Hoping to get the kids down to the local park for a little picnic and a ride around on the bike. The five year old is still very early with it, and the one year old obviously doesn't have one yet....but it'll still be nice provided the weather holds.

[–] sideone@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Child #1 got a balance bike when he was two but didn't really get on with it until he was nearly three. Once he turned three he was unstoppable on it. Looking forward to getting him a pedal bike so we can go through the woods together.

[–] brewery@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Mines just learned how to ride a pedal bike without stablisers and taken to so well. Naturally that means he wants to always go somewhere on it! It is so great going on a bike ride together though.

Somebody who used to teach children how to ride gave me a tip which seemed to work very well. Hold them gently by the shoulder instead of lower down or the bike itself. This way they learn how to balance themselves.

[–] robbieIRL@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

How did you get them on it. We've had a few balance bikes for last year or two and my 3 year old just won't go near it. Gets on for a little bit then just decides walking is faster. Any tips?

[–] sideone@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

It probably helped that his bike is the same colour as mine and they're both mountain style. He wasn't very interested but we kept trying and it clicked.

One friend suggested getting the cheapest, lightest, plastic balance bike and leaving it in the house for them to pick up as they want to - make it a toy rather than a milestone.