Riding bikes, roller skating, skateboarding and other outdoor sports are popular activities for kids of all ages. Getting kids to wear a helmet each time they participate in one of these activities isn't always easy, but they should do so for their safety. A bicycle helmet absorbs the force of a fall, providing the best protection against head injuries that could be life threatening, according to the Mayo Clinic. You can adopt a few key strategies to get your child to wear his helmet.
Step 1
Purchase a helmet that fits properly so it is more comfortable for your child to wear. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends measuring your child's head to buy the correct size. Sizing pads are available to make the helmet fit correctly and increase comfort.
Step 2
Take your child along with you when you purchase the helmet. Let her choose a helmet that appeals to her. If she likes the helmet, she is more likely to wear it on a regular basis.
Step 3
Let your child add an artistic touch to the helmet with paint. Using glow-in-the-dark or reflective paint makes the helmet more visible.
Step 4
Explain why helmets are important to wear every time your child rides a bike. Discuss the possibility of serious head injuries so the child understands why you're urging him to put on a helmet.
Step 5
Model consistent helmet use by wearing your own bike helmet each time you ride. Require all family members to wear a properly fitting helmet.
Step 6
Talk with other neighborhood families and family friends to encourage helmet use with everyone. If all of the other kids in the neighborhood are wearing helmets, your child is more likely to also wear her helmet.
Step 7
Establish and enforce a rule that your child may ride his bike only when wearing a helmet. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute recommends never allowing kids to ride without a helmet because this sends a mixed message about bike helmet usage. Your child may push every time to not wear a helmet if he thinks he can get away with it.
Step 8
Establish a reward system for using bike helmets if your child is particularly reluctant to wear it. This procedure helps maintain a positive attitude about bike helmet safety.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Helmet
- Paint
- Paintbrushes
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