“One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think, to have a happy childhood.”- Agatha Christie
We all hold on to our childhood memories – the time when everything seemed uncomplicated and when only the sky was the limit. Remember when you could vigorously jump, hop and run all day long? We, I certainly do. So many memories yet one fills my heart with warmth each time I take a journey down memory lane – my first bike.
I remember it as if it was yesterday. I had just turned six when my father bought me my first bike. It was small and pink, with glowing hearts all over the frame and sparkly streamers on the handles. The typical girly bike, I’d say. All my friends were overwhelmed (and a little bit jealous) and all I wanted was a ride. At the time, we didn’t have the today’s luxury called balance bikes for children so I had to undergo the usual learning process.
It was quite a challenge overcoming the countless falls that resulted in skinned knees until I gained the mobile independence needed. Not quite what I would say for my child’s learning-to-ride-a-bike experience. His was nothing like mine. He didn’t even scratch his knees or elbow, in fact, in less than 5 hours, he was a pro. All thanks to a balance bike. So, to all of you parents out there that find the teaching experience stressful and backbreaking, this is the bicycle you should get.
The balance bikes for children are practical and safe because their design allows kids to stay focused on balancing rather than pedalling, so they quickly learn to balance on their own. This way they are proud of themselves and easily become fond of cycling. With the balance bicycles toddlers and preschoolers can ride for several miles at a time without getting tired and annoyed, so the family walks and compelling bike trips will last a lot longer.
These bicycles are made from non-toxic but high-quality materials that won’t rust, rot or swell over time as the metal or wooden ones could, and they are very light-weighted which is essential for children to be able to manage them without any help. Suitable for kids aged 2-7, balance bikes will not only help them learn how to ride a pedal bike later on, but will also help children to develop many other important motor skills such as balance, steering and confidence.
Children that use balance bikes generally ride pedal bikes independently at a younger age than those who use training wheels or tricycles. This doesn’t mean that you should forbid your little one to ride a tricycle if he already has one, but if you’re on a budget – balance bikes are an economical solution for you, as you don’t need to buy different sizes or types of bikes as your child grows.
The colours and overall designs of balance bikes are usually appealing to a child’s eye, so they will soon become best friends. And you’ll get exceptional value for the money you’ll invest, as their features make them a safe and reliable option for your child.
