Exciting outdoor family outing don’t have to end with the warmer months. If you’re looking for a winter activity that’s fun for both kids and parents, you may want to consider snowboarding. Not only is it challenging and exciting to be out on the slopes, but snowboarding provides an opportunity for families to bond.
You may have heard that snowboarding isn’t safe for young children so let’s address that at the outset. There were a few reasons why people felt that way. These included challenges with balance, a lack of leg strength and the possibility that the activity could be bad for little ones’ knees.
That view has changed thanks to advances in technology. There is a wide range of snowboards for kids along with outerwear and soft boots. In addition, instructors are more than willing to teach children. Many parents are also getting onboard and children from as young as two-and-a-half are participating. Some parents have found that there are several benefits to snowboarding which apply to both children and adults. They make it a fantastic activity for the entire family.
Communing with nature
We all spend too much time indoors and staring at screens these days. Each member of the family could probably do with some more outdoor time. Touch the snow, take in the vast expanse of the mountains, take deep breaths in the fresh air. This will boost your mood and remind you of how wonderful the outdoors can be.
Building both social skills and a competitive spirit
Children will have to interact with others who are sharing the slopes. This is a chance to teach them how to do so appropriately. They may even make new friends of different ages, races and backgrounds. The same goes for the teens and adults!
At the same time, some friendly rivalry between siblings or even with other families can get pretty exciting. This is the perfect opportunity to teach children about how to play competitive sports. It will also help them to understand how to support and respect the competition.
Teaches perseverance
The first time on the slopes will probably involves a few spills and even more missteps. That okay! Children will learn how to try and try again until they get it right. When they succeed, they’ll learn the value of perseverance. They’ll also get a lesson in dedication.
Safety tips to keep in mind
There are, of course, some injury risks associated with snowboarding.
Healthychildren.org points out that must “learn proper skills, be aware of others on the slopes, and be able to adjust to changing snow conditions” in order to maintain control. While falls are inevitable, children need to learn how to fall safely.
Before you even hit the slopes, practice with in the house and backyard with the correct gear. And of course, keep a close eye on young children and ensure that teens don’t wander off alone.
Follow these tips and you can be certain that your entire family with have a great time snowboarding.