Getting a child off stabilisers

[justinhawkinsnavalfluff]

My 10yr old DS is still using stabilisers. He has issues with motor skills which can make some physical activity challenging which then knocks his confidence. He feels v embarrassed about still using them. Any recommendations about how to move him on?

You could take the stabilisers and pedals off and let him gain confidence by pushing along with his feet as if on a balance bike until he learns how to balance it.
That way he can learn to balance without having to pedal at the same time.

I took my ds to a private instructor. He had to have a couple of lessons (most kids manage to learn in just one, but no guarantees) I think it was money well spent! The instructor was based in Redhill Surrey, if you are anywhere near, I can post the link? I’m not local but it was under an hour way and I couldn’t find anyone nearer home.

He learnt on a huge school playground that had a slight slope. The instructor taught him how to start and stop, then he practiced going straight then stopping under control. Once he got more confident, he learnt to steer and travel in different directions.

Ds also had stabilisers but I’ve since found out that they are not helpful in learning to ride a bike, and children should start with a balance bike instead.

We also bought ds a “frog” bike, they are a brand specifically designed for children. They are far lighter than all the other brands. DS struggled to support the weight of most bikes, and being a very tall beanpole, he needed a large size bike that was then far heavier than him!

They are more expensive than other brands but quality and customer services are great. DS also has a younger sibling to pass the bike on to.

A friend of mine said her dad bent the stabilisers up a little bit at a time gradually until they weren't doing anything to support the bike as she was cycling on her own (maybe kind of like a placebo effect and no battle about taking then away as she was unaware.

Are you near a beach? Great because it doesn't hurt if you fall off, and you get just go in straight lines before developing the confidence to turn.