How can I teach 5 year old to ride his bike?

Question

I just took the training wheels off his 12 inch two wheeler. Any tips on helping him learn to ride?

Answer 1

Int has the idea but make sure your child has on a HELMET!! nobody said it yet so I just wanted to throw that out there.

Answer 2

get him all there gear and cover it with pillows so if he falls he wont ever get a scratch or walk beside him so if he falls you can chatch him

Answer 3

I agree with intrepid, but the only thing I would do different is to teach him/her on a grass park to save the skinned knees and elbows.

Answer 4

It's totally a feel thing, so you've got to run beside them so they can start to get that balance feel.  I found that a broom handle fits down just behind the seat between the rear forks.  You can wedge it down in there and it makes a great hand hold for running beside them.  You can even make a "O" with your thumb and finger so they have some play in feeling the balance, but you won't let them fall.  Start slow, assure them that they can do it, it just takes some time.  My youngest son was very hesitant.  He's really afraid of looking bad.  I had to really talk him into trying it every time.  We'd make a pass or two up and down the street and then he'd say that's enough.  But even he was riding on his own after our fourth session.  It's so cool to see them when they "Get It".  Have fun.

Answer 5

I had allot of people who tried to teach me. I ended up teaching myself. It's the matter of balance.

That's the biggest thing.

Answer 6

Assure him that you will run beside him and hold the seat of his bike so that he won't fall. Once he gets going, you can let go of his seat for a time. Don't tell him that you're doing that. Once he gets up to about 10-20 seconds without you holding onto the seat, show him your hands and tell him that he's been riding without your help.

My dad taught every kid in the neighborhood how to ride that way. He took pride in it.

HTH