FIVETRIBE

"Mom, can I go outside and ride? Pleeeeeease?" "Um? (trying to think of reasons why not). Er.Hmm. Okay ." Why, you ask, am I so hesitant to let my son go and ride his bike? Why do his sisters regularly refuse to ride with him ?  (or lay down rules) Why do I daily regret the moment he learnt to ride? The answer is simple. He is a freaking maniac. That simple request (to ride his bike) consumes me with fear in an instant. Riding means: Pushing his bike up the hill and around the corner.  Then PEDALLING as fast as possible down the same hill, around the hairpin bend and then attempting to WHEELIE over the speed bumps. My shattered nerves. Literally. Cant he just watch tv. Like forever?

It would seem we have reached yet another milestone in our family.   All our children can now ride bicycles.   Albeit with varying degrees of skill. Practice, I believe, will bring more enthusiasm and alacrity. Today we surprised them all with their new bikes. (well, 1 was new, 2 were pre-owned). Honey chose her bike and chipped in ALL her birthday money (R600)  to get it! I was very surprised as she hasnt always been the most enthusiastic rider. I figured if she was that committed to it she deserves a chance to prove her enthusiasm. (besides, its black, so eventually Hooli will get it and he really couldnt be any MORE enthusiastic!) Honey asked me why they are getting bikes now. They have had their birthdays already and it is too soon to be Christmas presents. I told her the bikes are Lets Get Active presents. She had a good chuckle at that but seriously? I think every kid should ride a bike for as long as possible and it just panned out that *now* is the right...