For CJ's 4th birthday (back in February), she got a "strider" bike. The bike is two wheels, low to the ground, and doesn't have pedals. We have heard that this is a great way to teach kids balance and not get them hooked on the ease of training wheels. She loves it! Everyday (rain, cold ones too) she is asking to go out in the driveway to ride it. Since we live on a rocky, gravel road, she is unfortunately limited in her distance to ride. But she has gotten really good! Her balance is on target and she is flying around.
This of course irritates Alexander to no end. He has a great two-wheeled bike and is completely upset and frustrated with us for taking off his training wheels. Zack and I have both worked with him a bit to gain confidence and find his balance. But it is hard, so he never wants to try. Until CJ got her bike. Sibling competition used for good.
At the end of our dead-end road, our neighbors driveway is sloped. We have been using it to bike/glide down to help CJ get her balance. While Alexander is at school, she has practiced a lot and is having so much fun.
Last week, Alexander came home and she was doing this again. He came over to see and wanted to try on her bike. He couldn't get the hang of it and was pissed. I suggested he try on his "big" bike. After many attempts and running by his side holding him upright he got the hang of it!!! Woo-Hoo!! We did several attempts just down the neighbor's driveway into the grass on the other side.
When Zack came home from work, he was beaming to show his dad. And this is what happened:
Zack had told him to go ahead and show him how "he rides to our driveway". Funny thing is that he had never turned the bike or gone down the street. Zack just assumed that he had. Alexander was SO THRILLED to finally ride his bike with no help. He promptly asked after our celebration and congratulations to him that, "I want to ride my bike to Jack's house by myself". Okay, that is about a 3/4 mile away and off a busy road... let's do some more practicing first.
Here's CJ zooming down the street. Caution, the video is jumpy and may cause nausea. ;-)
2 comments:
Tell them both that I am very proud of them! What a victorious day! Kisses!
I so miss seeing the children, but the short movies and talking keep me in touch. They both are doing great. After showing this to Pop Pop he remembered teaching all our children the balancing act. Congradulation Alex and CJ. Love Grandma
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