The prevalence of various speech disorders has reached an ultimate high, with around 3 million Americans having a stutter. The prevalence of speech therapy ensures that speech disorders are treated and controlled.

Speech disorders emanate from difficulties coming from problems in child developmental problems which start from an early age. Speech disorders begin with changes in pronunciation, spoken and written language, and reading challenges. Speech-language pathologists specialize in identifying the speech-language and problem that the child has and finding ways to determine the best treatment cause.

Speech therapy assists children in communication skills and pronunciation which is usually one of the core language development techniques. Some everyday speech therapy problems include:

• Dyslexia

This is a speech disorder that affects reading, spelling, and phonological skills. People with this disorder struggle to find speech sounds as the brain cannot process language and decode words or letters.

• Social communication

Children and adults struggling with speech disorders often have problems communicating in social settings. This makes them shy away from using inappropriate language and communicate by making others understand what they are saying.

• Expressive language

Speech disorders affect expressive language when one expresses themselves to others and communicates what they feel and need.

• Receptive language

This is when language is understood and prompts action or response. Unfortunately, individuals with speech disorders are rarely receptive to language and often find it difficult to illicit or convey response.

Speech therapy is also best started in one’s early life trajectory. Children enrolled in speech therapy in their early life tend to have success rates in speech.

The process of speech therapy

Finding the right speech-language pathologist is essential when seeking to get therapy. The right SLP will create an adequate treatment plan that is customized according to individual needs and requirements.

Suitable SLPs can be found through online search engines and referrals from friends and family. Referrals give you the chance to analyze the SLP’s qualification and way of practice by reviewing their mode and way of treatment from their previous patients.

After getting a suitable SLP, it is best to book an appointment to ensure that the SLP is available on the exact day of consultation. Parents taking their children should choose a day when they are receptive and in good moods for treatment. Overall, this affects the child’s probability of responding to the SLP and makes them wise of the various tests they will undergo.

It is advisable to get the child to take audio hearing tests before the consultation with the SLP for the specialist to have a clear picture of the extent of damage or lack of. In addition, audio and hearing tests are required to check for difficulties as a prerequisite for speech therapy training. A clear medical history is also vital to enable the SLP to review historical records of the patient’s trajectory. This helps them make informed and careful decisions about the mode of treatment.

After the assessment, the SLP will structure customized treatment plans for the patient and start the training as soon as possible.

Speech therapy techniques

Speech therapy can be done in groups or one on one sessions. These sessions require several sessions, which span from weeks to months to years, to ensure that the patient’s techniques are gradually understood and practiced.  The patient also practices well in the presence of the SLP and the caregivers in more advanced stages.

The use of visual, audio, and tactile aids are essential, and these are employed depending on the speech disorder and age of the patient.

There are common types of speech therapy techniques that aim to treat different speech disorders:

• Stuttering

Stuttering is a speech disorder that influences the ability of the child to communicate in a steady flow of words. SLPs help treats this disorder by helping the patient control their words and slow down their speech rate. This helps them form words slowly and articulate them at a slower rate enabling them to talk fluently. The SLP will also assist the patient in monitoring their breathing. This is exceptionally vital in communication. Treatment for stuttering requires frequent sessions to establish a permanent stance in the patient.

• Difficulty in swallowing

This is a common occurrence in speech therapy, as it hinders the patient from articulating words and sentences. The SLP will help the patient through mouth exercises that assist in oral and motor skills such as swallowing, chewing, and mouth movement. These exercises will, in turn, aid chewing, tongue in cheek movement. In infants, the SLP will help control breathing and the rate of swallowing. Different techniques are used in regards to the age of the patient.

• Late talkers

Some children face challenges when talking and develop faster than others when it comes to talking and communication. This requires an SLP to develop behavioural and structural techniques that will prompt the child to talk. For instance, introducing pictorial or sign language cards may help induce the child into talking. Another technique is withholding play items to prompt the child to utter words and sentences. Different techniques are employed depending on the child’s personality and age.

• Apraxia

Children with apraxia struggle with uttering syllables and uttering sounds. The child is often frustrated as they want to say something, but they cannot. The SLP will conduct a speech assessment test to evaluate the child’s ability to spell out sounds, syllables, and connotations. This test will also assess coherence and how the child understands speech. The SLP will also take not consideration the pitch and pauses of the child’s speech. This will help determine the correct syllables and sounds to use when communicating.

Employing the right approach during speech therapy is paramount in ensuring the overall success of the treatment. Parents and caregivers should listen and be attentive to what the child is trying to say and make them comfortable articulating language no matter how difficult it is.

Focusing on their core strengths will also make them more receptive to treatment. Lastly, the practice goes a long way in ensuring the treatment sticks and is used frequently.

Almost all working adults are busy with their tight schedules from work, and have little time to squeeze in quality moments with the family during weekdays. For some, weekends are the only time they have to create memorable moments with their kids. Here are some weekend bonding activities for you and your kids:

1.   Have a Picnic

Having a picnic in the park with the family is one of the most popular ways of spending time with them. Since most people go to the park during the weekends, it may be difficult to find a spot for you and your family. You can still enjoy this summertime activity by having a picnic in your backyard. You can prepare traditional picnic foods such as potato chips, fruits, and sandwiches. Your kids will enjoy the outdoor dining experience, fresh air, and a dose of vitamin D right inside your backyard.

2.   Create a Garden Labyrinth

Creating a garden labyrinth can be a fun activity for your children. You can use twigs, stones, or unmowed grass to build patterns that will catch the interest of your kids. The internet is full of pattern ideas which you may apply in your backyard. Young ones will love traversing the twists and turns of the labyrinth.

3.   Treasure Hunting

Many kids love a scavenger hunt. Parents will also have a grand time preparing the treasure hunt for their kids. You can use dime-store jewels and treasures hidden in your garden and provide your kids a treasure map. Draw a map on paper and soak it into your coffee to make an ancient look and rip its edges. Hide the map somewhere in your house and let them find the hidden treasure.

4.   Cook With Your Kids

Weekends will not always have good weather. You can teach your kids how to cook or bake in your kitchen for cold or rainy days. They can make crusts, pizza, pie, biscuits, and delicious homemade cake as they roll the dough with their hands and fingers. After baking, let them know how successful they are in the kitchen. Don’t also forget to teach them how to clean up.

5.   Stargazing

We have to admit that we used to do this when we were kids and enjoy the clear night sky for stargazing. You can also do this activity with your kids during weekends, especially if there are no weather disturbances. You can download a star chart on the internet and print them on paper to get more details. This will let your children learn about some constellations.

Another way to enjoy the stars at night would be to watch a meteor shower. There are a series of meteor showers throughout the year, and your children can witness the event while you teach them about making a wish when they see a falling star.

6.   Backyard Camping

Kids love doing outdoor activities, especially going camping with the family. There are times that campgrounds may be full of campers, and it is overcrowded. You can create your own campsite inside your living room by setting up some blanket forts or tents. Prepare a candle or a lantern as your bonfire, then serve your kids some hotdogs and s’mores while telling them some stories.

7.   Nature and Art Appreciation

Take your kids for a walk in your backyard or any hunting parkas TX Fowlers is helping you get the most out of your hunting experience. Ask your kids to collect fallen leaves and once you get home, lay the leaves on a piece of paper and create a silhouette by rubbing a crayon over it. You may also teach your kids to paint the leaves and use them as artwork stamps.

You can do all these activities as your weekend bonding with your kids and make every moment memorable. Ensure that you will find time for your kids, not just every weekend, but do it every day as simple as you can.

Online learning has been a significant change for students to make during the recent pandemic. Staying motivated and navigating the classes can definitely be challenging. However, there are some tips you can follow to make things easier for your child/children.

Below we are going to discuss some different ways that you can encourage them to embrace online learning.

Sound interesting? Then keep on reading.

Set up a productive space

In order to be productive, your children need an appropriate workspace. This should be tidy, quiet, and have enough room for all the necessary supplies. You also want to be able to keep an eye on them (to make sure they are actually doing their work).

If you don’t have a spot free from distractions, these classroom privacy shields are a great choice and will help keep their minds focused.

Establish a routine

 Just like regular school, online learning still requires a routine. However, you can be a little bit more flexible. Shift hours around until you find a time that works for the both of you. Just make sure your children know that they aren’t able to go and “play” until they have finished all of the allocated work. Rules and boundaries are still important, even though they are at home.

Praise and acknowledge effort

Adjusting to a completely different learning environment is challenging, so when you see your child doing well, make sure to reward them for it. Acknowledge their efforts and praise them when they learn something new. It can even be wise to set up a reward system to help keep them motivated. You can do this using a fun reward app or with something as simple as stickers on a chart.

Offer assistance and support

Even if you are busy with your own work, it’s important to remember to provide help to your child when they need it. There will be times when they may not understand something or have trouble with the computer/online learning system. 

It can also be a good idea to set up some different educational activities that relate to what they are learning. This way, they are still getting that “hands-on” approach. Arts and crafts are a great way to do this.

Be a role model

It’s going to be hard for your children to concentrate if you are watching television right in front of them. Remember to be a role model to help show the importance of hard work and dedication. This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy some time to yourself. You just need to be mindful about whether or not they are watching.

Encourage movement

Finally, the last tip to follow when encouraging your children to embrace online learning is to promote movement as well. Staying seated for an extended period of time is challenging for anyone, let alone your children. Allow them to participate in exercise and provide them with activities to get them up and moving. These fun exercise ideas for kids are a great place to get started.

If you own a pool, it is essential to keep children safe. The best way to ensure your child’s safety is to create a checklist that includes pool safety tips for kids and parents.

Children learn by watching what their parents do. For instance, if parents are always taking their eyes off the kids when they are in the water, a child is at a higher risk of drowning due to negligence. Encourage kids and adults to be vigilant and recognize the signs of drowning. Ensure that all visiting children that visit your pool know how to swim properly.

Below are 5 pool safety tips that parents and kids must know:

Give your children swimming lessons

Every day, thousands of children are left unattended and unsupervised in swimming pools, either through accidental incidents or intentional neglect. Statistics show that in the United States alone, more than 4500 children die from drowning every year.

Parents should take the necessary precautions to ensure their child’s safety and always be around to supervise them while they’re swimming. They should be aware of the risks involved with leaving a child unsupervised and offer them swim lessons in order to make sure their children can stay afloat until they are rescued by trained lifeguards. The pool should be equipped with an emergency life ring. 

Be on water-watch duty when your children are swimming in the pool

If you’re a parent, then you know how important it is to be on water-watch duty. But did you know that it’s also important to know what a child in distress looks like? This is often the first sign that something is wrong with your child. Struggling and gasping for air are examples of signs of distress. Intervene even in the slightest sign of distress to prevent the child from drowning. Also, pay close attention to your child and don’t get distracted by your phone, but keep your phone handy so you can call for emergency help.

Use drain covers.

If you own the pool, use drain covers. This is a great way to protect your kids from getting hurt, as well as prevent any damage to the property. Drains are also great for keeping the pool clean and free of debris that can lead to health hazards.

Use Pool Enclosure or Pool Cover

According to the CPSC, a pool enclosure or pool cover is one of the most effective ways to prevent drownings. Pool enclosures can completely block access to a pool, making it impossible for a child to enter without an adult present. Pool covers can also be effective, but they must be properly installed and used correctly.

There are many different types of pool enclosures and covers available on the market, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing one. You’ll want to make sure that the product you choose is compatible with your particular pool and meets all local safety codes.

Once you’ve chosen the right product, be sure to read all the instructions carefully before installation. It’s also important to regularly inspect your pool enclosure or cover for damage or wear and tear, and replace it if necessary.

Most people think that having a pool enclosure or cover is enough to keep their kids safe. However, these devices are not fail-proof and can actually pose a serious safety hazard if not used correctly. Here are some tips to help you use your pool enclosure or cover safely:

– Make sure that the enclosure or cover is in good condition and properly installed.

– Never leave your child unattended near the pool, even for a minute.

– Teach your child how to properly use the device and make sure they understand the importance of following the rules.

– Inspect the enclosure or cover regularly for any damage or lose parts.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your child stays safe around the pool.

Use a pool safety cover and enclose the pool with a fence.

The pool safety cover and pool fence are popular solutions to keep kids safe. It keeps them from getting into the pool and falling in. It protects your kids from potential dangers such as drowning or other injuries that could happen while they’re playing in the water.

Learn CPR

Know the basics of CPR and encourage other parents to take a CPR class so they are prepared in the event of an emergency. Completing your CPR classes gets you a CPR certification and enables you to be always ready if need be. Being able to act immediately rather than waiting for emergency responders to arrive can be greatly beneficial and save lives.

Swimming is a fun summer activity for everyone, but it’s not without its risks. As a parent, you need to be watchful and prepared for an emergency every time you go to the pool. 

Social networking platforms are becoming more prominent in this technologically advanced society. People use these digital shows to promote their businesses and services. Instagram is the best and most popular social media tool for better marketing. Every day, Instagram fascinates the young generation. It is simple to use and effectively promotes business. The more followers and likes you have, the more likely you are to develop a respected brand.

Getting genuine and free Instagram followers is difficult. Not everyone you like and follow will return the favor. Don’t worry, several programs have been created to help you gain genuine Instagram followers free and likes.

What exactly is GetInsta?

It is an app for Android users that allows them to gain 100% genuine Instagram followers. You may instantly like and share your post by going into GetInsta.

Anyone may use this program effectively because it is simple and safe to use. On this platform, you must follow and like other users’ postings in order for them to like and follow you back. There are no restrictions for getting free Instagram likes and followers. The number of followers you gain is determined on the amount of time you spend on this application. Install this free software to see immediate results.

GetInsta application key features:

The following are the application’s primary features. Get 100 percent genuine and safe followers while keeping your personal information private.

Simple to use: The GetInsta application’s user-friendly UI allows you to launch it instantly. Before logging in, no human verification is required. Simply enter your Instagram information and receive a large number of followers with a single click. Don’t be concerned about your privacy or other details. To secure your account from cyberattacks, the application employs a cutting-edge security system.

Genuine Likes and Followers:

You will gain genuine and honest followers. Genuine Instagram profiles will follow you and comment on your posts. GetInsta will look for people who appreciate your postings and are interested in your products.

You will not have to pay anything. Install and run this software for free to gain followers quickly.

How to Increase Your Free Followers and Likes

More coins are required to obtain more free Instagram followers and likes. Earning extra coins is also free. Check out the instructions below to learn how to get additional free coins.

Step 1: Sign in to your GetInsta account, which is an Instagram auto liker.

Step 2: Select the “Get Coins” icon. You may view the tasks that others have liked and followed in this section. When you like a post, you will instantly receive 20 coins. You have the option to skip any coin task that you do not like.

Step 3: Tap the Follow button to receive 100 coins right away.

Use this app to see the projected outcomes in 24 hours. Join the GetInsta family and help build a highly trusted community.

In case you haven’t heard, the days of men scrambling in fear at the mention of getting a manicure are long gone. Manicures for men are more popular than ever before, and you can chalk that up to increased health consciousness and interest in personal wellness. There’s no reason for men to be afraid of clean nails and fresh hands anymore; manicures are increasingly recognized as an important part of men’s wellness and hygiene, and you shouldn’t miss out. If you’re not convinced, here are some of the prime benefits of getting a professional manicure.

1. It’s Therapeutic 

Don’t you ever wonder why so many women choose to patronize nail salons, spending extra time and money on something they could seemingly accomplish at home? Yes, it is possible, and obviously common, for people to perform nail care and apply nail polish at home, but one of the biggest reasons to visit the salon instead is that it’s simply relaxing.

Perhaps the most understated part of the professional manicure process is the customary hand massage. Most nail salons, even the more economical ones, perform a gentle massage as part of their regular manicure. While one hand soaks in a bowl of warm, sometimes scented water, the other hand is massaged. The bowl of warm water is relaxing in itself and is important for softening your cuticles before any work can be done on them. When’s the last time you had your hands massaged? Have you ever had your hands massaged? You might be surprised how much better your worn hands feel afterward. In addition, there is evidence that suggests these massages improve blood flow to the extremities and reduce high blood pressure.

2. It Curbs Nail Biting

Approximately 45% of teenagers are nail biters, with many of them continuing the habit into adulthood, and men are said to be more likely to bite their nails than women are. We’re not totally sure about why people bite their nails or exactly which percentage of nail-biting can be attributed to psychological issues like anxiety and eating disorders, but we do know it’s unsanitary. Nail-biting exposes the mouth to pathogens that gather under the nail in day-to-day life, increasing the risk of infection. On top of that, it makes your nails and fingers look worse.

If you bite your nails, you might benefit from a proper manicure. It’s simple: you’re less likely to engage in nail-biting if you have healthy, well-shaped nails. Why would you want to ruin something good, especially something that costs money and time? Having nice nails is a potent self-esteem booster, and you’ll find that feeling better about yourself makes you less likely to bite your nails. And, of course, nail polish doesn’t taste great.

3. It Makes Your Nails Cleaner

There’s nothing less appealing than going to shake someone’s hand and noticing they have grimy, dirty, black-tipped fingernails. Depending on your occupation, you might be doing some serious work with your hands or spend a lot of time outdoors, making dirty nails the norm. There’s a chance you’ve never even thought about it, but I assure you, your dates have.

Before anything can be done to your nails, a professional salon technician will thoroughly clean underneath the nail tips and between the nail and surrounding skin. Your nails will be trimmed down, making them less susceptible to dirt and dust collection. Rehydrating cracked, and yellowed nails and tidying your cuticles will go a long way toward improving your image as well.

4. It Reduces the Effects of Aging

We spend a lot of time and effort trying to fight the effects of aging. We’re not able to reverse the effects of aging (yet), but we can do quite a bit to remedy some of the most visible signs. Wrinkle-fighting face washes and lotions, and even botox, are commonly used to give us a younger, fresher appearance. Our eyes, too, are the target of many anti-aging products. Of course, we don’t just age in our faces — our hands age too, and in everyday interactions, our hands are seen just as much as our faces.

A manicurist isn’t just concerned with your nails and fingertips. The entire hand is their domain, and just as they devote attention to massaging and loosening up the hand, they will take care to improve the health and appearance of your skin. Exfoliation — the removal of dead skin cells that cling to us — is part of many manicurists’ repertoire and can contribute to a more youthful appearance. This is usually coupled with moisturizing lotions that improve elasticity and hydration.

5. It Just Makes Your Nails Healthier

We have ten fingernails and ten toenails, and each one comes with a host of potential health issues that can lead to infections or, at the least, cause some serious discomfort. Bad nails will affect the skin around them, contributing to dry, cracked, and raw fingertips; if you bite your nails, you probably have a good idea of all the complications that can arise from improperly maintained nails.

Having your nails professionally trimmed, rehydrated, and buffed by a professional manicurist will alleviate some of these hazards and discomforts. Salon staff know how to deal with hangnails and brittling, and, if it’s not too serious, they know a thing or two about ingrown nails, too. Not to mention they have a wealth of knowledge about which nail products are best for your personal health. Contrary to what some say, nail products are not all made equal. If you’re interested in coloring your nails or even just having a clear polish applied, your nail technician will likely recommend healthier, more conscientious products like those offered by companies like SNS; these products are manufactured with vitamins and supplements known to improve nail health and leave your nails better and stronger than before.

There’s a lot to think about when you’re preparing to be a parent. Your baby’s health will always be the top priority, and there are plenty of ways you can ensure that your baby is as healthy as possible. These tips are a valuable addition to your regular postpartum checks. So, let’s take a look at some essential tips for raising a healthy baby.

Food

The nutrients your baby consumes in the early stages of growth are instrumental to how successfully your kid will develop over time. Newborns and young children need a delicate balance of vitamins, minerals, and nourishment to thrive, so get yourself some good baby formula! 

Alula baby formula is perfectly designed to provide all the good stuff your baby needs. They offer a range of formulas that are customized to children, from newborn babies to toddlers. Your baby’s nutrition is extremely important, so make sure you take this step seriously.

Socializing

Socializing helps children to develop their problem solving, social etiquette, communication, and empathy. The positive bonds they form as young children will impact them for life, even if they don’t realize it. 

Socializing with other children is great, but get family members involved too! Interacting with a wide age range is great for a child to experience different people, and it can have a fantastic impact on elderly people’s mental health! If your child is introduced to a loving, fun, and energetic family or group, then they will take on that positive energy, and it will help to shape their emotional growth. 

Sleep

Making sure your baby is getting the right amount of sleep can be difficult; some kids are sleepier than others, so you can spend hours second-guessing that afternoon nap. You can use apps to monitor your baby’s sleep and analyze the patterns over time. This means you can ensure your baby is getting consistent, good quality sleep, and it could help you form a nightly schedule.

Playtime

Play is how a child learns to understand their environment, and themselves. Making sure they have a good range of developmental and educational toys will help them along their journey. Every experience is new to a baby, so these toys will provide textures, shapes, and feelings which will aid their early development. Experiences build personality, so make sure your child starts off with some good ones!

Organization

The most important aspect of your baby’s development is their parents. You’ll be looking after your child night and day, forming an unbreakable bond and nurturing them through their early journey. In addition, children will absorb the environment they are in, so making sure it’s a healthy, happy, and organized environment is essential.

A parent planning board can be a useful tool in making your house a healthy environment for a child. You can track all your progress, make notes on their wellbeing, and leave notes for your partner or other caregivers. Get yourself on top of the stress of parenting, and your child will feel the benefit. 

Whether you’re worried about a child’s printing or cursive writing, rest assured, there are strategies you can use to help him out. As the old saying goes, “Practice makes perfect!” There’s no need to aim for perfection, but the practice is undoubtedly a great starting point if your child is struggling with writing. There are handwriting worksheets your child can complete to support their printing development. If the difficulties are with cursive, cursive worksheets with a focus on letter formation and linking letters together can be helpful.

It’s essential to keep writing practice light and fun. It shouldn’t seem like a never-ending chore. Think about a task that you’re not particularly good at. Being asked to practice something that you find very difficult, frequently and for long periods of time, would not make you happy! It would also not keep you motivated and excited about learning. Keep this in mind when it comes to having your child practice her writing. Depending on her age, ten minutes of practice may be just enough. Older children may be able to maintain their focus and attention for more extended periods.

When you’re learning a new skill, what do you find helpful? Chances are, you need to see the skill modeled. The same goes for writing! Show your child how to form the letters, several times, before asking him to try. It may also be beneficial to teach your child a verbal pathway to recite when making letters. For example, to help remember how to print a lowercase “j,” teach your child the phrase, “Pull down, curve around, dot.” Then, make sure your child has a model of the letter to use as a reference. Seeing you form the letter, hearing the verbal pathway, and having a model to look at will help your child improve his writing.

Along with letter formation, children need to give consideration to spacing. Forming the letters correctly is excellent, but if they are crowded together, written diagonally across the page, or too small to read or so big they don’t fit on the lines, their handwriting can become messy and even illegible. Worksheets that provide lines for children to write on can help them write in a straight line, left to right, with a distinction between tall and short letters. Young children may also need to practice the concept of “finger space” to leave adequate space between their words.

As your child’s letter formation and spacing become more proficient, you can introduce some authentic writing activities for further practice. For example, your child might enjoy writing letters back and forth with a friend or relative. Younger children might like drawing pictures then adding labels to them. Perhaps your child would like the job of adding something to the grocery list. If you are sending someone a birthday card, have your child sign her own name on the card. Ditto for sending Valentines! Maybe she can practice writing letters by making a word search. Older children might like writing stories, poems, or even jokes!

If writing continues to be a struggle for your child despite your best efforts, it can be helpful to speak to a professional. An occupational therapist can assess your child’s fine motor skills and offer further recommendations to support his development. If the difficulties he experiences with writing spill over into other fine motor activities, like cutting, using utensils, or doing up buttons, helpful information to share with the occupational therapist. He/she will create a plan to support your child’s success. 

Summer is just about here now, and many parents are undoubtedly looking for new, fun activities to do with their kids. We all know swimming pools and water guns are a must on those steamy summer afternoons, but why not work up a bit of a sweat before having a dip. And if you are going to do a bit of exercise, why not make it fun? If you haven’t considered roller skates before, maybe you should. Keep reading, and I’ll explain some more.

Dating back to the 1760’s, roller skates are something that many children in the modern world adore, whether riding alone or with a group of friends! But a far cry from its 18th-century origins, these days there are tons of models to choose from. For a sneak-peek into what we mean, check out this great range of roller skates from Xino Sports.

So, once you’re all laced up and “rolling”, the benefits of roller skating are indisputable – they help develop balance, motor skills, plus it is an excellent form of exercise. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Not to mention that after a good and tiring ride, the kids will sleep like babies.

But how do you make the right choice on which roller skates are right for your kids?

Choose your type

As with everything, you need to know what types are available so that you can choose the one that best suits your child. There are two types of roller skates. The first is called quad skates and is actually the original four-wheeled model with two front and two rear wheels – these are most commonly used indoors. The second is inline skates and have 4-5 wheels in one row. 

If your child is a beginner and still at a young age, quad skates would be more suitable for the simple reason that they are more stable and it is difficult to reach higher speeds. Inline skates are more suitable for teenagers because teenagers have more strength in their joints and legs and could more easily stand up straight.

The benefits of both types are almost the same – apart from the fact that rollerblading is a great physical activity, rollerblading is also a way to socialize and work on their mental and cognitive health.

Choose the right size

In fact, this is not something you should worry about too much, because the design of roller skates is quite advanced nowadays. Thus, some models are adaptable, and you can adjust them to the growth of your child’s foot. This is done with a simple mechanism that allows the boot to pull forward. This is very convenient because children outgrow things quickly, so if you buy size-adjustable skates, they will serve you for at least 2-3 seasons.

Since sizes vary depending on the manufacturer, the best and safest way to check the size that suits your child best is to look for the size guide on the manufacturer’s website. The general rule is to choose one size larger than normal.

Don’t forget about protection

There is nothing more important than injury prevention, so invest in good protective equipment for your child. The head, knees, elbows, and wrists must always be protected – whole sets are available that you can buy but make sure they are certified. 

It is advisable for the child to always wear a helmet as it is the best protection when falling backwards. For extra safety, it is good to follow a few simple rules that will save you from unwanted injuries:

• Do not allow your child to skate in the dark, as cracks and bumps are hard to see.
• Teach him to avoid water surfaces as liquid can cause the wheels to rust and prevent them from working properly.
• Put the child in clothes that allow him to move easily.
• Teach the child to skate on the right side because the left is always used to overtake.
• Do not let the child ride on open roads.

Maintenance practices

Maintenance is fairly easy. The most important thing is that the brake is always in excellent condition because it can be a major reason an injury occurs. Occasionally, manually rotate the wheels and make sure they are free of defects and that they rotate smoothly. If the rollers are wet, never leave them in the sun as they can be easily deformed, but let them dry naturally.

Do not hesitate at all – roller skating is great fun for you and your child. Whichever model you choose, enjoyment is guaranteed as long as you follow the basic safety rules.