Ethan Rides on Two Wheels

We registered Ethan in a Bike Camp this summer and were excited because the description sounded like a tried and true method for teaching a child to ride on two wheels, but also relieved that no longer would we be the sole provider of Ethan's bike training.  It's not that Ethan was having trouble learning, but we just had a hard time finding the time to dedicate to teaching him...pathetic, I know!  We would take the training wheels off and begin practicing, but then a walk around the park would come up and the training wheels would go back on so Ethan could bike along...apparently this is a no-no.

Anyway, we registered him for Bike Camp, took his training wheels off (for the last time) and showed up on day one ready to ride!  But the instructor had no idea how to teach kids to ride on two wheels.  In fact, he thought that all of the kids in the camp would already know how to ride on two wheels...oops...did I read the description wrong?  Nope!  As more kids came with their training wheels still in place, it was clear there had been a mistake.  So we made the best of it, followed the instructors lead and helped our kids navigate the 'obstacle' ahead of them.

Jonas, being the incredibly content baby that he is, sat and observed patiently while I dutifully held Ethan up on his training-wheel-less bike.  I ran along behind him as he pedaled through the course, secretly letting go every chance I got.  Undiscouraged by the "don't let go" -es, I continued in my scheme, convinced that this was how Ethan was going to learn to ride (well, not convinced exactly, just completely at a loss for any better ideas).  About half way through the first day, Ethan got so frustrated with my method, that he told me to "Just let go!"  And then he took off, on his own, just like that!  It was amazing!  I wanted everyone to stop and watch my son take his first "steps" on the bike.  My smile was so BIG and as soon as camp was over we drove over to FVFP and showed off his new skill to Reuben (and anyone else willing to watch) in the parking lot.  It was a celebration!  Great job, Ethan!!

Sweet and patient, Jonas!