What Riding a Bicycle has Taught Us

My daughter got her first bicycle 2years ago, when she was 5 years old, it is a git from her generous Ninong. Just a few months ago, she insisted to take the training wheels out of her bike. She was really determined and wants to ride the bike on her own without the training wheels. I was hesitant and said no. But she keeps on bugging us for weeks saying she really know how to ride her bike without the training wheels. And then one day I give in... I told her that it's not easy and she must be patient and that it's alright if she might fall because this is just her first time to ride without the training wheels.

So, we took off her training wheels and guide her to ride the bike on her own...  But deep inside I am afraid to let her go, there are a lot of things that are running on my mind, a lot of "What if's"... But then I thought, she would never learn if we won't let her do it on her own. When we let her go, she rode the bike with ease and we were surprised that she really did know how to ride the bike without the training wheels! I was really surprised and happy at the same time, cheering on her as she keeps on riding the bike far away from us...

This experience has taught us a lesson... That we have to let our kids do things on their own, to venture on their own and give them a chance to do things alone and learn from their mistakes. We are so attached to our children that we forget that they need to grow up too, to be independent and overcome any challenges on their own.

She's still young and there will be a lot of letting go scenes in the future. I just hope that I will be able to let her go without feeling anxious... And guide her and say positive words to lift her self esteem and be a better version of herself and to just be there for her always...