Emily has had training wheels on a small 16" bike for 4 years. Every time we would mention taking off the training wheels or getting a bigger bike, she would protest loudly, and say she would never ride again if we did. She was happy to have that little bike and those training wheels forever.
My goal for her this spring was to learn to ride a real bike. We bought her a beautiful brand new (expensive) 24" bike several weeks ago. She NEVER wanted to try it. I'd say things like "If it's nice on Saturday we can take your new bike to the duck pond and learn to ride." She'd reply "I really hope it rains."
Emily is athletic. To see her swim is a thing of beauty and brings me pure joy. She loves soccer, and does well. She picked up skiing very quickly, and had lots of fun this winter - but for some reason the thought of falling off a bike terrified her. So we fixed Rebekah's old 20" for her to learn on, hoping the slightly too small size would make it easier. Rick came home early and we decided it was time to get going!
She was not very happy about it!!
This is why Rick teaches our kids to ride a bike - he is SO much better at it than I would be. He started off by having her get a feel for the bike, and tipping it to the side many times and having her put her foot down to catch herself - showing her what to do if she started to fall, and alleviating some of her fear of falling and getting hurt. He showed her the hand brakes, and explained how they work.
My goal for her this spring was to learn to ride a real bike. We bought her a beautiful brand new (expensive) 24" bike several weeks ago. She NEVER wanted to try it. I'd say things like "If it's nice on Saturday we can take your new bike to the duck pond and learn to ride." She'd reply "I really hope it rains."
Emily is athletic. To see her swim is a thing of beauty and brings me pure joy. She loves soccer, and does well. She picked up skiing very quickly, and had lots of fun this winter - but for some reason the thought of falling off a bike terrified her. So we fixed Rebekah's old 20" for her to learn on, hoping the slightly too small size would make it easier. Rick came home early and we decided it was time to get going!
She was not very happy about it!!
This is why Rick teaches our kids to ride a bike - he is SO much better at it than I would be. He started off by having her get a feel for the bike, and tipping it to the side many times and having her put her foot down to catch herself - showing her what to do if she started to fall, and alleviating some of her fear of falling and getting hurt. He showed her the hand brakes, and explained how they work.
The he held onto her while she started to ride.
After a while, he went down to one hand.
When she was feeling balanced and confidant, he gave her a shove ...
and off she went!
Then they rode together for about an hour, for turning practice and to increase her confidence level.
One of her friends from the neighborhood joined them.
She can ride!
She's pleased with herself. She learned to do it in about 2 hours. Way to go Emily and Rick.
6 comments:
Well done Emily! Good on you, Rick, for your patience. I love the final victory picture.
yay emily!
in other news, in that first picture there is some super fine grass in the background. your neighbors must be geniuses in the yard!
Good work Em!
Good job Em! It's nice that Rick was able to teach her.
Good Job Emily. Now you won't be able to get her off it!
Way to go, Emily!
Post a Comment