A little over a year ago, I could not get O on a bike. He wouldn't even sit on it and let me push him. It was just not happening. This was a huge concern for me...what little boy doesn't ride a bike?
So, we made this a goal. We worked with him. First, just sitting on the bike. Then, sitting on the bike and having someone push or pull it. Once he was comfortable with this, it became time to teach him how to pedal and steer. This was not easy, especially for a kid with problems with motor planning, meaning...he can see what you want him to do, but has difficulty getting his legs, feet, etc. to actually do it.
Once O started preschool, this became part of his weekly routine, to ride on the back of a two-seater or pedal one himself. Gradually, he got more and more comfortable with pedaling, steering and stopping a bike, at school and at home. He even asked me if he could get a bike for his birthday. He actually wanted a bike! So, of course we got him one. It's not a huge bike, but it looks like one a "big boy" would ride, as that was one of the criteria I was given. Check out this photo from the morning of his birthday...
As you can tell, he loved the bike! And, after thirty minutes of riding the bike in circles around the island in our kitchen, the motor skills associated with this new bike became part of his motor-memory and he was ready to ride...anywhere!
Courage is being scared to death - and saddling up anyway! - John Wayne
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