5 Reasons Why You Should Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike
Riding a bike has got to be a favourite past-time amongst adults, so when it comes to their kids, many parents jump at the chance to teach their child how to ride a bike. With an ever-sedentary society, bike riding is a great way to get parents and adults outside and interacting with each other. It has various benefits for their physical, mental and emotional health and will give them a childhood to remember! Here are the benefits they’ll receive:
1. It builds confidence
Most of us can remember the first time our parents taught us to ride a bike without training wheels. After practising with their supervision, they gave a final push and we were off on our own. By learning a new skill, children build confidence in their ability to complete tasks on their own. Always stay calm and supportive and make sure you go at your child’s pace to avoid any setbacks.
2. Improves physical health
The Department Of Health states that the children should routinely spend at least one hour of physical activity to remain in good health. However, a survey from The Heart Foundation revealed that 80% of children do not engage in routine physical activity. Encouraging your child to go outside and ride a bike will improve their health and if you join them, will improve yours too! It reduces the chances of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes and encourages healthy bone development.
3. Benefits mental health
The emotional and mental health of children is also said to be favourably affected through regular physical activity. Exercise releases endorphins and being independent and learning new skills improves self-esteem. Bike riding is a great social activity and teaches children to interact with other kids as well as building life skills like balance and coordination.
4. Encourages independence
As mentioned previously, teaching children to ride bikes will enhance their confidence because they will have the ability to do a task all by themselves. Hence, teaching them to ride their bikes will encourage them to be independent. Independence breeds confidence and confidence breeds independence. Encouraging kids to ride their bike to school or to the local shops will help them build navigation skills and road safety awareness, which will assist them as they grow up. It also means you won’t have to drive them everywhere!
5. Increases family bonding
Riding bicycles is an activity that can be done by the whole family. Spending time together and enjoying each other’s company through a mutual activity improves family relationships and encourages bonding between family members.
