If you love to ski, skate, snowshoe or snowboard you probably are excited about getting your kids into “your” sports. And if you are a “gear” person you may be tempted to get your preschooler the best skis, skates etc.
Over many years at Mountain Baby we have observed that parents are sometimes “ready” for serious activities before their kids are. They buy the best sports equipment available only to discover that their little ones “freak out” when they have to go downhill, snowshoe uphill, or balance on the ice. But having just spent all that money, you want your kids to do it no matter what. Then the pressure is on the kids, they get more freaked out and on it goes. So what should be a fun, easy going introduction to a sport you love, turns into a stressful, tear filled, time of misery. And guess who doesn’t want to get on skis or skates again?
So what’s the best way to introduce your kids to your winter sport?
Awareness and thoughtfulness are key.
Remember that your ultimate goals are for your children to enjoy the outdoors, get healthy exercise, feel confident, capable and good about themselves, have fun and, (you hope) develop a love for the sport so you can enjoy it together as a family.
Safety is paramount. Be sure your children are warm and dry, and have protective gear on. Helmets are a must for skiing, skating or sledding.
If you are not sure if your child will like an activity, consider buying “play” versions of the equipment to try in a safe and familiar environment such as your backyard or a local park.
With play skis, snowboards, snowshoes and bob skates your child can wear his or her own comfy, friendly winter boots. This is psychologically more comfortable.
Know your child’s readiness to engage in “your” sport.
Readiness depends on a number of factors that vary greatly from child to child. Age is one factor in readiness. While some two year olds are ready for the ski hill, most are not. And even if a child seems “old enough” he or she still may not be ready.
Take into account your child’s unique level of physical development, including coordination, balance, flexibility, and agility.
While you yourself may be super coordinated, your child may not be and may find the skills needed for balance and control beyond his or her capacity.
Being pushed too soon can result in a sense of failure for your child and frustration for you.
If you are introducing your child to skiing, no matter how coordinated and confident your child is, flying down the hill at top speed without learning some basic techniques, is not an option.
Consider the use of a ski harness so you can move down the hill together with your child, safely.
Psychological readiness is equally as important.
Some children are just naturally “fearless” and will try anything with great enthusiasm. These children need to be taught the importance of safety and maintaining awareness of the environment around them.
Other children are more naturally cautious and approach new things, especially physical activities with fear and resistance.
Pushing a cautious child too hard, or teasing him or her can feel frightening and demeaning.
Some children just need to move slowly into new activities, and they will learn at their own pace and comfort level.
Whether your children are super enthusiastic or cautious and hesitant, limit the structured teaching time you have with them. Learning a new skill is fun, but it’s also stressful.
Allow your children to have lots of free play time in the snow, so they enjoy and appreciate being outdoors.
Being respectful of individual differences in children, even within the same family, will help to ensure that your child has safe, non-threatening first experiences with the winter sports that you love. Although it may take years, before you know it they will be relaxed, and capable, and you’ll all be engaged in your well loved sport, together, as a family.
What a beautiful article on right timing, building self-esteem and setting up our children for success. Though our little boy is still so tiny, I can already see the relevance of being mindful and attuning to his natural style of being in the world. He used to love baths than became fearful because of a loud echoing sneeze recently. We waited a few days before re-introducing him to the bath, changed the environment with indirect dimmed lighting (he loves little lights) and some relaxing music. We aligned bath time with an alert playful state on his part and an energized yet relaxed mood on our part. I think he felt safe again and somewhere, respected for the individual he is with preferences and legitimate feelings. We will transfer the wisdom of this experience as you counsel, to any new activity including Winter fun. Thank you.