post # 2: helmetless children on ice

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we took DS ice skating for the second time today. the first time I took him I forgot his helmet, we stayed on the ice 10 minutes with me hovering like a crazy person.

today he had his helmet and we had a great morning. he is getting pretty good! he took a FULL body sweep type fall onto his back and cracked the back of his head -- which was protected by a helmet. He jumped right back up, of course. 

some kids had helmets on but many little ones do not. I saw two kids take falls that made my heart stop. one kid fell smack on his forehead, hard and other on the side of his head.

I still cannot believe that the skating rink told me that lessons for 3 year olds are done w/o helmets (but you can bring one, if you want).  I am not a uber-safety-mom, but 3 year olds on ICE? 

this post has no point -- I am just in shock at the toddlers w/o helmets.

Heidisean

As kids we ALWAYS ice skated without helmuts in the rink and on lakes.

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Heidisean:

As kids we ALWAYS ice skated without helmuts in the rink and on lakes.

so did I, but when I think back on those times, I def was not 3 years old. I think I started skating at age 6.

penguingrrl

I've never seen a kid wear a helmet while skating.  I don't think it would have occurred to me to use one, although now that it's been mentioned it does sound like a good idea.

JOEBunny

It never even occured to me to send a helmet with DD.  DH is planning to take her soon.  Good idea until they get good at skating.

camrude

DD starts skating lessons on Monday and helmets are required. (and I'm glad!)

I can't remember when I started skating - I know it was in kindergarden and never wore a helmet.

lsufan

I grew up in Houston, so there wasn't much ice skating going on, but I think this is kind of like bike riding.  I didn't wear a helmet growing up, nor did I know anyone else who did, but all the kids now do wear helmets for bike riding.  Seems like a good idea for ice skating as well.

Angela814

penguingrrl:

I've never seen a kid wear a helmet while skating.  I don't think it would have occurred to me to use one, although now that it's been mentioned it does sound like a good idea.

This. I never would have thought of it.

praline

Hmm, DH took DD skating this weekend and no one had on a helmet.  It's not a bad idea if they go often, though.

amhough

I never wore a helmet, and I don't recall that I wore one while riding my bike either until I was old enough to ride on roads with significant traffic. 

But, in our house, the rule with be that anytime you put something between your feet and the ground you wear a helmet! (Bike, skates, skateboard, etc.)

breezee_bean

We also wear helmets while sledding.  I am super paranoid about head injuries.  DS and MH will also wear helmets when they ski.

chelle828

Being someone with a father with a brain injury from an impact, I would INSIST on it.  I've made DH change helmets and add other safety features - he's an ice hockey player and referee.  IMO, no helmet on the ice is DUMB.

Andrewsgal

We live in TX so the only ice skating done here is at an indoor rink, but i have never ever heard of wearing a helmet when iceskating, I don't make her wear one when rollar skating either.

r9stedt

I was just thinking about making L wear a helmet if we would have went sledding this week.

wildfloweragain

We do have DD wear a helmet.  The rule at our rink is that if they use a bar to help them balance, they need a helmet.  I will still have her wear one anyway after that, but not forever.  As a child, I never hit my head but I DID break through the ice on a pond and go all the way in.