This is a widely debated topic among skiing instructors and parents because some say it is helpful, while others claim that poles harm the child’s ability to balance on their own. If the child has poles, they may depend too much on them to balance themselves on the skis and not try to use their legs and individual balance to move with the skis. They can become crutches that the child cannot do without, which is not what skiing with poles is about. Poles should be used for guidance only and not a means of balancing yourself. If you think that your child will use the poles in this incorrect manner, then do not start them off with poles. Get them to develop their balance and coordination on the skis without the poles first, then introduce the poles when this has been conquered.