You’ve probably spent loads of time riding a bike, so you think it’s easy to teach your child how to ride. But even if you had mastered the sport as a kid, teaching it to another person – especially a kid – can be a little tricky. Before you take your child out on the road, keep these tips in mind:
7 Tips for Teaching a Kid to Ride a Bicycle
Here’s seven super tips for teaching a kid to ride a bike.
1 – Be Patient
If you’re not patient, your child will not learn how to ride a bike. Don’t show your child how to do it and then jump in the car and drive off. Stay close by, encouraging them, and let them fall a lot. Don’t go away, and don’t be impatient.
Taking the time to teach your child how to ride will pay off in the end. They’ll learn to be more independent and gain a sense of accomplishment. Plus, they’ll be able to get around without needing a ride from you!
2 – Start with a Bike that Fits
If you’re buying a bike for your child, make sure it’s the right size. A bike that’s the correct size will be easier to learn to ride on than one that’s too big or too small. Make sure there’s enough room for your child to grow, but don’t buy a bike that will be too small for them in a few months.
If you’re borrowing a bike for your child, make sure it’s the right size. If it’s too small or too big, then it may be harder for your child to learn to ride. The good news is that there’s a good chance you can find a bike that fits your child at a thrift store or garage sale.
3 – Use Training Wheels
Training wheels may seem like an old school way to teach a kid to ride a bike, but they’re a great way to keep them from falling over. Plus, your child will be able to learn at their own pace. If they can’t stop, they’ll just keep going until they fall over. Training wheels will give them time to figure out how to stop.
You can take the training wheels off once your child has demonstrated that they know how to stop. Be sure to explain to your child that using training wheels is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it just means you’re smart and want to stay safe!
4 – Start With a Safe Training Area
As you can see in the picture for this post, learning to ride a bike in an area with soft ground – thanks to leaves or grass – can be a good idea. You don’t want your child to accidentally fall onto a rock or branch that would hurt them.
If you absolutely can’t find a soft surface where they can learn to ride, make sure they’re wearing a helmet. Helmets will protect your child from any injury that might happen when they fall. Also, consider getting a bike helmet for your child. It’s a fun way to teach them about safety.
5 – Don’t Force It
If your child just isn’t getting it, it’s OK to stop and take a break. You don’t want to push them too far, too fast. If you do, they’ll end up getting frustrated and never learn to ride a bike. Instead, try to find a way to make it fun. If they enjoy the sport, they’ll be more likely to keep trying to learn.
This can be applied to almost anything in life. For example, if you’re trying to teach your child how to do math, don’t make them do math all day. Make it fun by doing math with them. If you make it a fun game, they’ll be more willing to play.
6 – Go Slow
If your child is learning how to ride a bike, it’s important to go slow. You don’t want them to get frustrated by falling over and over. If they keep falling over, they may lose interest in learning to ride a bike.
Additionally, if you go too fast, there’s a good chance you’ll end up running into something, like a car or a tree. You don’t want to hurt your child or yourself.
7 – Help Them Practice, Practice, Practice
If your child is learning how to ride a bike, it’s important to help them practice. The more they practice, the better they’ll get. It doesn’t matter if they don’t get it right the first time. Keep encouraging them, and they’ll learn to ride a bike eventually.
Of course, you have to be careful. If they’re riding a bike and they’re not paying attention, they could run into something. Make sure they’re safe, and be sure to tell them to always wear a helmet.
Conclusion
Teaching a kid to ride a bike can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. It takes patience, and you have to be willing to take your time if you want them to learn. If you follow the tips above, your child will be riding a bike in no time. Check out our Facebook group for Hoosier Chapter Books to join the conversation!
