Some of you are thinking, “I know what balance bikes are! They are a very simple bike designed to teach toddlers how to steer and balance on two wheels.” And others of you may have no idea what a balance bike for kids is. Well, it is a genius idea that allows children to get the hang of bike riding instantly. They are basically bikes without pedals that allow young kids to master the fundamentals of balance and steering so they can easily transition to a bicycle with pedals. Strider makes balance bikes for toddlers and balance bikes for older kids as well. The are the perfect bike for those learning to ride a bike for the first time. Strider did provide a balance bike for older kids in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Discover why balance bikes are the ultimate tool for older kids to learn how to ride a bike without training wheels. This article explores the numerous benefits of balance bikes, from enhancing balance and coordination to building confidence, and why they are superior to traditional training wheel methods. The balance bike is an innovative method that can be a game-changer in helping older kids master the art of riding a bike.
From Struggles to Soaring Success With A Big Kids Balance Bike
Imagine the thrill of watching your older kids conquer their biking fears and soar to new heights. It’s a feeling of pride and empowerment that every parent dreams of. But for many, the struggle to master biking skills can be daunting, leaving both kids and parents frustrated. That’s where balance bikes come in. In this article, we’ll explore the transformative power of balance bikes and how they can empower older kids to overcome their biking challenges. We’ll provide practical tips and strategies for conquering those hurdles, improving skills, and building confidence and resilience. By the end, you’ll have the tools to help your older kids experience the joy of success on two wheels. So, let’s dive in and discover how balance bikes can revolutionize your child’s biking journey.
When it comes to learning how to ride a bike, older kids may face unique challenges that require practical tips and strategies to overcome. Whether it’s a fear of falling or difficulty balancing, these obstacles can hinder their progress and make the biking journey seem daunting. However, with the help of balance bikes, there are ways to address these challenges and build confidence along the way.
How To Teach An Older Kid To Ride A Bike
One practical tip is to start in a safe and controlled environment. Find a flat and open space, free of any obstacles or traffic, where your child can practice riding their balance bike without any added stress or distractions. This will help them focus solely on mastering their biking skills and gaining confidence.
Another strategy is to break down the learning process into small, manageable steps. Begin by focusing on balance, encouraging your child to sit on the balance bike and place their feet flat on the ground. This will help them feel stable and in control. Once they become comfortable with this position, encourage them to walk with the bike, gradually picking up speed and finding their balance.
Additionally, it can be helpful to introduce games and activities that make learning to ride a bike more enjoyable. For example, setting up an obstacle course with cones or markers can help improve agility and coordination while adding an element of fun. By turning challenges into games, your child will be more motivated to keep trying and pushing themselves to improve.
One challenge that older kids may face is overcoming the fear of falling. To address this, it’s important to emphasize the use of protective gear, such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads. By emphasizing safety, your child will feel more secure and confident to take risks and try new things on their balance bike.
Lastly, always provide encouragement and praise for your child’s efforts and progress. Celebrate each small achievement, whether it’s successfully balancing for a few seconds or gliding without assistance. This positive reinforcement will not only boost their confidence but also foster a love for biking and a desire to continue improving.
By implementing these practical tips and strategies, you can help your older child overcome the challenges they may face in their biking journey. With perseverance and support, they will be well on their way to improving their skills and soaring to new heights on their balance bike.
Strider 16 Balance Bike Review
Lots of people know about Strider balance bikes for toddlers but Strider also makes two models of balance bikes for kids: Genuine Strider 16, ages 6+ and Genuine Strider 20, ages 13+. These Strider balance bikes for older kids are great for so many reasons. They can be useful for teaching older kids how to ride a bike and for those with special needs. The big kid balance bike is a great confidence booster and this is one of the most important things when it comes to how to teach an older kid to ride a bike. Plus, it is a great way to improve their balance skills and more as their comfort level goes up.
My son is 9 and late to learn how to ride a bike. My daughter picked up bike riding quickly and loves it still but my son did not. He has a skin condition, called Vitiligo, and it makes his skin lose pigmentation. Doctors speculate that one reason this could happen is trauma to the skin. Well, my son developed vitiligo on his knees after a typical no-big-deal fall he had when he was about 18 months. Ever since then I have been wincing whenever he falls.
You can imagine that teaching him to ride a bike was a little extra scary for me and I found myself holding his bike as he went, being his “training wheels”. That wasn’t working so well for us so I decided to just let him have at it by himself, but that didn’t work so well either because he just couldn’t seem to get his balance by himself. The bike seemed to scare him and frustrate him. That is where the Strider larger balance bike came into the picture.
When I learned about Strider Balance Bikes and I wondered if they made them for big kids too. It turns out they do make a balance bike for an older child, much to my delight. This means that my son can learn to ride a bike all by himself, at his own speed, and without my supervision. If you are wondering how to teach an older kid to ride a bike, the Strider big kids balance bike could be the answer. It worked for my son!
Strider Balance Bike Assembly
The Strider 16 Balance Bike for kids arrived in a box. I watched the quick YouTube video on assembly and then my son and I replicated the process in just about 10 minutes because it is already partially assembled.
I was pretty proud of myself and my son and was impressed with how easy it was to assemble. Then I noticed the brake pad was too tight on the rear wheel. My husband watched the YouTube video on adjusting the brakes and he fixed the rear brake in about 10 minutes. Then my son was ready to go.
Ease of Use
I had him put on his helmet and we went down to the cul de sac. He looked not so happy as he made his way slowly around the cul de sac. I told him he should relax and just take his time and have fun. I went inside to give him his space and his sister went outside to demonstrate and encourage him. Before you know it, he was inside telling me that he could actually balance on the bike himself. Years of not balancing by himself gone in one day! That is priceless.
Now he is having fun and progressing at his own pace balancing, gliding, and scooting down our driveway. After a few days, we installed the footrests so he could try out gliding while standing on the footrests.
Bottom line is now he can teach himself to ride a bike and feel comfortable doing so at his pace. Plus, he can feel a part of the action when the other kids ride their bikes around and he can ride his too. Even our 13 year old neighbor said, “That’s a cool trick bike. I wish I had one too!” They are supposed to be good for skate parks and BMX bike parks so maybe my son can look forward to that!
Where To Get A Strider Balance Bike
The patented design of the Strider bikes features a lightweight frame which is great for transporting it around and it comes in 6 colors. The Strider balance bike for kids, allows the child to experience the feel of leaning and how steering affects the balance of the bike. The balance bikes for big kids feature a hand brake too. By using a Strider balance bike, your child will develop balance, coordination, and confidence! I am so happy that it is already helping my son grow his confidence and feel better about being able to ride a bike.
You can learn more about Strider Balance Bikes For Kids (& toddlers) at striderbikes.com
Build Confidence
By gaining a sense of accomplishment, older kids can build confidence and resilience in their biking journey. As they continue to work on their skills and make progress, they will experience a boost in self-esteem and a belief in their own abilities. This sense of accomplishment can be a driving force that keeps them motivated and committed to improving their biking skills.
One way to help your child develop a sense of accomplishment is by setting achievable goals. Break down the biking journey into smaller milestones that they can work towards, such as riding a certain distance without assistance or mastering a specific technique. Celebrate each milestone with them, whether it’s a high-five, a special treat, or a fun outing. This recognition of their efforts and achievements will reinforce their sense of accomplishment and encourage them to keep pushing themselves.
Conclusion
I hope you found my Strider balance bike review helpful. The balance bike for older kids is the perfect solution for late learners. By providing older kids with balance bikes and implementing the practical tips and strategies discussed, we can help them overcome their biking struggles and unlock their true potential. Equip your older children with balance bikes and watch as they embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning, and triumph.
Do you know someone who is a little slow to get the balance element of bike riding? I bet Strider could take that new rider frustration away in no time and help make riding bikes fun instead of scary!
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