5 Tips For Helping Your Kid Become A Skateboarding Pro
It goes without saying that childhood hobbies influence the adults we become. For example, they can be the place where we meet life-long friends or form the building blocks of our self-esteem and confidence. As a result, it’s important that we, as parents, work to support our children as they explore their hobbies – even if we don’t know that much about them.
Photo by Oleg Ivanov on Unsplash
Each year, 1.4 million children take up skateboarding – and if your child falls within this figure, you can use these tips to help them become a skateboarding pro in no time at all!
Help them pick out the right board. There are many different kinds of skateboards to choose from, from Longboards to cruiser boards – and it’s important that you help your child find the board that’s right for them. This is because it can drastically impact their boarding experience, their safety, and the rate at which they develop new skills.
Start on flat surfaces. Kids always possess a sense of fearlessness when it comes to pursuing their fitness goals – which means they may feel ready to jump down the biggest ramp at your local skate park despite their inexperience. However, in order to keep them safe, it’s important that you encourage them to start a little smaller – and learn the basics of the board from a flat surface. This reduces the chances of the getting injured, and they can gradually build up the intensity of the tricks they try out.
Make sure they wear a helmet. Skateboarding can lead to injuries – especially as your child builds on the intensity of the tricks they attempt to pull off. As a result, it’s important that you ensure they’re also equipped with all of the necessary safety gear in addition to their board. For example, they should wear elbow and knee pads, alongside a helmet. While they may think this is uncool, its important to note that “helmets can reduce the risk of a head injury by 85 percent and brain injury by 88 percent.”
Watch skateboarding videos together. Much of what your child learns about skateboarding will be picked up on when they’re out skateboarding – whether they’re skating down the street or at a skatepark. However, that doesn’t mean they cannot learn when they’re off the board too. Watching skating videos provides them with a visual guide on how to safely execute new tricks, which works to ensure they are mentally and physically prepared for the challenge that lies ahead.
Be supportive no matter what. Whether your child is entering skating competitions or trying out new tricks with their friends, there will be days where they fill overwhelmed with excitement and days where they’re disappointed in their performance. Your job, regardless of their attitude, is to be supportive. If they’re stressed, talk about how far they’ve come and how this proves they’ve got what it takes to overcome their current challenges. If they’re happy, celebrate their victories with them. The more supportive you are, the more confident your child will feel.
