Skateboards and the sport of skateboarding is enjoyed by many children the world over. From Germany to Hong Kong to the kids in your neighborhood, skateboarding is part of the Generation X culture and a physical activity that many kids, and adults also, enjoy.
However, like any other physical activity, skateboarding does have its own dangers. If we do not recognize these potential dangers, and make our children aware of them also, there is a big possibility that our kids can get hurt while they are out riding their skateboards.
In this article, we will discuss three steps that we, as parents, family members, and adult supervisors can take to make sure that our kids are protected to the best extent possible.
Get Your Kids To Wear Pads and Gear
Most kids think that helmets look a little funny, and do not want to wear them because they thing that they look dorky with them on. Also, if they do not want to wear helmets, they will most likely not want to wear elbow pads and knee pads either.
While I do believe that children should be given a say and a choice in many matters that involve them, the decision of wearing protective gear while skateboarding is not an option in my household.
When you see a seven year old attempting big tricks and bombing steep hills trying to do the things that the big boys do, if you are a parent, you will most likely be scared for their well-being. Well, it is a parents personal choice whether or not to enforce this rule, but I do believe in enforcing it fully. I would like to spare myself as well as my child the horror of stitches and broken bones as much as I can.
Help Your Children to Be Modest About Their Abilities
Children often act and feel invincible. They sometimes think that they can do all sorts of stunts and tricks because they often do not have the fear of getting hurt or of falling. While this is not entirely bad, try to help you child see the need to be modest so as to not attempt a stunt that they cannot complete.
It is a bit of a hard thing to have a proper view of this and find the balance between modesty and cowardice for children, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. If the ramp is too steep or the hill too dangerous, there should be no shame at all in backing down.
Be Involved In Your Children’s Activities
It is always a good thing to get together and do activities as a family. The streets and roads in front of your house may not be a safe place for your children to skateboard on. Perhaps you can plan a family outing at a skate park or at a safer place where you can supervise your children while they are riding their skateboards.
Children love to show their parents what they are able to do, and if you take an interest in them, they will be happy if you show them that you are proud of them.
So be conscious of the need for protective gear, help you children to be modest, and be involved in your children’s lives. These are just three small steps you can take to make sure that your child is safe.