Learning
to ride a “big girl/big boy” bicycle can be difficult for the whole
family. It can be frustrating for the
child learning how to maintain balance, and it can test a parent’s patience by
reviewing instructions again and again to a child who is more interested in
careening downhill than to listening to mom/dad.
Is there
a cure for the “Training Wheel Tears”?
As a
parent and the founder of a pediatric fitness facility, I can say that,
although there is no magical cure for the bike riding blues, there are many
tips and methods of instruction.
- Remember each child is
unique. Just because a child is
five-years-old, it doesn’t mean that he is ready to learn to ride a
two-wheel bike. When your child is
ready to learn, he will ask to be taught.
- The training bike should be
at the right height for your child.
Make sure that your child can easily place her feet on the ground
if she feels unstable.
- Many bike enthusiasts
advocate taking the pedals off of the training bike and allowing the child
to practice balancing first. They believe the child should be allowed
to ride by pushing the bike along with his feet, so he can get a feel for
balancing.
- Many children learn to ride
by practicing on the grass.
Although it is more difficult to pedal on grass, the lawn provides
cushioning when a fall occurs.
- If your child is older,
allow her to practice in a location that is more private. This will
decrease her anxiety and any teasing from neighborhood children.
- Teach your child to focus
and be aware of his surroundings.
If you live on a street that has traffic, a car may not see your
child practicing. Teach your child
that safety always comes first.
- Be patient. Each child has different aptitudes. Some children may learn in one hour
while others may need more time and encouragement.
- Stay positive. Encourage your child and congratulate
her on her efforts.
- Consider hiring a
professional. Many cities offer
fitness trainers who can help your child develop the skills necessary for
bike riding.
- Use the latest technology. There is a multitude of great children’s
products that reinforce balance and steering while providing high
stability at very low speed, making learning to ride a bike easier,
quicker and more fun.
Don't expect
the learning process to be crash-free.
It may take time for your child to become comfortable riding a
bike. So, be ready to comfort, coerce,
cheerlead and bandage skinned knees.
And, you may need to wait for another sunny day to practice riding again
if your child doesn’t feel self-confident yet.
Does
your child need a little extra assistance learning to ride a bike? Fitness for Health can help. We offer “By Sickel”
Bicycle Success which helps children build their self-confidence while
improving their balance and coordination.
Call us at 301-231-7138 with questions about our bike riding program or visit www.FitnessForHealth.org to learn more about Fitness for Health.
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