Roller skating

[BellesAndGraces]

DD7 got roller skates for Christmas. Any tips and tricks on teaching her how to skate? Watched a YouTube video that was honestly useless and I never learned to skate myself so I’m equally useless!

I won't be able to help, but just to clarify are you talking traditional skates or inline blades?

Just normal traditional roller skates!

Ooh, I need help too! I’ve been dragging DS around while he teeters on his roller boots and refuses to watch YouTube videos to help.

The only way is to practice and more practice. We go to a roller disco every Saturday and my DD has got more confident as the weeks have gone by.

Edited to add - I also Rollerskate so it’s something we do together

@NachoCheesed but I want to know is how?? Do you apply pressure to balls of feet or heels? That sort of thing

So to begin with get her to stand on the skates then get her doing baby steps - literally walking with the skates on her feet. Then when she’s grasped that get her to push to the sides and transfer the weight between feet. Make sure her wheels are not too fast and she’ll pick it up in no time!

The easiest way to teach first steps is for dd to almost penguin waddle forward (transferring weight from one foot to the other) whilst you face her and support her hands - so you're walking backwards with both your hands palms up in front of her whilst she takes mini steps and can grab onto you for support/balance if needed.

Id look for local roller discos or skating clubs nearby as its far easier to learn on smooth sports hall surface.

Skatie does great beginner videos on social media.

Lessons are so helpful too.

Definitely recommend wrist guards as a minimum, especially if skating outside. Avoid impala brand.