| Most indoor ice skating rinks maintain a temperature | | | | provide extra padding in case the rented rink skates |
| between 45 and 60 degrees, depending on the | | | | don't fit perfectly or are well-worn. |
| temperature outside. When you are dressing your child | | | | For several reasons skaters should always wear |
| for ice skating lessons or free skating at the ice rink, | | | | gloves. Gloves obviously will keep a skater's hands |
| your first challenge will be warmth. | | | | warm. They also provide some protection in case of a |
| Skaters will be exercising strenuously, so it is important | | | | fall on the ice or if another skater runs into a child who |
| to dress your child in thin layers that can be removed | | | | has fallen. |
| easily as their bodies warm up. Avoid dressing your | | | | A warm wool hat will keep your skater's head and |
| child in a bulky winter coat, as heavy coats make it | | | | ears warm. Avoid any head covering that could impair |
| difficult to move freely. A warm turtleneck under a | | | | your skater's vision. "Hoodies" or parka hoods should |
| warm, close-fitting sweater will keep your child warmer | | | | be avoided. |
| than a winter coat, and will permit free movement. | | | | For the same reason, skaters should never wear |
| Many girls want to wear a skating dress. If you plan to | | | | scarves, which can obstruct vision or catch a skate. |
| have your daughter take lessons, then a simple skating | | | | Many rinks prohibit any kind of scarf on the ice. |
| dress and tights may be a good investment. However, | | | | Girls should always have their hair pulled back or |
| if she is simply going to skate recreationally now and | | | | restrained, so that it cannot get into the eyes. |
| then, this might not be an investment you want to | | | | Avoid letting your skater wear jewelry. Most rinks |
| make. | | | | prohibit any kind of jewelry, which can break and fall |
| Close fitting sweat pants or zipped wind pants are | | | | onto the ice and trip another skater. |
| good choices for both boys and girls. Jeans do not | | | | And finally a note to parents of boys: Boys will be |
| have much ability to stretch, they easily absorb | | | | extremely uncomfortable if they are asked to wear |
| moisture, and they are very slow to dry, which makes | | | | white skates. If you have inherited a pair of white |
| them a less optimum choice for skating. | | | | skates that fit your boy, either dye them black (black |
| One of the most important parts of your skater's | | | | shoe polish will also work, but it can be messy), or |
| wardrobe should be a comfortable pair of thin, | | | | cover them with black skate covers. Your son will |
| seamless socks. A sock with seams can rub against | | | | skate much more confidently if he "fits in" with the |
| the foot and cause blisters. Because skate boots are | | | | other boys at the rink. |
| designed to be tight, thick socks can squeeze the foot | | | | If your child will be taking ice skating lessons, you can |
| and reduce circulation, which will make your child's feet | | | | observe what the other students are wearing before |
| feel cold more quickly. | | | | the first lesson and talk to the coach about appropriate |
| If you child will be renting ice skates, bring along a | | | | clothing for lessons. |
| thicker pair of socks to wear over the thin pair to | | | | |