Like a Duck to Water
My son is six and a half. Over the last couple of years, we've made several runs at trying to get him riding his bike without training wheels. When I say "runs" - I am not kidding. Is there a parent on the planet who hasn't run awkwardly alongside a wobbling kid who can't seem to steer and won't stop screaming long enough to pedal in a steady rhythm?
You've all been there, I know you have. And your parents were there, too. In fact, I remember my dad shaking his head with frustration as my sister hit every single pole on the playground while he was trying to teach her to ride her bike. The pole could be three inches in diameter, and my sister would make a beeline for it, flying off her banana seat and screeeeeeeeeeeaming.
With spring break nearly over, and my kids getting antsy, I decided to give the old bike-chasing routine another go. I inflated tires and tightened chains. I asked my son to hold onto his bike while I went inside to grab his shoes, and the next thing I know, the kid had straddled his bike, climbed up onto the seat and glided down the driveway, where he proceeded to do a victory lap around the court, grinning like crazy.
I watched him pedal by, and then grabbed his helmet and shoes and forced him to stop so that I could get him properly equipped. And then he was off again. I wriggled my toes in my shoes, and watched him ride, with a curious mixture of pride and frustration.
These damn kids. They wait until they are ready to do something, and then they just do it. Just...boom. And I'm left standing there wondering what was different today? What changed? Who fired the starting pistol?
They stood up and walked at 8 months. All three of 'em. They were simply ready, and no amount of pushing them over could stop them for long. (I kid.)
They potty-trained themselves, despite several hostage standoffs in the bathroom, and lots of soiled underpants. One day, they just were done. And I had nothing to do with it.
My oldest refused to ride her bike until she saw the kids across the street. She pushed off, and never looked back. And now my son follows her lead. Three days ago? He said never ever. I turn my back for two seconds, and he's down the road.
Parenting has always been like this for me. I see other mothers who seem to work in tandem with their children. Not me. I seem to get my timing all wrong. I give them too much, too soon, or not enough. They resist resist resist and then soar out of the nest when I'm not looking.
Comments
Heh. I am just this once thankful for my sister. She came along 12 years after me so I remember making attempts to teach her to ride her bike and my mom and dad telling me that I was wasting my time - she would learn when she was ready, probably on her own. And they were right. All my chasing after her did was make us both frustrated.
So, all three of my big kids learned to ride on their own, with me watching from the front yard. No chasing, no holding them up, no yelling encouragement or instructions. They just did it. On their own - some earlier than others but with a lot less stress for all of us.
Heh!
Posted by: Denise | April 16, 2007 2:00 PM
I just connected over here from Crazy Hip Mamas and have had a grand old time feeling superior. Err...that's what you were aiming for with that tagline, right?
Seriously, it actually gives me hope for The Potty Training Nightmare That Is Mine. Someday, she'll just do it? Just tell me it won't take until junior high....
Posted by: Amber | April 16, 2007 3:01 PM
Sometimes I subscribe to a blog the first time I find it. Then the next day I say, "Mmm...naaahh..." and bam, it's off the list.
So glad I subscribed to yours. You made the cut! ~lol~ You are an incredible writer. I love the honesty and genuineness (is that a word?).
Posted by: Kimberly VanderHorst | April 16, 2007 7:25 PM
We just started riding the bikes with training wheels (our kids our 4). I still cringe every time they turn a corner.
Our daughter took to it immediately complete with using the hand brake. I have a feeling that if we don't bug her about it she'll have the whole bike thing mastered by the end of the summer. Why? She likes it and it makes her feel grown up on the big bike. One of her favorite phrases after saying something like "I amn't" is "I use the words I want to use." True independence in that girl.
Posted by: Mike | April 17, 2007 7:58 AM
I've gotten it right sometimes, but so often when I wait for the right time, it comes *just* after I've given up!
Glad I'm not the only one with this experience!
Posted by: rachel | April 17, 2007 10:16 AM
That is how my kids are two. We just got my 7 year old riding his bike. We knew he could do it for years, but until he was ready, he was a no go. Now we need to buy him a bigger bike.
Posted by: Inthefastlane | April 17, 2007 10:54 AM
That's the way my kids always were. One step forward, two steps back is what I called it. I'd push. They'd pull. I'd give up, and they'd do it all on their own. I guess when it clicks, it clicks.
Posted by: Lisa | April 18, 2007 6:31 PM
Hey there - I am also someone who got a link from somewhere (I think it was even pre-CHBM kudos) and put you in my "checking out" folder.
Which sort of meant it took until now (while my darling snores gently on the bed) for me to actually check you out - and I had to comment on this one! Does every blogging Mum have a "will my child ever ride a bike" moment or two?
Oh, and I am with inthefastlane category of now needing a bigger bike!
Posted by: jeanie | April 19, 2007 4:46 AM