Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike
October 18, 2007 – 2:25 pmDo you remember the day that you first felt the excitement of riding off into the wind on your bike without training wheels or someone holding onto the bike? It was as if someone just opened the door to a whole new world of wide open freedom. Now that you have your own little one, you will be able to be on the giving end of this amazing feeling. If you are not sure how to start teaching them to ride a bike, here are some things to know and keep in mind.
The unrivaled feeling you felt when you first realized you were riding your bike all by yourself was most likely after much nervousness. Remember that it is totally normal and okay when your little one is nervous and shows that they are scared. This is a whole new ball game for them. Surely they will be excited to know they will soon be able to ride their bikes as all the older kids do, but they will probably be hesitant at the same time.
Do your best to encourage and let them know that you are there. Tell them that everyone was a little scared when they first started learning to ride a bike, and that it is okay. You will want them to feel reassured and safe. Make sure they know you are right there with them the whole time.
You should always pick a place to do this that has a smooth surface. You’ll also want to make sure there is plenty of space so you don’t have to constantly turn, but be able to ride straight for a few minutes. It can be frustrating when your little one feels they are getting the hang of simply balancing themselves, and then have to constantly be turning because you ran out of room.
It should go without saying to make sure they always wear safety gear, especially their helmet. It is probably against the law to ride without one as it is in most places. In the first few days they will probably welcome the idea of wearing knee and elbow pads as well. The fear of falling is going to be in their mind and this may make comfort them to a degree. However, after they get a hang of it don’t bet on seeing them in full safety gear very often!
Show your child how to place their feet on the pedals and have them to slowly start riding. They will want to know that you are right there, so be sure to reassure them. Tell them that you will be beside them the whole time holding onto the bike, until they think they are ready to try for a minute on their own. Now days there are even “training bars” that can attach to the back of the bike so you can easily hold onto them without killing your back.
Don’t expect too much as it may take days, weeks, or months before they get the hang of it. Everyone will learn at a different pace. Praise them when they do well, comfort and reassure them when they fall, and before you know it your little one will be riding into the wind all on their own.
Tags: baby help, child care, new mom, parenting, teach baby, teach kid, teach things baby
