How old should a child be before learning to inline skate?

Question: How old should a child be before learning to inline skate?

Many parents think inline skating is only for school-aged children or older. But, skating can be a good fitness, fun and social activity for young inline skaters between the ages of three and six.

Answer: Inline skating activities require balance and strength as well as some judgment and the desire to avoid obstacles - which some small children do not have. When making a decision as to whether your child is ready to inline skate, consider your child’s:

• Physical strength and stamina
  
  
• Activity level in other areas
  
  
• Ability to balance in other activities
  
  
• Coordination in other activities
  
  
• Maturity or attention span
  
  

Some parents who skate put their children on skates right after they are walking confidently. Children as young as three years old may be ready to skate, and there are many daytime skating sessions at roller rinks around the country that cater to pre-school skaters and their parents. Many of the ice, inline and roller skaters who have become world class competitors started skating as toddlers and grew up thinking of skates as an extension of their own feet.

Most six year olds (school-age children) are certainly old enough to inline skate. And it is a good idea to have them take one or two beginner class sessions to prepare them for safe participation at school, church or birthday skating parties. At this age, even if they lack a little strength or stamina, it will develop as they learn.