Q:
My 4½-year-old isn’t interested in riding her bike. She never liked her trike and was excited to get her bike, which has training wheels. But when we ask if she wants to go for a ride, she says no. She’s coordinated and takes dance lessons, so it seems abnormal that she wouldn’t want to.
A:
You can relax, Kathy. This is not abnormal. I know children who weren’t interested in riding a bike until they were 7 or 8.
Kids may not be inclined to ride a bike for any number of reasons. They may be afraid of falling. Perhaps they don’t live near other children, so there’s no “peer pressure” to learn to ride. Or maybe, like some adults, they just don’t enjoy it that much.
No doubt your daughter will ride a bike one of these days. For now, take comfort in knowing her reluctance is not indicative of any problems.
By the way, when she’s older and shows an interest in bike riding, make sure she has a sturdy, well-made bike. Parents sometimes buy bicycles that are hard to peddle, which obviously can turn a child off bike riding.
Kenneth N. Condrell Ph.D Child Psychologist
