Riding Bikes

Sophia and Phoebe both learned to ride their bikes without training wheels. It was awesome for both of them. Sophia had become risk adverse and was horrified of the idea of riding her bike. As presents on birthday and Christmas she had collected pads for knees and elbows, gloves, and a helmet. Even with all that gear she was horrified of the idea of riding her bike. As a dad this puts you into a weird situation. You know she'll have a blast riding her bike but any mention of riding without training wheels turned into a fits of fearful tears.

I don't know if it was the best decision but I decided that she was going to ride her bike, tears or not. I knew she could ride as she would pedal as I jogged beside her until she panicked. I clearly explained what I was going to do. I would push her and then let go, and she would ride her bike. Regardless of her protests she would ride and she would do a wonderful job riding her bike. She cried, she wailed, my heart fluttered and I wanted to just hold her and let her know that I'd always keep her safe. She was missing fun. She was missing freedoms that as a 6 year old little girl she was wholly entitled to. With tears in her eyes she mounted the bike. I ran. I pushed, and she rode her bike. She stopped under her own power without crashing. "I DID IT!!! DID YOU SEE?!?!!?". Of course I saw you Sophia, you were very brave.


Now she rides everywhere she can. Circles, no feet, one hand, standing up, with and without helmets and pads. The decision I made isn't for everyone but I hope I helped her more than I hurt her by putting her into a sink or swim situation. She seems to be enjoying it.

Phoebe was different. I began to explain that I would push her. As I was explaining what I would do, she pedaled off down the driveway and rode her bike off into the distance. She hasn't dismounted since.

Comments

  1. AdrianSeptember 11, 2012 at 4:12 AM

    Oldest daughters are so funny that way.... I am one and I have one, so I should know. :) Yoroko learned to ride her bike by being bribed to ride to the ice cream store. But once she knew she could do it, there was no going back.

    Funny how different kids are. Good for Phoebe for just taking off.

    ReplyDelete

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