What advice can you give me to help her learn?
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My daughter is 2.5 years old and I want to get her into ice skating. I have never skated but my wife has. Last week we took her to the rink and the ice scared her a little, but my question is this: what advice can you give me to help her learn? i.e, double blades vs. single blades, what techniques should we use, etc? I spoke to a couple teachers, they told me to get her on the ice myself before enrolling her in a class so she doesnt freak out (I thought that was good advice) some things I think I should do just out of common sense are as follows: she freaked out a little just because she had skates on, I think I am going to put them on her while we are sitting on the couch, just so she gets use to having them on. also, initially if she does not want to get on the ice, have my wife hold her while while she skates. Also, I should take lessons so i can skate also (I have a 1.5 year old son that I want to play hockey) but I am not going to push it. Any advice that anyone could give me would be much appreciated. Darin |
Marcia's mom says:
Darin, remember it's your children that will be skating. I would maybe bring your daughter to a show or competition, the glitz might interest her. Let her watch to get interested if she 'freaks' out, if it looks like fun then she may want to try. She might not be ready yet. I have always thought carrying a child while skating is very dangerous a fall could hurt both your wife and your child - some rinks don't even allow it. Good luck!
Linda says:
Look for classes that are for toddlers only. These groups will be a better way
to start since all of the group will be the same age and similar ability. These
groups are structured around the needs of the toddlers. Generally these are held
during the day when the rinks are empty so the toddlers are not overwhelmed by
large groups of skaters and parents. Many of these programs also have classes
for pre-schoolers then kindergarteners so your daughter can continue in a class
setting until she is comfortable to move into a club.
Carole says:
Start your children in "toddler classes" to see if they are interested in the sport. Sometimes a child may seem like they are interested in ice skating, but as soon as you get them onto the ice, they want nothing to do with being on the ice! Remember not to force your children to skate. Being in a group setting with other toddlers may help to relax your child as he/she will be with others their own age and skating abilities.