Starting a 4 year old in skiing

[dlague]

Maybe it was just different clientele. Most parents have no idea how to relate skiing in ways the child understands....that's why they put them in a lesson. If you make a good 1st impression you gain a child's trust in minutes. And it's smooth sailing from there. Hard to do that when mom or dad are there. They will almost always look to the parent for guidance and reassurance. I come from the school of thought that it's best for kids to have their own instruction, gather up with the parents after, and give the parents a drill that they go off and reinforce with the child after the lesson. Just my .02 cents!

+1

 

[OzSkiCT]

Maybe it was just different clientele. Most parents have no idea how to relate skiing in ways the child understands....that's why they put them in a lesson. If you make a good 1st impression you gain a child's trust in minutes. And it's smooth sailing from there. Hard to do that when mom or dad are there. They will almost always look to the parent for guidance and reassurance. I come from the school of thought that it's best for kids to have their own instruction, gather up with the parents after, and give the parents a drill that they go off and reinforce with the child after the lesson. Just my .02 cents!

You're right, a good first impression is important, but that still doesn't give an instructor a magic doorway into what strategy will have the greatest success with a child. That still takes time, and may vary from one activity to the next. In the first few minutes, I always try to find out a bit about the kids, how many siblings they have, what sports they play, who their favorite characters are, give them a sticker or two, etc. Through each lesson we are always talking, laughing, singing etc, and strenghtening that all-important relationship with the student.

Sometimes having a parent hanging nearby outside the fenced-off kids lesson area (and I'm talking about 4-6 year olds) can be worse than having them right with you on-snow, especially if separation anxiety is an issue. Of course, each child and parent is different, so as instructors we adapt as best we can. Typically, once we "fly the coup" and leave the small carpet and head off to explore the rest of the beginner area, the kids are having so much fun that they're not concerned about where their parents are.

 

[MadMadWorld]

You're right, a good first impression is important, but that still doesn't give an instructor a magic doorway into what strategy will have the greatest success with a child. That still takes time, and may vary from one activity to the next. In the first few minutes, I always try to find out a bit about the kids, how many siblings they have, what sports they play, who their favorite characters are, give them a sticker or two, etc. Through each lesson we are always talking, laughing, singing etc, and strenghtening that all-important relationship with the student.

Sometimes having a parent hanging nearby outside the fenced-off kids lesson area (and I'm talking about 4-6 year olds) can be worse than having them right with you on-snow, especially if separation anxiety is an issue. Of course, each child and parent is different, so as instructors we adapt as best we can. Typically, once we "fly the coup" and leave the small carpet and head off to explore the rest of the beginner area, the kids are having so much fun that they're not concerned about where their parents are.

No it doesn't give you a magic doorway that will tell you what works but if they trust you they will be willing to try things and really that's a major hurdle.

I agree with you. I hated parents hanging around the learning area it's probably worse then them being there with you. I don't mind if parents swing by and say a quick hi but after that get out.

You sound like you have a good feel for kids. Not saying my way is right just a different POV.

 

[Abominable]

Reporting back.

Took my daughter out the first time today. Skipped the Friday, and Sunday looks to have some liquid snow in the forecast, so we stayed local. We went to Thunder Ridge, and it was a success!

I take her on the snow all the time, so she is used to it. After a little bit of snow play, I dropped her off at Ski School beginner 4-7 yr old lesson. She was on the magic carpet and sliding down the little area. She seemed to be enjoying herself without any drama. Then I picked her up and we did some more magic carpet. A bit more drama with me, but when we ended it, she was asking to stay, and asking to go on the chairlifts.

So, mission accomplished for now! Thanks all for the advice.

Awesome. Where did you go? Did I miss that?

 

[lerops]

Awesome. Where did you go? Did I miss that?

Thunder Ridge. Just a day trip, so thought I'd keep it close and avoid associating skiing with a long drive. This was more about the daughter anyway.

 

[4aprice]

Thunder Ridge. Just a day trip, so thought I'd keep it close and avoid associating skiing with a long drive. This was more about the daughter anyway.

I think that's wise. Short of a ski week at a larger resort, the less travel and $, the better. Lots of good information on this thread. Does your wife (if married) ski? For us it was luckily a family thing (actually lifestyle). We did travel as my father was an avid skier all his life and enjoyed playing with his grandkids (he helped big time) but we also took advantage of the Pocono's to get out on the snow as much as possible as a family. Had one issue with the girl growing up where her desire to ski fell for a while. We did not force it on her as we made other arrangements and kept going with the boy. She came back and now teaches at Camelback and Killington. (MO - don't force) Time on the snow is the best thing.

List as something you may look into as you introduce her to skiing. Girl had no problem but the boy had problems with tips crossing in the learning phase. We got a devise for the tips of the ski that prevented that (like edgi-wedgie but firmer). Once we got that on him he started really progressing. Some people use harnesses but I'm not a huge fan of those as it seems to pull them back from the forward position. The learning curve can be fun and memorable. I definitely remember some days where one or the other took big strides. (Also remember the 1st time they took off on us. - Rangeview Bretton Woods). Sounds like you got off to a good start.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[lerops]

Planning for a long weekend trip, including Friday and Monday. Don't care about the SB either, so should be a few good days of skiing.

Considering Bromley for a little warmer skiing. They have a whole day program for my daughter's age group as well with 2 90 minutes group lessons. I am hoping by Day 4 she can get on a lift and ski down the bunny slope. i have been there before, I just don't remember. Is the beginner area closed off?