This past summer, I set out to teach my kids how to ride a bike. What started as a simple goal of passing along a life skill turned into one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of our summer. I didn’t expect it to become such a special bonding moment for us, but as it turns out, teaching my kids to ride a bike wasn’t just about balancing on two wheels—it was about patience, trust, and rediscovering the joy of childhood through their eyes.
The Decision to Start
I had been putting off teaching my kids to ride for a while. Between work, errands, and their busy schedules with school and extracurriculars, it was always “something we’ll get to eventually.” That “eventually” stretched longer than I care to admit. My oldest was already eight, and my youngest was six, and it hit me one day that they were at the perfect age to learn. If I didn’t make it a priority now, I might miss this window where they were still eager to try something new and willing to learn.
So, I cleared a few weekends on our calendar, dusted off their bikes (still complete with training wheels), grabbed a set of helmets, and told them we were going to do this. There were cheers, nervous giggles, and a few doubtful looks, but we were all in.
Finding the Perfect Spot
The first challenge was finding the right place to teach. Our neighborhood streets are lined with parked cars and a few hills—not exactly ideal for wobbly beginners. After some searching, we found a nearby park with a large, flat basketball court. It was quiet in the mornings, and the smooth surface seemed perfect for practice. Plus, it was surrounded by grass, which helped soften the blow of any inevitable tumbles.
Walking into the park that first morning, my kids were buzzing with energy. My oldest was eager to prove he could master this quickly, while my youngest was a little more hesitant. I reassured them that falling was part of learning and that we’d take it one step at a time.
Patience, Patience, and More Patience
I quickly realized that teaching kids to ride a bike is as much about teaching yourself patience as it is about teaching them balance. At first, it was chaos. My oldest kept pedaling too fast and tipping over, while my youngest refused to let go of my hand, gripping the handlebars like her life depended on it. There were moments when I wanted to throw in the towel, especially when the complaints (“This is too hard!”) started rolling in.
But then I remembered my own childhood. I thought about how my dad had taught me to ride a bike in much the same way—running behind me, holding the back of the seat, and shouting words of encouragement. I remembered how proud I felt when I finally got it, and I realized that this was my turn to pass that moment on. So, I took a deep breath, crouched down to their level, and reminded them again: “You don’t have to get it right away. Just keep trying.”
Small Wins Lead to Big Confidence
One of the best things about teaching my kids to ride a bike was watching their confidence grow with each small success. The first time they managed to pedal for two or three feet without tipping over, their faces lit up like they’d just conquered the world. I cheered like a madman every time they accomplished something new, no matter how small it seemed.
My daughter, who had been the more cautious of the two, was the first to glide on her own without any help. She was so overjoyed that she hopped off the bike and gave me the biggest hug. “I did it, Dad! I’m riding a bike!” she yelled, and I couldn’t stop smiling. It was one of those pure, unfiltered moments of happiness that made all the effort worth it.
The Falls and Failures
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were plenty of falls, scraped knees, and tears along the way. My son, who is usually the more fearless one, struggled the most with frustration. He wanted to get it right immediately and had a hard time accepting that it took practice. After a particularly tough morning where he fell three times in a row, he threw his bike down and declared he was “done forever.”
I let him cool off for a bit and then sat down next to him. I told him about all the times I fell when I was learning and how I almost gave up too. “But you didn’t,” he said, looking up at me. “Nope,” I replied. “And you won’t either because I know you can do this.” That little pep talk seemed to be what he needed. By the end of the day, he was riding farther and steadier than he had before.
Rediscovering Joy Through Their Eyes
What I didn’t expect was how much fun I would have during this whole process. Running alongside them, cheering themon, and watching them improve brought back so many memories of my own childhood. I hadn’t ridden a bike in years, but after seeing how much joy it brought them, I decided to dust off my own old bike and take a spin around the park with them. We laughed, raced, and just enjoyed being outside together. It reminded me of how simple and freeing it feels to be on two wheels with the wind in your face.
The Day It All Clicked
By the end of the second weekend, something shifted. Both kids were riding confidently without my help, and they couldn’t get enough of it. They were zooming around the park, calling out for me to watch as they tried new tricks likestanding up on the pedals or weaving around imaginary obstacles. Seeing their pride and excitement was the best feeling in the world.
It wasn’t just about the bike riding anymore. It was about the resilience they had built, the trust they had in me to guide them, and the memories we had created together. I realized that this experience wasn’t just teaching them how to ride a bike—it was teaching them about perseverance, independence, and the joy of accomplishing something through hard work.
More Than Just a Summer Activity
Reflecting on it now, I can honestly say that teaching my kids to ride a bike was the highlight of our summer. It wasn’t just about checking something off a parenting to-do list; it was about connecting with my kids in a way that we don’t always get to in the rush of everyday life. It was about being present, being patient, and sharing in their victories, big and small.
Since then, bike rides have become a regular part of our weekends. Whether we’re cruising around the neighborhood or heading back to that park where it all started, it’s become something we all look forward to. And every time I see them riding ahead of me with big smiles on their faces, I’m reminded of those first wobbly attempts and how far they’ve come.
Final Thoughts
Teaching my kids to ride a bike wasn’t just a summer activity—it was a journey. One that taught us all a little more about patience, resilience, and the importance of slowing down to enjoy the moment. If you’ve been putting off teaching your kids to ride, my advice is simple: just go for it. It might not be easy, and it might take longer than you expect, but the memories you’ll make along the way are worth every scraped knee and stumble. Trust me, it’ll be the best part of your summer too.
