Polar Ice House offers tips for first-time skaters

My older daughter was four when she first  ventured on the ice. And while I'd skated a lot as a child, I had no idea how to help her other than to tell her to stay close to the wall.

Hanging onto the wall, Poe tells me, could actually cause more injury because the child could not only hit the ice, but also the wall.

"Wean them off the wall as quickly as possible," she tells me.

Poe also offers tips on what kids should wear; why they should practice falling before they get on the ice; and the first steps they should take once they get on the ice.

One big tip: If you're holding hands and your child falls, don't fall with them.

"When they fall, let go," she said. "Kids are very agile."

And a couple good rules to follow: Never carry your child on the ice., Poe said. And never wear your shoes on it either.

Thank you Robyn and Grace for your help!