6 days later and she's off on TWO wheels!

The Training Wheel Fairy came and took Natalie's training wheels away so she had to learn to ride her bike. After a few weeks it was clear that Natalie had no interest in trying, learning or bikes in general anymore. Mommy and Daddy were stumped.  But the Training Wheel Fairy doesn't bring training wheels back so what to do?  After a week or so, Mommy showed Natalie the next bike (Katie's old bike) that is ready for her but not equipped with training wheels.  It is pink and white.  BINGO.  Alright, so now we have some motivation to learn.  Natalie and Mommy spent every day after school for four days working hard on learning to ride her bike. This is the story...

Days 1-4:  Most of the work was mental. It was a battle to even get her to try. I'm pretty sure that she could ride the bike on Day 1 with only a little help, but she was super stubborn. One of the days we didn't actually do anything other than get the bike out, cry and put the bike away. 

By Day 3, Mommy wasn't holding on so tightly but was a little nervous to let go for too long.  Smiles were starting to emerge.  I told Natalie a few times when I let go and she smiled then got mental and hit the brakes.

Like I said, more than half the battle was mental.  A battle of the wills.  Parents searching for just the right motivational words to strike a chord in this insanely stubborn 3 year old brain.  For Mommy and Daddy, it was an exercise in love and patience.


Day 5:
It was the Thursday before Easter so there was no school the next day for Natalie or Katie.  That morning, Daddy promised to come home from work early so he could see Natalie ride her bike. She promised him she would show him how she could ride. But as usual, Natalie didn't want Daddy to help at all so mommy got her started.  Then Daddy took over.  He wasn't scared to let go...

As Natalie was riding, neighbors and her friends started to come home from work/school.  They all cheered.  They all stayed out to watch.  There were more and more smiles from Natalie.  A driveway happy hour evolved.



Day 5:
Soccer in the AM, errands, crabbies and time out. Loss of bike time.



Day 6:

Post-nap on Easter Sunday.  She's proud of her self and actually asking to ride her bike now and doesn't seem to think she needs any help or supervision. 

Hard to believe that this was just an hour or so before the 6:00 daily melt down.