Skateboard for a 4 year old?

[esloquehay]

Would I BU to get my 4 year old DDs skateboards for Christmas?
They're adept on their bikes and scooters, but both have asked for skateboards.
Do other parents have any experience of skateboards for younger children? I'd get them the requisite safety gear and supervise at all times, but is 4 just too young?

[Ozberry]

I think they’d struggle to ride it and get frustrated tbh. I’ve got teenage skaters, who are permanently attached, but I don’t think they could ride a board till about seven.
How about roller skates?

[Hellocatshome]

They will spend a lot of time falling off or using them sitting/kneeling down. But it won't hurt anymore than falling off a bike/scooter so if they want them I don't see the harm.

[Rannva]

I skate, but mine attend lessons, then use their own boards knowing the basics. I can teach them as well, but I like the group aspect of coaching at the park.

Injuries can be quite severe if you leap on it without knowing how, but then I guess kids have done that for a long time and lessons are a luxury.

Do either of the parents skate and can teach them the basics? Foot position, where to focus the weight, how to get on/off safely?

[Tal45]

I think they're too young, I'd definitely get them to try one before I bought. I can ride a bike but no chance on a skateboard!

[BreakfastOfWaffles]

I would go for roller blades at this age then get the skateboards when they are older. As a PP said, unless you are skilled yourself and can teach them, they will probably struggle to get anywhere beyond a little roll along the flat. In my experience they need to be at least 8 to do it properly.

[Stompythedinosaur]

I think it is fine. They are unlikely to be able to use them "properly" but my skateboarding dc did a fair quality of kneeling or sitting on boards pushing themselves around before they got the hang of standing.

[Bobrosspaintbrush]

One of my lads had skateboards quite young. He wanted to copy his big big brother. You can get them for young kids I think you need to get the correct size board for their height. Mine also had skater trainers( not shoes) they are like plastic things that go on wheels to stop it rolling and they just learn balance and can start learning tricks.

[adoreyou]

We got one for our DDs at a similar age. Decathlon do boards aimed at younger children.

DD did ok on it but doesn't have the patience to persevere.

You can also look for local classes