare for winter sports in terms of equipment. When going skiing with a child - remember that the ski equipment should be appropriate for the age of the child. If the choice fell on a snowboard - before buying equipment for a child, it is good to find out how to properly choose a snowboard for a child.
Expert advises
Winter sports are usually so attractive to children that they do not need to be persuaded to do so. However, if we notice that our child does not feel confident skiing or skating or is afraid of more dynamic sledging, do not be insistent, do not force it. This is usually counterproductive and may result in the child's permanent reluctance to engage in the activity. Calm, gentle, trying together will bring better results.
If we take care of comfort and properly prepare for how to safely practice winter sports with a child - winter, despite the cold, can be a great time for an active family holiday, which in today's busy world is priceless.
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