https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:48:07 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-this-new-soccer-mom#post-2923268 Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:35:35 +0000 bees_knees 2923268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: hahahaha I LOL'd at the "looking for bugs" because....so true!!! </p> <p>I swore up and down our kids would never play soccer because it looked so...chaotic? But here we are! And I'm actually excited about it :) I think he will have fun! Thanks for all of your help! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-this-new-soccer-mom#post-2923264 Thu, 08 Apr 2021 08:51:15 +0000 erinbaderin 2923264@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know! I know there are indoor vs outdoor cleats, but the indoor ones are totally different. Google says there are different types of cleats for different positions and different playing surfaces (hard ground, muddy ground, yikes!) but if your 7 year old's team is anything like my 7 year old's team, there are no different positions, there are just clumps of kids chasing the balls and one kid off at the other end of the field looking for bugs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-this-new-soccer-mom#post-2923257 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 21:00:32 +0000 bees_knees 2923257@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: ok thanks!! Do they vary due to playing surface or something (hard ground vs soft?) In any case, I snagged them...they were $5 so if they don’t end up working then I can just donate them back!</p> <p>Seriously thank you guys for answering my ridiculous questions. I know nothing! These boards are so helpful for so many reasons 😂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-this-new-soccer-mom#post-2923254 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 19:10:24 +0000 erinbaderin 2923254@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m not an expert but I just compared them to my son’s and they’re not the same as the ones he just got but they’re the same as the ones he had last year, so....yes? I’m sure they’ll be fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-this-new-soccer-mom#post-2923250 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 16:19:49 +0000 bees_knees 2923250@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Follow up question...are these soccer cleats? Google tells me the cleat pattern is correct but I've also never played football, baseball, or lacrosse so I guess I can't be sure :silly: :happy: </p> [attach=6904/21/qr7px2.450x600.63952270245__3AFFA8E0-3DC7-4503-B950-90BB14474F8D.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-this-new-soccer-mom#post-2923247 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:45:05 +0000 bees_knees 2923247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok, thanks for all of the tips everyone! I have shin guards and soccer socks on their way and am heading to the thrift store this afternoon to check out their $5 cleat section! (hopefully in a neon color :silly: ) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-this-new-soccer-mom#post-2923243 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 13:48:51 +0000 LadyDi 2923243@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: I second getting cleats if you can! I know it’s annoying to spend $ on something that might only be used a handful of times but I’ve had great luck getting used sports gear on consignment or fb marketplace. Stuff is still in pretty good shape too when they are that young. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-this-new-soccer-mom#post-2923240 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 12:48:07 +0000 peaches1038 2923240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m in this same boat! Luckily my BIL is a huge soccer guy so helped me. He also recommended minimal shin guards as he said the ones that cover the ankles make it harder to learn how to kick the ball properly 🤷🏼‍♀️ I just got these: Sportout Adult Youth Kids Soccer Shin Guards,Comprehensive Protection for Your Leg, with Cushioned Ankle Protection to Prevent Injuries <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082NPFBD2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PQE7C27FDXSZ2SYZA8YG" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082NPFBD2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PQE7C27FDXSZ2SYZA8YG</a></p> <p>Also the shin guards should only be 50-60% the height of the shin. I thought more would be better but he said to follow that. </p> <p>@Mommy Finger: Great idea about the the bright colors! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-this-new-soccer-mom#post-2923227 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 08:23:26 +0000 erinbaderin 2923227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oooh, finally a topic I know about! Don't get the shin guards that are attached to the sock because then you're stuck with the sizes - we had those for my son but he found the actual sock uncomfortable and we ended up cutting the sock part off. </p> <p>We have shin guards like these: <a href="https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/umbro-ceramica-ankle-shin-guard-junior/6000202419040?cmpid=sem_google_en_pla_none_869128799_82435105630_None&#038;gclsrc=aw.ds&#038;&#038;gclid=Cj0KCQjwsLWDBhCmARIsAPSL3_14orrOTDp77Nr5JyAB3khIhRA01D04D8Dz_64QCqXWrqJOpmtHVtoaAqG4EALw_wcB&#038;gclsrc=aw.ds" rel="nofollow">https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/umbro-ceramica-ankle-shin-guard-junior/6000202419040?cmpid=sem_google_en_pla_none_869128799_82435105630_None&#038;gclsrc=aw.ds&#038;&#038;gclid=Cj0KCQjwsLWDBhCmARIsAPSL3_14orrOTDp77Nr5JyAB3khIhRA01D04D8Dz_64QCqXWrqJOpmtHVtoaAqG4EALw_wcB&#038;gclsrc=aw.ds</a> and actually end up wearing a pair of ankle socks under them, then the shin guards, then tall socks over, because otherwise the under-foot part rubbed against my son's feet. </p> <p>Also I know they say you don't need cleats but if you can swing it, I'd recommend cleats. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-this-new-soccer-mom#post-2923226 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 08:18:00 +0000 Mommy Finger 2923226@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>HA! I know what you mean! So yes, definitely needs shin guards and they go under the socks. They make soccer socks for this purpose. I like them being separate so they're easier to wash. If you go on amazon, you can get a pack of soccer socks for pretty cheap. Plus, you can get them in fun colors! </p> <p>Pro tip...have your kid wear something in a bright color so that he's easier to spot in the crowd of adorable kids running after the ball. We just happened to buy DS neon orange soccer cleats b/c that was his favorite color and they were on sale (score!) and it was the happiest of accidents. :) he was always easy to spot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-this-new-soccer-mom#post-2923221 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 00:27:42 +0000 bees_knees 2923221@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS1 (7) is playing soccer this year. It’s pretty casual...they said no cleats necessary but he does (obviously) need shin guards. How do you wear shin guards...Over the sock? Under a tall sock? Does he need “soccer socks”? What makes a sock a soccer sock? Should I just get the ones that are in a sock? Why is this so confusing? 😂</p> <p>Sincerely,<br /> A mom who knows nothing about soccer and realizes she is totally over thinking this but also doesn’t want to look like an idiot </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908956 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 10:51:24 +0000 PinkElephant 2908956@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jess1483: @skiierchck99: @erinbaderin: Any other gadgets/gear you’d recommend? Ski tip connectors? I didn’t ski tiki was a pre-teen, so I’m in the dark on this stuff!</p> <p>@Pumuckl: I’m pretty sure my 7 year old will do something insane. She’s a speed demon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908924 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 22:56:47 +0000 PinkElephant 2908924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skiierchck99: Thank you for chiming in on this! Our expectations are so so low; if she didn't have big siblings who she'd see leaving the kids' club for ski lessons I might be more inclined to skip it, but I think she'll WANT to go out when they are, so I figure it doesn't hurt to let her try. I'm sure if she's really not having it they'll just send her back into childcare, and I won't be upset with the instructors if that happens! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908923 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 22:55:16 +0000 PinkElephant 2908923@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Jess1483: Thanks! I think we're just going to go for it. This cannot be the first time the gear people/instructors have encountered the situation! As others are pointing out, we're talking about a girl who laid on the floor and screamed for 25 minutes one day this week over the fact that I asked her to put on a tutu dress (her favorite, that she had picked out five minutes ago) for school rather than going in her nightgown, so.... :silly: who knows if any skiing will actually take place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908922 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 22:23:14 +0000 Jess1483 2908922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was in a ski shop today, so I asked. They did say some companies make a 14, but it's fairly rare. He also said that because kids sit back on their skis (rather than lean into their shins like more advanced skiers), they already push their toes further into their boots than adults, so the sizing matters even less. </p> <p>In case that's helpful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908836 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 07:48:17 +0000 PinkElephant 2908836@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: that’s why I’m paying someone else to get all three of my kids started 🤣🤣🤣 seriously, my expectations are so low. I don’t care if she cries and goes back inside after 10 minutes. Hopefully she’ll want to keep up with her big sisters, who are psyched but may get frustrated; the bigger daredevil isn’t very coordinated! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908827 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 07:10:25 +0000 skiierchck99 2908827@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: my family (mom and aunt) members also teach kids ski lessons and will say the same thing - at 3, it’s a little more touch and go, by 4 or 5, most kids can handle it. But, you don’t know till you know! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908825 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 06:41:52 +0000 Anagram 2908825@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: ha! My 4 and 6 year olds have been in group ski lessons the last 3 weekends and are loving it, but you are right that (like any group class I guess, I see the same at dance class), there is a segment of kids who clearly don’t want to be there, and there can be a lot of tears and crying. My kids have been fine though, so I guess a parent doesn’t really know how their kid will be until they get there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908822 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 05:55:39 +0000 erinbaderin 2908822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to teach skiing and I’ll tell you that unless a 3 year old really wants to learn to ski, it’s a pretty tough battle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908819 Thu, 23 Jan 2020 05:04:32 +0000 Pumuckl 2908819@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah, we also got the info that smallest snowboots were a European 25 or 15. My now 3 year-old daughters feet are still smaller than that and she was fine in them. Her twin brother's feet are longer but slimmer and he did okay too. Their skis were super short I think 70cm, they're about 90cm tall. We actually didn't put them in die kiddy program because we had a bad expierence when we did the same with our older daughter. She was happy skiing with us but hated ski school so we decided to just take them with us (so they did use a chair lift and we just lifted them onto it). We all had a blast...<br /> Also beware that at that young age they are still fearless so mine just went speeding along not knowing how to slow down ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908779 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 16:12:54 +0000 PinkElephant 2908779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Dahlia: eek! I learned to ski in the (very flat) midwest as a kid, haha - it was rope tows all the way. I found those, so, so frustrating, especially when with a group of people learning. Just when you thought you had it, someone else would trip on the tow line and they'd have to stop it and you'd fall down! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908778 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 15:56:45 +0000 Dahlia 2908778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: noooo they don't even need good snow on the bunny hill! 30+ and sunny is where it's at :) </p> <p>Our bunny hill has a chairlift, no magic carpet, so we had to figure that out ASAP. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908777 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 15:43:03 +0000 PinkElephant 2908777@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Champagne: I thought that too, but a classmate's mom pointed out to me that she's probably not going to be going much of anywhere anyway :) I'm not sure what's worse - boots that she flops around in, or crappy skis! REI sells them, in 60cm and 70cm sizes, so I wonder if there are some that are "kind of" legit? I don't really want to buy a pair, though, so if the mountain doesn't rent them, it's probably pretty telling right there.</p> <p>@Jess1483: Thanks for the encouragement! We have definitely waited longer than I would have liked to get my older girls (5 &amp; 7) on skis, so I feel like we should just go now that it's easier to put the youngest in a childcare/learn to ski program. She's had some developmental delays she's mostly overcome, so I have zero expectations - if she lets them strap her into skis and stays out on the snow for the lesson, I'll be happy!</p> <p>@Dahlia: Appreciate the tips! I'm showing this to DH, who thinks that the kids having optimum snow conditions (which in my area of the country equates to cold!) is best for their first time, whereas I agree with you - I'd rather them be warm! Also, I'm LOLing at boots falling off on the chairlift, because at about 32 inches tall, I don't think there's any way she'll be on the chairlifts. I expect this first trip to be a strictly magic carpet experience, but maybe she'll shock me!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908772 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 14:40:32 +0000 Dahlia 2908772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've never seen smaller than that, but it should work for your kid. Our DD had the same size feet when she started and used either a 15 or a 16.5 depending on what was available. The ski rental people said that because at that age they're not during hard turns or on steep slopes they don't need their boot to fit as tightly as an adult does. Just watch out they don't slip off on chairlifts! </p> <p>My general advice for starting small kids skiing is have low expectations, pack lots of snacks and bribes (we did a gummy or chocolate chip at the end of every run in the beginning), and try to go when it is pretty warm, if possible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908756 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 11:30:30 +0000 Jess1483 2908756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The smallest I’ve seen are in that range. But I took my (then) 3 year old skiing last year and he used our hand-me-down 16.5s. Just added extra socks. Not totally ideal, but they’re the smallest I’ve seen. He did fine with them (he was maybe in a size 7 at the time, though I’m not sure). I think a 15 would probably be fine. Def don’t use the strap-on ones. I think kiddos skiing early is so great, so if you’re geared up for the trip otherwise, I wouldn’t let it stop you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908754 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 11:12:20 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2908754@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter is pretty teeny. Last year she tried snow board (at age 2.5) and the smallest boots were an 8. They def fit smaller then a regular shoe size.. so it was ok. </p> <p>I don’t think you can use those type of “fake” skis on an actual hill. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parents-of-little-skiers-help-please#post-2908753 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 11:05:36 +0000 PinkElephant 2908753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Help! Trying to take my kiddos skiing (first time for them) - I'd like to put my three year old in one of the learn to ski programs.....but the places I'm calling start their rental boots at size 15cm, which is like a toddler 8....and she's just a 5 moving into a 6! This also makes me think that she's going to be much, much too short for the skis they have on offer. I'm not sure what to do. Does anyone know if skis/boots in smaller sizes even exist? Do we just have to table this until she grows, and choose a resort where she can go in daycare all day? Or do I try to use some of the "backyard" type skis that go on over a regular snowboot (assuming those are utter junk, but maybe I'm wrong). Any inside info from someone more knowledgable would be very appreciated! Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-start-sports#post-2863336 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 20:09:29 +0000 Anagram 2863336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My feelings are changing about this as my kids get older. My girls are 3 and 5, and take dance which isn’t a “ball” sport, but I will say it so depends on the kid. Both of my kiddos started dance at 3 and while it is true that the 3 year old class is chaotic and yes, half the class is either crying or twirling around by themselves not listening to to teacher—but my girls have THRIVED. Like, okay I am biased because they are my kids, but my kids are July and August birthdays and the dance year starts in Sept, so they tend to always be one of the youngest—and I think their focus is SO GOOD for their age. Even my second kiddo, who is my more difficult child, bless her—she loves dance and listens so well. That is, after the initial hump of the first 5 classes where she was afraid to go in alone. But we stuck it out, she got familiar with the class, she is thrilled to go now and has grown so much and it’s only December. </p> <p>One other thing is my 5 year old played city rec soccer for the first time this year. We have never played soccer before, and I was assured it was a beginners league. Well, my kiddo happened to be put on a team with the next Ronaldo (is that a famous soccer player?) who AS A 5 YEAR OLD CHILD, dominated every single practice and every game and was light years above the kids. The coach had to keep taking him out because he would just score over and over if he was on the field for even 5 minutes. So her team was undefeated, she barely learned to play because her skills were so beginner compared to this kid. And I’m not griping—this kid was amazing for 5. But I chatted up his parents and he’d been doing soccer and basketball classes and camps since 4, including 6 weeks of soccer camp over the summer the past 2 summers AND they had him in an indoor class/league over the winter AND he played on another non-Rec team simultaneously. So the kid was skilled but he also had way more practice and hours to get good compared to the other kids. </p> <p>So it may depend on your child’s interest and focus but also on how Tiger Parent you are. And how flexible your weekly schedule is. Shuffling kids around to classes and games is exhausting. And expensive.</p> <p>I don’t think my girls have a future in soccer, so that’s not something I can see myself stretching our family thin, in terms of scheduling, over. BUT my oldest is really developing a passion for dance and singing and musical theater and I’m already plotting the course of when I’ll start her on piano lessons, when we’ll do voice lessons, which dance class she should take next, if a tumbling class would help her dance. And I’m s totally Beta personality, but SHE loves it and begs for more, and it’s so hard to say no to a kid that spends all her free time asking Alexa to play broadway soundtracks so she can sing/dance/act along. So I’m discovering I have s little Tiger mom in me too, after seeing my kid be so into something. 🤷‍♀️ You just never know. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-start-sports#post-2863285 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 09:25:19 +0000 Lindsay05 2863285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I have to respectfully disagree. If the sport is actually taught more about the basics of the game than it can actually be really beneficial. For example my 4 year old is a really shy girl but being out on a soccer field actually really boosted her confidence. Our kids soccer program is less about team play and more about skill building and I have seen huge improvements with both of my children. They go in 10 minutes sessions of switching off from skills to 3 on 3. Very well designed for young children. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-to-start-sports#post-2863282 Sat, 22 Dec 2018 07:56:40 +0000 looch 2863282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I don't mean to disagree with you, but I don't think that there's no fear in children under a certain age. My son is particularly cautious, which reads as fear. He just learned how to ride a bike, a few weeks before he turned 8. He literally just got on and rode off and I attribute that to just waiting until he was ready.</p> <p>I think that for team sports, they just don't get it until they learn how to work cooperatively and I think that's a skill that is developed all through childhood. </p>