Getting my little cousin into BMX?

Question

Well I'm trying to put my little cousin onto BMX but right now hes 3. The thing is everybody in my family but my older cousin(my little cousins mom) and her husband, disagree about letting me teach him when he gets another year older. The kid is starting to do bar spins on a SCOOTER. Thats a sign of one of the Best riders around right there! I guess i influenced him because hes seen my do 180s, barspins, tailwhips and he even saw me almost land a 360 on flat ground. Everybody says hes gonna play basketball but once i get him an official BMX bike bike for his 5th birthday all that is gonna change. How do i go about convincing my family that i wanna teach him BMX? His parents will let him ride but knowing my grandmother and her old school puerto rican ways she aint gonna let that happen. The boy watches bike videos with me thats how i just KNOW hes destined.

Answer 1

That's awesome!  But I agree with your family....give it awhile before you start teaching him tricks and stuff.  He's little.....his body is tiny and his brain is still simple in a lot of ways.  On a practical note, if he falls hard he can damage his joints and get permanent problems.  Yes, his bones are flexible, but his joints are tender (and important!)....even with full protection it's not a safe risk to let him get into situations where he could take impacts.   On a less practical note (but equally important), even if he's a natural, his brain is still a toddler's and it's not capable yet of thinking through things or reacting the same as older kids or adults.  Give him at least a couple more years to mature, and then if he's still interested start grooming him for the x-games.   lol.  

In the end, it's up to his parents, though, and you have to respect that.

I have a 41 year old friend who is absolutely kick-*** on both 20" and 26" bikes and podiums in events whenever he enters them.   He has a 4 year old son that's on a bmx....actually started riding at 3.  BUT....he's under really strict supervision and his father won't let him even try any tricks yet because he's just too young.  I know when that kid gets older he'll be a ripper, though.  sounds like your cousin will be, too...just don't push it yet.    :o)

Answer 2

I BMX And I Think that if he is 3 now and your getting it when he is 5 then you should get a 16 inch. but don't force him into it if you buy him the bike and he rides it a little but then stops don't force him becasue it can cause him to not look up to you

Answer 3

He is only 3, I don't think there is a BMX bike that will fit him. Why not let him deside what he wants to do ?