by Whitney Henrie & Tim Cosgrove
Child Advocacy Specialists
Winter sports can be a great way to make the colder months fly by and keep kids active. But when your kids are sledding, skiing or skating, you need to know how to be safe so they don’t get injured and miss all the fun.
No matter what activity you are enjoying, staying warm is important. Make sure to dress your children in layers that will keep them dry and apply sunscreen so the sunlight reflecting off the snow doesn’t cause sunburn.
Sledding
Flying down the hill is a great feeling, but sledding can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Make sure the sled is sturdy and easy to steer. Don’t use homemade sleds like garbage can lids, plastic bags, or pool floats—you can lose control too easily. Wear gloves and boots to protect your hands and feet and consider having your child wear a bike helmet to protect their head while sledding.
Be careful when choosing the hill and make sure it isn’t too steep, near a busy road, or covered with rocks and trees. Adult supervision is very important. Make sure kids take turns sledding down the hill and that the person sledding is out of the way before the next one takes off.
Skating
Whether playing hockey or ice skating, the most important thing is to skate only on safe and sturdy ice. Indoor ice rinks are safer than outdoor ponds or lakes. Be careful when skating outdoors because even if the ice looks strong it may not be able to hold a child’s weight.
If your child plays ice hockey don’t let them step out onto the ice without proper gear. This includes padding, and most importantly, the right helmet. Use only a helmet approved for ice hockey, not a football or bike helmet.
When skating for fun, be sure your kids skate in the same direction as the rest of the crowd. If they are going to try out a new figure skating move, be sure they watch where they are going and leave themselves plenty of room.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Before getting to the slopes, make sure you have the right equipment and that it fits correctly. Don’t use equipment that is too big, as it will make it difficult for your child to stay in control. Be sure kids wear ski boots, goggles and a helmet. Snowboarders will also need knee and elbow pads.
It’s a good idea to have your child take at least one skiing or snowboarding lesson. That way you can be sure they know the basic skills needed to stay safe. It’s also important to supervise kids and make sure they stay on trails appropriate for their skill level.
No matter what activity you choose, staying active and remembering these safety tips can make your winter great! Oh, and don’t forget to have a delicious cup of hot chocolate to warm up after your fun activities!
