How to Teach a Toddler to Ice Skate

Teaching a toddler to ice skate can be a tough task. In most cases, the toddler will end up with a sore butt and the adult with a sore back. But, if you follow a few helpful tips, your toddler will be ice skating in no time flat.

Things You'll Need

• Ice skates
• Helmet
• Gloves
• Knee pads
• Elbow pads

Instructions

1. Buy a solid pair of beginner ice skates. The key to a toddler learning to ice skate is having a good pair of skates that fit properly. One good brand of ice skates for toddlers is Softtec. The skates have a soft, comfortable boot and a lot of support for the ankles.

2. Keep your toddler safe from a bad fall. At minimum a toddler going to ice skate should wear a helmet, gloves, knee pads and elbow pads. These pads will also give the toddler additional confidence on the ice, since each fall will not be painful.

3. Suit up your toddler with the pads and lace up the skates.

4. Take five to 10 minutes to hold your toddler's hand and encourage him to walk. This will help get him used to the feeling of the ice skates and find his balance.

5. Hit the ice. Stand behind your toddler and support her by the elbows or under the arms to prevent a bad fall backward. Once your toddler gains some confidence, skate backward in front of her while supporting her by the hands. This will force her to balance more on her own while still having confidence that you are there for support.

6. Encourage the toddler to skate forward by asking him to march. This will help him gain more confidence and start to move forward on the ice.