Patrick is riding a bike!!!!
Ok, it's a toddler bike, with training wheels... but, but, this is such a HUGE milestone! He had a small bike at home, and he just was never able to step on the pedals and ride. Instead, he would place his feet on the floor and sort of walk while sitting on the bike. I know many kids with Oculomotor Apraxia find riding a bike very challenging. We tried so many times to the point that I was sure he would be at least 7 years old before he was able to ride a bike.
Glad he proved me wrong!
The grandparents gave Patrick and Robbie a bike to each as birthday gifts (he turned 5). We visited them over Christmas and New Years, and while the kids were excited with their bikes, as soon as Patrick got on his bike, he began to "walk" with the bike. His dad, his grandpa, his grandma and myself tried teaching him how to use his feet to pedal but it was like he didn't have the coordination nor the strength to do it.
It was cold outside so everyday we went down to the basement to spend a few minutes practicing. I figured if we practiced 5 minutes every day he would get there sooner rather than later. It only took 4 days for him to do it! Then the weather warmed up enough for him to try his recently acquired skills in the backyard, and he was thrilled! I'm so proud of my little guy. When vacation was over and we came back home, we had a couple of not-so-cold days and he rode his bike around the block while we walked the dog. He is so proud of himself and enjoys doing it.
Can't wait for spring so he can ride it more, and maybe he can teach his little brother how to do it!
Practice, practice, practice. That's all it takes.
Happy New Year!
