On Bikes

One of the kids' playmates, our neighbor "Sire" as they call him often comes over to play with Paolo and Issa on the computer. They would play or watch newly downloaded movies, cartoons, or episodes of The Walking Dead series, play with Paolo's toys or with toys Sire brings over like plastic toy soldiers (he and Paolo both have bins full of them), play pretend war with their toy guns, swim in the pool, or just hang out in front of the TV. He comes over nearly every day riding his bike. At times they'd go over to his place (a few houses down the street) and play there, shuttling Issa on the back wheel. 

Over time, Issa would tell me how much fun it would be if she had a bike of her own. So she'd no longer ride "angkas" (backy) everytime they had to go someplace. I told her it would be even more fun if she knew how to ride a bike, first. Knowing that she doesn't know how to yet. But to my surprise, she had already started to learn. She would sit on the frame of Sire's bike, straddling it forward and using her momentum to balance herself. The following days, she'd give the pedals a few kicks and she'd go further. I thought to myself it won't be long before she musters enough courage to actually sit on the bike seat and pedal properly. Paolo, who would not be outdone, has progressed pretty much the same as his little sister. 

Another day passed and they both came home excitedly telling me they can ride! I went out to see for myself and they both exhibited their new found skill. I felt a little left out of the picture since I had a picture in my head that I would be teaching them to ride someday. But here they are, already riding, and they taught themselves. Oh well, they can ride now, and that's good news. So over the next few days, we planned to get Issa a bicycle of her own, since she was the one who really wants one. Her kuya (big brother) is fine with just borrowing the bike when he needs it. Even when coaxed into agreeing to get a bike of his own he didn't. 

On the way to the bike store I was teasing Issa on what to get. I told her, to look for one that's pink (a color she dislikes), or one with tassels and cute little unicorn stickers. She's exclaim "Daddyyyy" in jest exasperation at my attempts to elicit a reaction. But it was all good bonding fun. At the store there were mini-mountain bikes (with all the gears she doesn't need) and BMXs that were just the right size for her. She picked a green one and was already decidedly firm on her choice. So we bought it, got home, and off she went that very afternoon. 

This is the start of the kids leaving the nest to explore more of our neighborhood. It's only logical that when you have wheels, you go places. So I tell them to be safe all the time. Not to go too fast, or wander too far. I let them bring along walkie-talkies just to be safe, or so they can call if there's bike trouble or anything.