not quite yet

Tripp got a bike without training wheels for his 5th birthday. However, my tender hearted boy is afraid of his own shadow and has been too scared to try to learn how to ride it. Today, the weather was so beautiful that I forced him to go outside and try.

 As long as daddy was close by, he was fine.

 But the thought of daddy letting go scared him to death.

 He proved on several different attempts that he is more than capable.

 However, when the bike would lean to the left a little, he would freak out. Once, he fell over. But, PLEASE, do not let the below picture fool you. He barely hit the ground. He laid himself in this position and began to cry like he had been run over.

 And, that was it for bike riding today. I find myself losing patience with him very easily when he starts crying like that. I really want him to toughen up, but I just don't think it's in his nature. He is so afraid of things, and I really hope he outgrows it. Because this one:

would have given ANYTHING to be able to ride HER bike without training wheels. It's amazing to me how different my children are. Their strengths and weaknesses are so opposite, but they really do balance each other (and our family) out well. I just have to remind myself that Tripp will do things on the timetable that is right for him. I know that one day, he will fully accomplish riding his bike. In the meantime, he can tear it up on his scooter!