Roller blades, also known as inline skates, provide kids with a form of entertaining exercise. The skates also present an injury risk if your child isn't properly protected and proficient at skating on the roller blades. More than 38,000 roller-skating injuries occur yearly in children ages 14 and younger, according to Safe Kids USA. Help your child improve her roller skating skills to reduce her chances of injury.
Wear the Correct Size
A child needs to wear properly fitting skates to stay safe. The skates should provide support to the ankles so your child doesn't turn his ankle while skating. The skate should fit the foot properly to maximize the control he has as he skates. If there is too much extra space in the boot of the skate, the foot is able to slide around, making your child unstable on the skates. A skate that is too small hurts the toes and rubs the heel.
Wear Safety Gear
A helmet is essential every time your child straps on her skates. The helmet should not move around when strapped onto the child's head. Look for a certification label from a testing organization like the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American Society of Testing Materials. Bright colors and reflective strips on the helmet increase your child's visibility. Elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards protect those areas of the body in case of a fall. They should also fit snugly without being too tight so they stay in place.
Teach Safety
Teach your child how to skate safely and put on his gear properly. Show him how to inspect his gear each time he uses it. When your child is first learning to skate, stay close to him to make sure he is following safety guidelines. If you aren't familiar with skating, look for lessons from a local expert. Check with a skate shop or skating rink to see if they offer lessons or know someone who teaches kids.
Learn on a Small Scale
Before your child skates on her own in the neighborhood, practice on a smaller scale around your home. A flat area such as your driveway or sidewalk in front of the house provides a safe spot to practice. When your child is proficient around home, let her branch out by skating around the neighborhood. Setting boundaries helps your child stay safe and allows you to keep an eye on her progress. Games on the skates help her improve her skills. Set up cones so she can skate around an obstacle course to improve her control.
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