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nraboni
Uggh...
Member since 10/09 6905 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Are there instructors that can be hired to teach your kid how to ride a bike?
I know this sounds silly and my DH and I should be able to do this but it's just not working. Our DD is super afraid of falling, will not listen to anything we are saying while trying to teach her and is just not trying to get over her fear.
Some people say she's just not ready but she's 8 and I feel like it's time she learns how to ride a bike. She was never really great at riding with training wheels but she did it and never fell.
Any advice would be great and any recommendation to hire someone would be very helpful.
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Posted 7/25/19 9:20 AM  |
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lightblue
LIF Adult
Member since 1/17 2249 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
This company called "Professor Pedals" keeps coming up on my FB news feed, maybe look into them?
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| Posted 7/25/19 9:26 AM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Honestly, I’d probably scrap the whole thing unless she REALLY wants to learn. My parents pushed me to ride a bike and I hated it and haven’t been on one in probably 15 years.
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| Posted 7/25/19 9:30 AM |
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Bonsai
LIF Toddler
Member since 11/18 463 total posts
Name:
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Where are you located? The guy at the bike shop in my town does it.
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| Posted 7/25/19 9:35 AM |
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nraboni
Uggh...
Member since 10/09 6905 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by Bonsai
Where are you located? The guy at the bike shop in my town does it.
I am in Wantagh.
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| Posted 7/25/19 9:46 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17792 total posts
Name:
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Our town actually holds a learn to bike clinic so there are people who do teach it.
How are you teaching her? There are a lot of videos online for the best way to teach a child to learn. I taught my boys on grass on a small incline and we worked on coasting first (for balance) and then they started to peddle. My older son took a lot less time (he was a better listener and was determined). My younger son took a couple of weeks (he got frustrated more easily but, eventually got it). They were both 7 when they learned.
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| Posted 7/25/19 9:46 AM |
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nraboni
Uggh...
Member since 10/09 6905 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by ali120206
Our town actually holds a learn to bike clinic so there are people who do teach it.
How are you teaching her? There are a lot of videos online for the best way to teach a child to learn. I taught my boys on grass on a small incline and we worked on coasting first (for balance) and then they started to peddle. My older son took a lot less time (he was a better listener and was determined). My younger son took a couple of weeks (he got frustrated more easily but, eventually got it). They were both 7 when they learned.
May I ask what town you are in?
I looked at a bunch of videos online too and tried different techniques. The grass idea is a good one - maybe we'll try that this weekend. She's getting frustrated and we're getting frustrated so it's becoming a shit show!
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| Posted 7/25/19 9:54 AM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7619 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Like a PP said, how are you teaching her?
We just taught our 5 year old. We made the training wheels very uneven to force him to balance himself. He rode like this everyday for over a week and by the end was barely relying on the training wheels. We then took off the training wheels and practiced on the grass. Within 30 minutes, he was riding on the street.
I will say we tried a similar method right before he turned 5. He was able to ride fine on grass but cried when we tried the street so we put the training wheels back on. 6-8 weeks later, he was riding without training wheels. He’s been riding since the beginning of July. We got on 30-40 minute bike rides daily.
Message edited 7/25/2019 9:55:45 AM.
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| Posted 7/25/19 9:54 AM |
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nraboni
Uggh...
Member since 10/09 6905 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by PitterPatter11
Like a PP said, how are you teaching her?
We just taught our 5 year old. We made the training wheels very uneven to force him to balance himself. He rode like this everyday for over a week and by the end was barely relying on the training wheels. We then took off the training wheels and practiced on the grass. Within 30 minutes, he was riding on the street.
I will say we tried a similar method right before he turned 5. He was able to ride fine on grass but cried when we tried the street so we put the training wheels back on.
The training wheel thing is a good idea but I think she may be past that point. I am definitely going to try that with my son next summer when he turns 5.
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| Posted 7/25/19 9:56 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Definitely do the grass thing.
DH used to take DD to her school off hours and she would ride on the huge field there.
It was all grass so she felt more confident in case of falling.
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| Posted 7/25/19 9:58 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17792 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by nraboni
Posted by ali120206
Our town actually holds a learn to bike clinic so there are people who do teach it.
How are you teaching her? There are a lot of videos online for the best way to teach a child to learn. I taught my boys on grass on a small incline and we worked on coasting first (for balance) and then they started to peddle. My older son took a lot less time (he was a better listener and was determined). My younger son took a couple of weeks (he got frustrated more easily but, eventually got it). They were both 7 when they learned.
May I ask what town you are in?
I looked at a bunch of videos online too and tried different techniques. The grass idea is a good one - maybe we'll try that this weekend. She's getting frustrated and we're getting frustrated so it's becoming a shit show!
Unfortunately, I'm in Rockland. But, they teach kids by taking the pedals off the bikes and coasting (like a balance bike) and then by the end a lot of them end up riding.
Just focus on coasting first. The grass makes the bike go slower so it's not as scary. And make sure it's on an incline so the bike will move. Once they get the balance part worked out the rest comes more easily (except braking, that takes a little longer to grasp).
Maybe also if one of you teaches her? My DH gave up with DS 1 (even though he feels he taught him to ride) because they were both getting frustrated. Sometimes working with one person is better. For DS 2 - he'd work on his coasting all alone without any of us around (which worked better for him). Then eventually he just took off.
It's also easier to learn on a smaller bike than a larger one.
Message edited 7/25/2019 10:11:46 AM.
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| Posted 7/25/19 10:11 AM |
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Bonsai
LIF Toddler
Member since 11/18 463 total posts
Name:
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
If you are in Wantagh, i would go over to Brands and see if anyone there does it.
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| Posted 7/25/19 10:25 AM |
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EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
We have the same exact problem with my 8 year old DS. He is so stubborn. My 10 year old learned at 6 and a great rider. My younger son is so lazy about it. Normally he's not, but the more we try and teach him the tougher he gets.
My neighbor's daughter who's 5 is riding around! Ugh!!
Did you look into the balance buddy. We got it and put it on my older son's bike and helped holding the back when teaching. We do it for my 8 year old now, but he's a pain.
I'm in NJ so no help with your other question.
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| Posted 7/25/19 10:29 AM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Too late for your daughter but get your son a glider bike. My son had one from 2-4 and we didn't even have to teach him how to ride a bike. He just got on and took off one day shortly after he turned 4.
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| Posted 7/25/19 10:44 AM |
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FirstMate
My lil cowboy
Member since 10/10 7790 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Oh please. This is the bane of my existence. My DS is going to be 8 (yes, you read that correctly, 8 freaking years old!!!) and still won't ride a bike. He does better when my dad works with him but now he's taking more of an interest because his friends all ride. Not that this makes it acceptable by any stretch of the imagination, but really all of his friends learned this year. Freaking weird. I learned at 5 but whatever.
My little guys got a balance bike. I think they are going to learn to ride in no time because of that.
Also, on my "moms" page, I have seen people ask for references to hire someone so maybe try that.
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| Posted 7/25/19 11:00 AM |
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M514
Hi
Member since 8/10 6011 total posts
Name:
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Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
We started with teaching my DD on the grass in our yard. She got the hang of it pretty quickly and then we took her to a local park that has a large flat surface and she did great on it.
But, If she really doesn’t want to do it, then I wouldn’t push her. She’ll do it when she’s ready or when she sees all her friends riding around.
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| Posted 7/25/19 11:06 AM |
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MarathonKnitter
HAPPY
Member since 2/07 17374 total posts
Name:
EMBRACING CHANGE
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
i don't think it's weird to ask for help on this. neither of my parents were able to teach me. my cousin had to come over and teach me.
good luck on finding someone your daughter is comfortable with.
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| Posted 7/25/19 11:41 AM |
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Jenn79
One more?
Member since 2/12 2410 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
My dd is always afraid of getting hurt too. We started on grass with knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and of course a helmet. Once she fell she realized she’s not gonna get hurt and she was less afraid. I also had her learning on a bike that was a little too small so she was closer to the ground. That worked for us. Good luck!
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| Posted 7/25/19 11:46 AM |
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Dolphinsbaby
My 3 little guys!
Member since 12/10 2943 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
I learned to ride a bike when I was 12 years old. yes, you read that correct. I was 12 . I hate bikes (still do) and my dad said this is ridiculous. You are too old and forced me, crying and screaming the whole way. Last time I was ever on a bike (BTW, DH is not convinced I actually can ride a bike since I've never rode one that has hand brakes and refuse to. He thinks there is something wrong with me ).
My 7 year olds must have my gene because they still can't ride bikes and don't want to. I told DH that's all him.
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| Posted 7/25/19 3:11 PM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
DC are 16 and 13, and neither one can ride a bike, and most of their friends can't, either. They don't see a reason to. I've spent a lot of time trying to teach them, but they have no desire to learn.
I love bike riding, so it's not that they aren't exposed to it.
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| Posted 7/25/19 3:14 PM |
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
I agree with making the training wheels uneven... we did that for my DS, and when we took them off, he really just pedaled away on his own. He was able to do it without much teaching, but he was younger (in kindergarten), so an older child may be more fearful or it may seem less natural.
I've seen friends' kids struggle, and I think the issue is that they pedal so slowly and tentatively, because they are afraid of falling, that they can't get their balance. It's much easier to ride faster.
If your DD is beyond the point, then there ARE people who can teach your child to ride.
I am close to you in N. Bellmore, and one of my friends used someone named Mr. Pedals? (Well, that was his business name, lol). Maybe you can google it, but she lives in N. Bellmore, too, and hired him. I agree that Brands may be a good resource and be able to recommend someone if Mr. Pedals doesn't pan out. 
Have you tried letting her wear some protective gear? Even if you know it won't do much, it may be a mental thing and make her feel more secure. The first time my DS rode without training wheels, he put on elbow and knee pads that he had from deck hockey or something like that, and it gave him confidence. Maybe you can invest in some padding!
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| Posted 7/25/19 4:37 PM |
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Katareen
5,000 Posts!
Member since 4/10 7180 total posts
Name:
Katherine
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by GoldenRod
DC are 16 and 13, and neither one can ride a bike, and most of their friends can't, either. They don't see a reason to. I've spent a lot of time trying to teach them, but they have no desire to learn.
I love bike riding, so it's not that they aren't exposed to it.
I’m actually astounded to read this!!!
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| Posted 7/25/19 7:53 PM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7619 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by Katareen
Posted by GoldenRod
DC are 16 and 13, and neither one can ride a bike, and most of their friends can't, either. They don't see a reason to. I've spent a lot of time trying to teach them, but they have no desire to learn.
I love bike riding, so it's not that they aren't exposed to it.
I’m actually astounded to read this!!!
Me too! All the kids in my neighborhood ride bikes ALL THE TIME!
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| Posted 7/25/19 8:32 PM |
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tourist
Member since 5/05 10425 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by PitterPatter11
Posted by Katareen
Posted by GoldenRod
DC are 16 and 13, and neither one can ride a bike, and most of their friends can't, either. They don't see a reason to. I've spent a lot of time trying to teach them, but they have no desire to learn.
I love bike riding, so it's not that they aren't exposed to it.
I’m actually astounded to read this!!!
Me too! All the kids in my neighborhood ride bikes ALL THE TIME!
My neighbor's kids are the same age & they don't ride either. They had scooters when they were little. our neighborhood isn't that conducive to bike riding, but there is a trail nearby.
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| Posted 7/25/19 9:52 PM |
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Katareen
5,000 Posts!
Member since 4/10 7180 total posts
Name:
Katherine
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Re: Teach a kid how to ride a bike?
Posted by tourist
Posted by PitterPatter11
Posted by Katareen
Posted by GoldenRod
DC are 16 and 13, and neither one can ride a bike, and most of their friends can't, either. They don't see a reason to. I've spent a lot of time trying to teach them, but they have no desire to learn.
I love bike riding, so it's not that they aren't exposed to it.
I’m actually astounded to read this!!!
Me too! All the kids in my neighborhood ride bikes ALL THE TIME!
My neighbor's kids are the same age & they don't ride either. They had scooters when they were little. our neighborhood isn't that conducive to bike riding, but there is a trail nearby.
I’m moreso surprised since I picture GoldenRod’s family to be very outdoorsy.
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| Posted 7/26/19 6:49 AM |
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