Too many parents limit their children to the physical activities that they want to do. That leads to the kids often don't have any enthusiasm for those activities. They tend to find ways to get out of them or they do them but don't have a good time. When kids get to choose their activities though including skateboarding they are more likely to get outdoors and do them without being told.



There are some rules that parents should enforce if their child skateboards. The number one priority should be their safety. Any child on one needs to have a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads. All of those safety items also need to be a good fit ? snug but not too tight that they restrict movement. As the child grows, these items will need to be replaced. Helmets should be inspected routinely too because they can wear out and then they won't be as effective.

Skateboarding is likely to be more of a fun activity for your child than you think. However, they need to be responsible in other areas too. Setting rules about what they need to do first is very important. For example telling your child that household chores and school work must be done before they can go out and skateboard is a good way to get them motivated. They know that there is a limited amount of sunlight out there during the day so they better get moving if they want to make the most of it.

Skateboarding should be limited after dark as well. Taking part in it at that time can be dangerous. Too many sidewalks are uneven, streets are dark so oncoming traffic may not see them, and it can become a bad habit for them to get into. You can make some exceptions such as letting them ride after dark in the driveway or driving them to the skate park because it is lit up.

Where your child is able to skateboard is another rule to establish. Find out what the rules are where you live because it may be against the law for your child to ride on the sidewalks or in the downtown area. You may not feel your child is ready for the bowl at the skate park immediately so put a ban on it for now. Let them know that later on when you see that they have improved then you can re-evaluate that rule.

Where should they store their skateboard? This is important because you don't want to break your neck when you find it on the front step. You also don't want to run it over because it was left out in the driveway. Your child needs to get into the habit of placing the board in a designated place when it isn't in use.

There should be penalties too when a child breaks the rules you have established for them. For example riding without the proper safety equipment should result in their skateboard being taken away for a period of one week. Make sure you explain to them again why they need to be wearing it. If they continue to break the rules then you may have to decide they aren't allowed to skateboard at all.

Chances are your child is going to do his or her best to follow the rules you have set. After all they likely know some kids that aren't allowed to do it at all and there is no discussing it with their parents. When you are willing to meet your child half way it helps to keep everyone in the household happy.