How do I teach a 3yo to roller skate?

[redmom3]

We are going to a Homeschool V-day party at the local rink-they have a small area for little ones. I remember trying to teach my now teenager to skate and it was HARD!
Lorie

[Lady Katherine]

:confused: Sorry, no help. I had to give up when my kids were that age.

[momofkhm]

they can completely tighten the wheels so they turn very little or even so they do not turn at all! The first time we took ds skating, he was 4. We had his wheel completely tightened so they would not turn at all. Yes, he walked with skates around the rink. It worked. The next time we went, they weren't as tight. Now he can do the "wall crawl", actually skate while holding onto the 1/2 wall around the rink. We also don't skate that much. I'm sure if we skated more, he'd be fine.

[sclisa]

they can completely tighten the wheels so they turn very little or even so they do not turn at all! The first time we took ds skating, he was 4. We had his wheel completely tightened so they would not turn at all. Yes, he walked with skates around the rink. It worked. The next time we went, they weren't as tight. Now he can do the "wall crawl", actually skate while holding onto the 1/2 wall around the rink. We also don't skate that much. I'm sure if we skated more, he'd be fine.

Yes! Pick this option if at all possible. This worked beautifully for all of our children. We started with the wheels completely tightened & then gradually loosened them. It was great!

Lisa

[mooooom]

around and around the rink until they got tired of having to wait for me. I would imagine it could work the same way with roller skates. Pads and a helmet are a must!

[Ferdie]

Hi Lorie,

We are going to a Valentine skate party too. Is yours this Friday in Texas? Just wondering if we are neighbors.

Mine learned on 4 wheel skates (much easier than in-line) on our sidewalk. I held their hand while they shuffled along. Eventually, they let go and went further and further by themselves. Just make sure they have long pants and knee pads on.

At our rink, the beginner area has a handrail all the way around and most of the younger children learn by holding on to the rail and shuffling around the rink. I have not heard of the idea of tightening the wheels, but that sounds like a great idea.

Have fun!

[Tammy]

because my grandmother owned a skating rink!

Just put them on ....and let him go!

Tammy

[Laura Corin]

I didn't teach them - they just went out and experimented until they could do it. I'm glad I waited.

Laura

[Laura Corin]

Mine learned on 4 wheel skates (much easier than in-line) on our sidewalk.

They got four-wheel skates for Christmas last year and never progressed very far. This year they got in-line skates, and within a couple of sessions they were sailing along. I think it's because the in-line skates have such great ankle support.

Laura

[K&Rs Mom]

R could clunk around pretty well last summer (a little short of 3) with the skates that go on over their shoes, and you can lock the back wheels to not roll backwards. We started out holding her hand until she was comfortable to balance on her own.

My little daredevils enjoy rolling down our wheelchair ramp. We insist on kneepads & wrist guards, then they always fall on their bottoms.... :rolleyes:

[Cindyg]

When mine was little, I held his hand and walked around with him. It seemed like this went on for years. Then one day, he could skate faster than I could walk, and I was done!