Skateboards and the sport of skateboarding are enjoyed by many children all over the world. From Germany to Hong Kong to the kids in your neighborhood, skateboarding is part of Gen X culture and a physical activity enjoyed by many kids and adults.
However, like any other physical activity, skateboarding has its own dangers. If we don’t recognize these potential dangers and make our children aware of them as well, there is a great chance that our children will get hurt while skateboarding.
In this article, we’ll look at three steps that we, as parents, family members, and adult supervisors, can take to ensure that our children are protected to the greatest extent possible.
Have your kids use pads and equipment
Most kids think helmets look a little weird and don’t want to wear them because they think they look silly in them. Also, if they don’t want to wear helmets, they most likely don’t want to wear elbow and knee pads either.
While I believe that children should be given a voice and a choice in many matters that involve them, the decision to wear protective gear while skateboarding is not an option in my home.
When you see a seven-year-old attempting big tricks and bombing down steep hills trying to do the things big kids do, if you’re a parent, chances are you’re scared for their well-being. Well, it’s a parent’s personal choice to enforce this rule or not, but I totally believe in enforcing it. I would like to spare myself and my son the horror of stitches and broken bones as long as he can.
Help your children to be modest about their abilities
Children often act and feel invincible. Sometimes they think they can do all kinds of stunts and tricks because they are often not afraid of getting hurt or falling. While this isn’t all bad, try to help your child see the need for modesty so that he doesn’t attempt a trick that he can’t complete.
It’s a bit difficult to have a proper view of this and find the balance between modesty and cowardice for children, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If the ramp is too steep or the hill too dangerous, you shouldn’t be embarrassed at all about backing up.
Participate in your children’s activities
It’s always good to get together and do family activities. The streets and paths in front of your house may not be a safe place for your children to skateboard. Maybe you can plan a family outing to a skate park or a safer place where you can supervise your children while they ride their skateboards.
Children love to show their parents what they are capable of, and if you care about them, they will be happy if you show them that you are proud of them.
So be aware of the need for protective gear, help your children to be modest, and be involved in your children’s lives. These are just three small steps you can take to make sure your child is safe.
