A friend of mine once asked me how to train a child to cycle. She asked if she should install the two extra side wheels and take away one by one during training sessions. What would you do when you train your kids how to cycle?
My eldest son was able to cycle at the age of seven or eight and I think it's pretty late. I did not take the initiative to bring him cycling. Now that my second child is eight, I thought I better give him a chance to learn.
So, this holiday, we went back to our hometown for several days. The biggest gain for him and his sister was a chance and a place to learn how to cycle. With a bicycle without any side wheels each, they tried, they fell, they learned and eventually they mastered the skill of cycling. Today, the two of them could join their elder brother cycling around the house.
From this example, I thought about my parenting style. Do I want to be the protective mom or the supportive mom? I have never wanted to be over protective because I know that children would learn slower if I were too protective. I would rather be a supportive mom, giving them opportunities to try and at the same time be by their side whenever they need me. It's easier said than done but I'll try my very best.
My eldest son was able to cycle at the age of seven or eight and I think it's pretty late. I did not take the initiative to bring him cycling. Now that my second child is eight, I thought I better give him a chance to learn.
So, this holiday, we went back to our hometown for several days. The biggest gain for him and his sister was a chance and a place to learn how to cycle. With a bicycle without any side wheels each, they tried, they fell, they learned and eventually they mastered the skill of cycling. Today, the two of them could join their elder brother cycling around the house.
From this example, I thought about my parenting style. Do I want to be the protective mom or the supportive mom? I have never wanted to be over protective because I know that children would learn slower if I were too protective. I would rather be a supportive mom, giving them opportunities to try and at the same time be by their side whenever they need me. It's easier said than done but I'll try my very best.
5 comments:
I outsourced the teaching process :p
Yeah, it's not ez for us parents to see them fall/make mistakes in the name of learning. As for cycling, I've yet to teach my girl to cycle w/o the training wheels. Will prob let her try after getting her a new bike. But gotta 'wrap' her up nicely 1st. :)
That's a great achievement!
They learnt something good for their body balance.
it's definitely easier said to not be a protective parents. my huby always said i'm over-protective, haha...mother's nature??? i'll try to let go more as they grow :D
i'll definitely be supportive all d time!!
im sure u hv done well
I am both protective and supportive parent (I think). Cos I want to let my kids learn the nature way but same time, dont want them to get dirty or hurt. Like you said, tough job. So sometimes my eldest confuse with what I want her to do. I confuse myself!!
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