Asher learns to ride a bike!
This is the 4yo who still whines when he goes to school and clings onto me, is learning to write his Chinese name, can barely read a few words, cries easily and is still like a baby in many ways even though we tell him he is a big boy now already. So he definitely surprised me that morning.
Remember how the kids and I lugged our new bicycle from Decathlon onto the train all the way home? Yup, it was all worthwhile because guess what, this boy learnt to cycle in just 30min! He was a little apprehensive at the start because he couldn't control the handlebar and there were the inevitable mistakes where he rammed into the wall, knocked over a bench and fell into a bush. Yup, not everything was captured on camera (thanks to the little sister for helping us to take these clips!) but you do know that behind every success lies hardwork, effort and persistence. So glad that he managed to persevere, pick himself up and be strong enough to keep trying.
Check out his big smiles at the end and how he kept asking to go again and again! I cherish these moments so much and it's funny but I'm always the one teaching the kids to cycle and I have to say this was the shortest record time ever among the three. He learnt to turn in our second session and now he just needs to learn to start pedalling - that will be tricky because the bike is a little too tall for him and he needs to lean over to one side to reach the ground.
For those who were asking for tips, I would say start the kid on a balance bike first (it helps them greatly to balance and steer), find a large, empty area to practise, wear protection gear (at least a helmet and knee pads) to reduce the child's fear of falling, teach them to use the brakes, be patient in supporting and encourage them to keep trying! Some of my favourite phrases are "You can do it!", "I'm here with you", "Control the bike, not let it control you", "Balance, balance, look in front", and "You did awesome!"
P.S. Sharing the only photo we took together that day - Meimei asked us to for keepsake - that shows the unglam me with sweaty armpits. Hahaha. Still, I wouldn't trade that moment for anything.
#ahappymum
