When to take off Training Wheels?

[myboysmom]

My son turns 5 in August and says he's ready to try no training wheels. I would love this too, and we have told him that we will get him a new bigger bike if he learns to ride without. But, I was wondering, if we try it and it doesn't work out, should you keep putting the training wheels back on? Or should it be a little "tough-love" and leave them off for a while? And, does anyone have any advice on how to start going without? Raise the wheels for a while, or take one side off, or just go straight to no wheels?

A lot of questions, I know. I appreciate any suggestions!

[autymsmommy]

This is a fun time (half sarcasm, half honest)! I would not try to take just one training wheel off, that would throw off his balance. My daughter decided when she was about 5 1/2 that she wanted to try no training wheels also. She did fine - until she crashed. Tough love only goes so far at that age. I tryed it and all it did was make her determined that she would never ride again. She was embarassed and scared. I think 5 is still a bit young to reason with if something goes wrong. I learned the hard way. My daughter will be 7 in august and no amount of bribery or threatening can even get her on a bike right now. I would recommend waiting another year - I wish I had, and to be honest I rarely (if ever) see a child younger than 7 or so on a bike with no training wheels.

[Lioness1211]

My 2 older boys learned to ride without training wheels when they were about 4 1/2. We started by taking just one side off. If they got scared they could lean to that side. I think it taught them to balance without the fear of falling. Once they got the hang of balancing the one training wheel usually didnt even touch the ground. Then, after a couple weeks, we took the other training wheel off & spent a few hours running up & down the path with them, holding the back of the seat till they were balanced. That was all it took. They are now 7 1/2 & 5 1/2 & they're terrors on 2 wheels! Of course, it goes without saying that helmets & kneepads are a must. Good luck!

[jallanach]

Here's a piece I wrote recently on my daughter learning to ride a bike. I found that I had to wait until she was ready, and once she was, teaching her was easy.

http://www.gazette.net/stories/04152...3119_32548.php

[Newmom!]

One fine and warm summer day my 5 yr old brother decided he wanted to learn how to ride without training wheels. He donned long pants, winter coat, and gloves to protect himself and spent a few hours trying. Don't remember if he learned how to that day (think he did) but I will always remember the clothing when the rest of us were in shorts :-)

If your child is internally motivated and understands it will take some work, go ahead and try. I'd just take the training wheels off. I learned without training wheels. My parents held the back of the bike and let go when I got going with some speed (I also learned by biking through the grass in the yard before going onto the cement).

[huffybikes]

Getting those training wheels off is a big deal and I’m sure he’d be excited to take a family bike ride too! In case you’re interested in a bike of your own, between now and July 7th, Huffy is giving away 12 bikes on their Facebook page! [Tell ‘em I sent you!]

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Huffy-...4354091&ref=ts

[mum2mum]

Myboysmom, i think if your little boy is ready, then warn him beforehand that he will fall a couple of times before he can really ride without training wheels. The best is to remove one training wheel at a time and let him ride at safe place away from the roadside. We have soft ground here at my place too so it will be good if you can find them.

I don't agree to put back if he fails but to have tough-love. Keep trying. Use ankle guard or knee guard if really necessary.

My girl is five and she told me that she's ready 'soon' but i doubt it because she seldom practice...so....