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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Sima Fontanilla | Posted under Recreation and Sports
8 Tips to Teach Your Child To Ride Their Bike
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1. When is the right timeDeciding when the right time to allow your child to learn to ride a bike is a personal choice. When your child has good balance and good co-ordination your child will be ready to learn to ride a bike. An example of good balance would be the ability to hop on one foot or spin without falling. Spring and summer are the best times to learn to ride a bike because weather is most likely to be good and not interfere with the child learning to ride. 2. The right clothingMake sure your child is dressed appropriately for riding their bike. That means no loose clothing that can get caught in chains or on peddles, and no bare knees or elbows if at all possible. When they are first learning to ride when the chances of a spill are more likely. 3. SafetyBefore you even allow your child to start to learn to ride it is important that you spend some time making sure they understand safety issues. The issues you discuss and the way you discuss them will depend on the child's age. It is important to present this safety lesson in a way that they will understand. You can use pictures or books that are on the market. There lessons should be reinforced and expanded on a regular basis. 4. Bike helmetA bike helmet is a must!! Not only is it illegal not to wear a helmet, it is unacceptable for you as a parent to even entertain the idea. One nasty spill could leave your child with sever injuries, worse yet it could leave them dead.The easiest way to get your child to wear a helmet is if you wear one. After all if it's good for mom and dad then it's good for the child. Children love to be copycats. If you allow your child to help choose the helmet they are also more likely to leave it on and not protest about wearing it. 5. Knee pads and elbow badsThis is entirely optional. For a few dollars you can pick up a set up knee pads and elbow pads that will keep these joints protected should your child wipe out. And in the beginning they will wipe out. Your child may find them bulky and uncomfortable and protest wearing them. You may have to make some type of compromise as to when and where they must wear them and when they are allowed to bike without them. 6. Training WheelsTraining wheels are a great way to get a child going in the beginning. It allows them to learn to balance themselves with the safety net of the training wheels stopping them from falling over when they error. It's rather like the extension of their tricycle.The other advantage to training wheels as they can gradually be raised until they are no longer needed. They provide a great safety net for your child while they explore their new found freedom. 7. The location to learn to rideWhen your child is first learning to ride choose a location that is flat without dips dives and potholes. A piece of pavement is usually a good choice. Make sure there are few obstacles so that your child can concentrate on getting the hang of riding without worrying about having to steer around obstacles. A nice long sidewalk also works well. Once they have the basics under control you can allow more freedom as to where they are allowed to ride. If you are going to allow them to ride on the road be sure they understand the dangers and how to stay safe. 8. Teach a child how to fallFalling is part of learning to ride a bike. In fact falling is always a risk of biking no matter how experienced you are. This can be a hard lesson for a child. Some children will want to quit after the first fall. A couple of scratches or bumps and bruises can leave the child leary about riding. Other children will consider their war wounds as part of their accomplishments and get right back up and start again. The best thing you can do is give your child reassurance. Encourage them to keep on trying. Get them smiling and proud of their accomplishment to date. You can also give your child tips on how to fall with the least amount of impact. Teach them not to brace themselves with their hands and not to lock their joint. At first you can be nearby to help minimize the fall. Okay your child's ready to go. Their on the bike, they are just itching to get going. So let's go! Watch the wobble of those first few peddle movements and watch the smile on your child's face as they experience their new found freedom. Congratulations your child is now on the way to having those same fond memories that you have! About The Author: Sima Fontanilla is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - http://www.articleclick.com |
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