Learning To Ride
We've been taking the slow route in helping Simon learn to ride his bike.
Slow and deliberate with lots and lots of confidence-building praise and support.
While visiting my brother and his family we took him to a track to get in some more practice.
He was doing so awesome...better than ever with his balance.
I had the video camera rolling so he could see that he really was doing it. He loved seeing those videos and it was such a good reminder to me that he's a visual kid and seeing himself in action is a great teaching tool. My favorite parts of the video (which are much to shaky to share) are hearing my brother and sister-in-law cheering in the background as Chris takes his hand off the bike or Simon's back. There's so much love in their voices.
And then he got going a bit too fast around a corner.
There was a crash.
And lots of tears.
And lots of comfort.
And maybe even a bit of chocolate cake with the sentiment "way to go Simon" written in blue icing on top after dinner to celebrate all the awesome riding he'd been doing before the crash and maybe, just maybe encourage him to get on his bike again.
We were a bit worried he'd resist getting back on his bike after the crash but he was totally ready to try again.
Even a rainbow and a bunch of crows showed up to give him some support.
That willingness to try again after falling off...it's so huge.
He got right back on and was totally excited all over again.
Keep practicing buddy - we know you can do it!
My boy had a ton of trouble as well learning to ride. We lowered his seat down all the way and just let him scoot with his feet. He really got to "feel" the balance that was on his own without the fear taking over that he was going to fall. All of a sudden he just put his feet on and started going all on his own. It was amazing! His younger sister learned to ride the same day...3yr age difference but she is NT not ASD.
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Those pictures are so priceless, and Simon will NEVER forgot his Dad helping him. Go Simon go!!!!!!!!!! You know its so much more than learning to ride his bike:) And that rainbow, amazing!!!
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This is so sweet. I love how you document it! Go Simon!!
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Absolutely fabulous capture of Chris' hand on Simon's hand...and the look of deep concern in Chris' eyes as he's about to fall. Precious picture.
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Very, very sweet. I had a very similar experience with my son and the swimming pool yesterday. I thought he'd be done after swallowing a bunch of water and choking pretty badly... but he got right back in and tried again (after a few minutes and tears.) Thanks for sharing, Ali! I was so proud - I couldn't wait to give him a big hug!
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One thing that helped my daughter who learned in 4th grade was to go to a very slight hill, aiming downward and just coast down. That helped her develop balance.
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Way to go simon, It took my son awhile to ride his bike he was about 8 1/2 before he could ride his bike and a year on he does about 10 miles, keep going as one day soon it will all come together xxx
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Your pix and stories are why I am a long-time daily fan of your blog. Thank you for sharing Ali!
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that rainbow is a sign that someone else is also cheering him on :)
Way to go Simon!
Cheers,
Jan
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awesome. way to go Simon! And great storytelling :)
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What an endearing story, Ali. I love how you documented this touching experience through photos and words. You put us right into the action. You are a gifted storyteller, a blessed mom and wife, and a wonderful person for sharing these moments.
We are proud of Simon! We cheer him on, too! Way to go, Simon! Even the crows and the rainbow delighted in the story.
As always, both you and Chris deserve a big applause and a pat on the back for being such loving, patient, awesome parents. Hooray to all!
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You go, Simon! What an amazing and courageous kid! :)
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Way to go Simon!
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What a wonderful story to share. I love that photo of him with his bike and the rainbow and crows.
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Wtg Simon!
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That is very sweet. Love the picture of the two of their backs and their arms around each other!
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love this post. love your approach to the learning (video, love, encouragement, cake). go simon!
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Great post...the picture of Simon hugging Chris made me tear up!
Me too. Pure love.
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WOO HOO Simon!!! Awesome job getting back on your bike and giving it another try! GO GO GO!!! Love love love the pics, but maybe the story even more.
On a side note, Ali, I want to say thank you. I went to my first full body skin cancer screening (local dermatologist was offering free screenings). I go back to have 4+ suspicious spots biopsied. Thank you for giving me the info, strength, and courage to go and get what I have been avoiding for so many years taken care of.
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You mentioning how Simon is such a visual person reminded me of the movie Temple Grandin. I just watched that show and loved it. Totally not a movie I'd watch but I kept seeing it on Netflix. I loved it. If you haven't seen it you should. Sorry this is just so random to mention that movie but I really enjoyed it and I guess it's just a movie that's been on my mind a lot this week.
I am a Kindergarten teacher and using video of students to see themselves in action is SUCH a great idea. What is good for autistic kids is good for ALL KIDS! Thanks for the inspiration!
I bought Temple Grandin after I saw that it was nominated for an Emmy last summer. This film went on to win an Emmy in 2010 as well as a Golden Globe. One of the best movies I have ever watched. This is an unlifting movie for the whole family to enjoy. Teachers especially could benefit from this movie. Buy it, rent it or get it at your local library.
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Your post brought tears to my eyes; such love and devotion in your family.
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Way to go Simon! I love this story. My son was a little later than most kids to ride a bike as well - interestingly, the thing that seemed to help him was buying a larger one - while the bike shop people had sold us an appropriate one, we were having him learn on his first bike because we thought being lower to the ground was better in case he crashed! Turns out it was making it harder for him to maintain balance. just a thought?!
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Tears in my eyes, smile on my face, you have the best boy ever. My one little word is Soul- and please let Simon know he did my soul good today. He already is a success - his efforts are superior.
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Ali, your story is so beautifully told and captured. Way to go, Simon! You brought tears to my eyes as well in reading of the love and support you bring to Simon. What a fantastic accomplishment, esp. to literally and proverbially keep getting back on the bike and trying again.
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What a great, powerful post!
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