Just like riding a bicycle

Today, a victory. Mr6 set forth on his bike across the grass of the local showground without his training wheels. And rode. And rode. And rode. With me shrieking 'you're doing it! you're doing it!' like a crazy woman, jumping up and down in the centre of the field.

The excitement.

It's been a while in the making. We first tried about six months ago but, never one to embrace something new, he baulked. Hard. Refusing to go near the bike until the training wheels went back on. We acquiesced. He'll do it when he's ready, we decided. He's like that, Mr6. You can't actually make him do anything until he's ready.

We waited for signs of readiness. None.

So we forced the issue again. Off came the wheels. He rode the bike around the front yard with me running and shouting and flapping along behind him. It wasn't a success.

More space, I decided. He needs more space.

And so, today at the showground. Some tips. More running and shouting and flapping. He turned to me. "Mum, let me do it by myself."

I backed off. He got on. And rode his bike.

I'm not sure who was more thrilled.

Do you remember learning to ride a bike?

{link: Squidoo}