Comments on: Awesome! (But Ouch)

By: Christine Perkett

Christine Perkett — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:27:27 +0000

Mr. P! Thanks for chiming in. Awww, you read my posts And - you have GREAT points!

By: Rich

Rich — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:02:45 +0000

As the father of the six year old boy in the above picture, I too was a little disappointed when I received the text from our Nanny telling me that our son was riding his bike without training wheels. The disappointment, however, quickly went away when I went out to the driveway to see him ride his bike “sans training wheels”. In reality, I watched our boy go about seven feet in a straight line before jumping off the bike because he has no concept of a) steering and - perhaps more importantly - b) braking. Much like my wife, I cheered loudly and celebrated his accomplishment. But rest assured - just as in life - there’s a lot more to be done beyond the physical removal of said training wheels. When I look back at my own childhood, I cannot for the life of me remember who took off my training wheels (it was likely ME) - but I do remember all of the fun rides around the block on my bike with my father and older sister. Those are the true memories I’ve kept with me all these years.

By: Kelli Matthews

Kelli Matthews — Sat, 24 May 2008 19:02:49 +0000

I was just thinking about this topic this week. My “in-laws” were proudly showing me the photos of Braxton’s first horse ride this last week. Horses have been a big part of my life and I’ve been talking about him riding horses since I was pregnant. It was part… gee, I wish you would’ve asked and part that I felt guilty and sad that I wasn’t there.

I talked to my mom about it just this morning and she talked me down. But it still hurts a little. I just know that he and I will have many hours on horseback in our lives… together.

Kelli Matthewss last blog post..Guest Post: Tips for a Great Portfolio Review Episode 2

By: Charise Perkett Glasson

Charise Perkett Glasson — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:41:31 +0000

No matter who taught him, who unscrewed the training wheels or held his hand, in the end he was so proud that he had accomplished it. It is a HUGE milestone in 6 years of life but what is the most important to remember, he called your name and wanted you to see him! That is the moment he will recall. The feeling of turning the corner and how he was sitting in the drive way, helmet on and palms a bit sweaty praying that when you stood in the door way, peeking out to see what he wanted, that he could really do it. The look on your face is what he will hold in his little “mojo bag” of special memories… He will sit back when he is called out by his son or daughter hearing that, “Daddy, I have to show you something….” he will remember when he learned and how he was so proud to share it with you… It then will become full circle and he will smile….

By: Joe Cascio

Joe Cascio — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:51:42 +0000

If it helps at all, many kids finally learn to take off the training wheels, both literally and figuratively, without Mom or Dad present. With many, it’s one of their friends, or maybe an aunt or uncle or brother or sister. Sometimes there’s too much pressure with Mom or Dad. I was always mightily pleased when my kids learned something without my helping them a lot. It always seems to turn out better for them that way. See how proud he was to show you?

By: @girlgamy

@girlgamy — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:34:04 +0000

I feel your pain but don’t take it too hard!
My neighbors taught me how to ride my bike! They also taught me there is no Santa Clause.
Remember what they say, “it takes a village…” and it truly does, we can’t do it all and you are doing the best you can, and you should feel good about that.

By: Kate

Kate — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:30:58 +0000

Christine -
I was SO feeling your pain when I read this I was at home with Maggie for all of her firsts, but Jake learned to crawl mostly at daycare and home with Daddy in the mornings and pretty much learned to walk without me too. I think I dealt with it better than I would have with Maggie because he’s my second, but who knows, it was hard either way. Just know that your son will remember more who’s with him on bike rides than the actually moment of learning (I honestly can’t remember learning to ride a bike, but I remember biking with my mom!). Hugs to you on this, I know it’s a hard thing to deal with…………

By: John Johansen

John Johansen — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:30:29 +0000

I still remember learning to ride my bike. My dad took me to the top of a gentle-sloped, grassy hill so I could get some momentum without wiping out on asphalt.

Lately, as I’m dashing out the door to work, and my son is asking me to play a game with him, or play cars, or reminding me not to crash into any trucks as I drive, I feel a little guilty that I can’t be home with him too. (Then again, some days I’m looking forward to a little peace and quiet in the office.)

Overall, I try to prioritize the time that I do have (outside work and such) to be spent with him. It means I miss out on plenty of other things I’d like to do, but it’s worth the sacrifice.

John Johansens last blog post..Video Introduction to Me

By: Sarah the Spunky Mommy @myjezi

Sarah the Spunky Mommy @myjezi — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:19:54 +0000

Oh, I’m so sorry you missed this. You are right - awesome but ouch. I’m facing those missed moments too - my guy hasn’t taken his first step yet but I really (really really) hope I’m there when he does. I’m happy he learned to crawl on a weekend!

Sarah the Spunky Mommy @myjezis last blog post..Baby on Board (of the BOAT)

By: Chuck T

Chuck T — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:17:45 +0000

I feel that pain. I felt terrible that my son hadn’t learned to ride a bike (luckily they don’t do that in after-care) and I had the chance to teach him. I think I was happier than he was. But I watch him struggle on the baseball field and know that part of his problem is that I’m just not there to help him learn.

There are so many other things I can’t be there to watch, like the fact that he excels at karate. I’ve only seen him do it couple of times, but he much better at it than any other activity. I wish I had the time to go watch him each week to see the progression.

Chuck Ts last blog post..Jazzfest Trumpet, New Orleans, La.