It is easy to toss a little one a tricycle and watch them go, but teaching them to ride a two-wheel bike is a little more difficult.
Be Prepared
One thing to do when teaching your child to ride a bike without training wheels is to be prepared. Bumps and crashes will undoubtedly occur during the learning process.
Dress the child with proper safety gear to avoid any serious injuries. A helmet is definitely a good idea. Knee pads and elbow pads may not be a bad idea either.
Keep a band aid on hand…just in case.
Support
Supporting your child is very important while he or she is learning to ride a bike. Physical support is as important as emotional support during this time. Remember to tell your child that they are doing a great job. Encourage him or her to get up and try again.
Support your child on the bike while teaching them the proper way to balance. You can support the child or the bike in several different ways.
Holding onto the handlebars of the bike can offer excellent balance for your child, but this method does not allow him or her to steer the bike as effectively as they should. If your youngster is very nervous about the experience, this may be the best way to begin.
As your son or daughter becomes more confident, change your method of support. Either hold onto your son or daughter around the waist, or steady the bike by holding under the seat as the child rides. Holding onto your child will help to offer the child a sense of security while improving balance.
The method of holding onto the back of the bicycle seat offers less control for the parent and requires more balance for your child. This should be the last step before the child rides alone.
When to Brake
Don't forget to teach your child how to stop the bicycle. Sometimes, in all of the excitement of riding a two wheeler, parents forget to teach the youngster about the brakes. Some bikes have hand brakes to stop and other require the child to pedal backwards.
It is important for parents to learn about the brakes on the child's bike and include this as part of the lesson. If not, your child will begin using his or her feet to stop. This method is not only dangerous, but will really tear up your child's shoes.
Teaching your child to ride a bike is both fun and exciting. Being prepared for bumps and bruises may be the best first step. Wearing safety gear and learning about the brakes is very important. Offering support to the rider is also key. Teaching your child to ride a bike will be a memorable experience for you both. Enjoy the ride.
