MK@whiteface Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 Looking for tips on how to trick kids, I mean teach kids, that are your own.... I have an 8 year old, that says he is a pro, and doesn't want help. Has great balance, and heal side control, but I can't talk him into even attempting a toe side turn, and I had another Dad take him and try too, nothing. He'll run a heal side, and then go switch, to turn the other way, all the way down the mountain. Any insights? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ursle Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 Set your binding and boots up exactly like his and see how you ride, put yourself in his shoes, if it's not setup? Hold him on his front edge pointed across the hill and let him go, let him feel the edge, let him just go until he's turned uphill and stopped, might take a few tries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MK@whiteface Posted January 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 (edited) My point was, if they don't want you to help ("I've got it, I'm a pro"), has anyone found ways to make it fun, so they want to progress? He can get up and down the mountain, so I want him to take the next step. Edited January 25, 2018 by MK@whiteface Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beckmann AG Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 He's trying to write his own code, so to speak, and has no use for your programming. You don't trick children, you figure out what software is running at their particular stage of development, then work within it to get the results, or closer to the results that make sense in context. If you want to influence his progress, vis a vis toeside/heelside, change the offset on the bindings to make the heelside harder, and the toeside easier. If the bindings don't offer that option, use a sheet of dense foam behind his boot and highback to accomplish the same. As an organism, he's going to trend toward what's easiest, not what you ask. When the toeside becomes the edge of choice, shift the grips back toward the heelside slightly. When both options are accessible, both will be utilized. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piusthedrcarve Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 Let him ride with other kids (preferably same age group) in snowboard classes or camps. He will figure out and will have much fun and learn how to toeside turn. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pmorita Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 Two things worked for me. (a 7 and a 9 year old) 1 - bribery. Also known as goal setting. Give him a reason to turn toeside. 2 - All day lessons. Agree with piusthedrcarve. Other kids, a good instructor, you are not the enemy. All while you enjoy your day riding. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noschoolrider Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 (edited) 3 hours ago, MK@whiteface said: Looking for tips on how to trick kids, I mean teach kids, that are your own.... I don't have children of my own, however as a professional instructor and coach I've been presented with this situation many times. This is the only type of student I get that will say they don't want (or need) the snowboard lesson their parent(s) signed them up for. In your son's situation he most likely feels very strong and confident on heel side, and he doesn't want to acknowledged any weakness or lack of confidence on the toe side, because that would make him feel less like a pro and more like a lower level rider. Often, the solution to this situation, is expanding their perception of how a pro rides (what a real pro looks like and the things a pro can do), which includes all types of toe side turns, toe side maneuvers, and toe side tricks. It can be helpful to watch good riders with your son (and/or watch video of good snowboarders doing the things you want to focus on - you can even edit/create your own video) and ask your son what he sees when the riders are on their toe side. Ask if he thinks those things look fun, and if that versatility makes the rider better than the ones who can only ride on their heel side. This is part of guided discovery learning (one of the many 'tricks'). When I'm teaching, I like to work 'with' the student on setting goals that will address what they are lacking and will help them achieve what they need. If they don't think they need any help (or what I think they need) then I like to show them fun things that require the skills they're lacking and then ask if they want to try them (then learn them). If not, then I setup little challenges. If I still get a 'no' then I say something like - do you think good snowboarders can do it?, and/or something like - what's it going to be like when everyone else you ride with is doing cool things like that? I also let them know that even as a professional I am always trying to get better and always trying to learn new things. Basically, I try to influence my students into thinking they want to do it, that they are the one who chose what to work on, and that they helped determine what their goal(s) should be. Also, group lessons and/or group riding in a situation where they are all working on the same things (and/or being with other kids and seeing them do it) can be very helpful. Edited January 25, 2018 by noschoolrider 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noschoolrider Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 (edited) In addition to what I wrote above there's a few other things that may or may not be helpful… I'm reluctant to bring this up because some people may take this the wrong way, but here it is anyway: When someone feels they are being forced to do something they don't want to do the fun factor decreases and they can also lose interest. When teaching, try to keep things fun and please don't have expectations that are too high, especial regarding how much progress is made (what is learned) and how long it takes to make progress. When I am teaching, I always focus on safety, fun and learning (in that order). During the lesson I try to provide my students more fun than they'd have if they were freeriding with their friends - that's a great 'trick'. Edited January 25, 2018 by noschoolrider 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MK@whiteface Posted January 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 (edited) I’m currently letting him go off with his friends, on his heel side adventures, so I don’t think there is pressure there :) my post was was governed by interest on teaching methods, not frustration, at all. I’m riding for the first time, in years, I can’t be having more fun. Edited January 25, 2018 by MK@whiteface Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noschoolrider Posted January 25, 2018 Report Share Posted January 25, 2018 (edited) 45 minutes ago, MK@whiteface said: I’m currently letting him go off with his friends, on his heel side adventures, so I don’t think there is pressure there :) Sounds like fun. Riding with and seeing what his friends do might lead to him spending more time on toe side. 45 minutes ago, MK@whiteface said: my post was was governed by interest on teaching methods, not frustration, at all. I’m riding for the first time, in years. You don't sound frustrated at all - you sound like a great father and I sensed humor where you wrote "how to trick kids". Welcome back to snowboarding. P.S. some of the best parents I know successfully trick their kids a lot Edited January 25, 2018 by noschoolrider tricks are for kids :) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Posted January 26, 2018 Report Share Posted January 26, 2018 Awesome stuff noschoolrider! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noschoolrider Posted January 26, 2018 Report Share Posted January 26, 2018 (edited) 15 hours ago, Corey said: Awesome stuff noschoolrider! Thanks Corey, I probably should show my 'less technical' and softer/gentler side more often :) Edited January 26, 2018 by noschoolrider spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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