It’s one of the monumental moments of childhood, for both parents and kids alike.  What child doesn’t remember learning how to ride a bike?  And what parent doesn’t agonize about the best way to teach child to ride bike?  The experience can be fraught with anxiety for everyone involved, but it doesn’t have to be.  In fact, it can be a fun, memorable time that serves several important purposes and teaches several important lessons to both child and parent alike.  More than just a bike riding experience, the teaching process facilitates communication, trust, helps kids learn how to learn, and helps parents learn how to teach.

First, parents, it’s a great idea to do a little bit of research.  This can be as simple as asking friends what worked for them, or conducting a simple Internet search.  Many, many parents and kids have gone down this path before.  Once a parent is comfortable with the process, and has a game plan, it’s time to buy the bike.  A correctly sized bike is extremely important when trying to teach child to ride bike.  The seat needs to be at the correct height; the child’s feet should be able to rest flat on the ground, in order to facilitate control of the bicycle.

Once the bike is purchased and properly fitted, it’s time to start the teaching.  Many, many parents will agree on two or three major principles to adhere to when it’s time to take off the training wheels and teach child to ride bike.  First, it can be helpful to take the pedals off for a short time.  Second, find a grassy area that has a gentle slope.  This will help the child start rolling and also cushion any early falls.  The first step is to have the child simply pick up his or her feet, and try not to fall over.  Once this is accomplished, he or she can start rolling a short distance, simply putting the feet on the ground to stop.

Once the child is comfortable with rolling, and has developed a basic sense of balance and control of the bicycle, the pedals should be reinstalled so that the child can start using them.  Now it’s time to really learn about how to ride bicycle!  The child may need some assistance with starting, but should be able to maintain his or her balance rather successfully after the prior training.  He or she can start pedalling for longer and longer distances, and then move to the pavement to really start moving.  In these easy, simple, steps, parents can teach child to ride bike, and the process can be fun for everyone involved.