One of the inevitable experiences of parenthood is teaching your kids to ride a bike. This month I held on to the back of Mercy’s bike seat and ran next to her (we had no training wheels) as she wobbled here and there over the road. Considering her hesitance and fear of falling (and the ache in my side), I figured it would take a miracle for her to ride on her own.
I held on with my whole hand, then two fingers, then letting go for a few moments at a time, praising her for riding three seconds on her own. More running.
Then one day I let go… and like a kite with wheels, she flew.
It is a wonderful and scary thing to let my girl go, to face a little danger and a lot of adventure.
On the other hand, she still wanted me to stay and watch her. It is a good thing to let go, as she embraces new courage.
