Then there’s the mental aspect, which is tougher to evaluate, and takes a parent’s careful perspective. “Can the child comprehend risk, and recognize and reduce risk wherever possible?” Gladden asks. Though most parents teach their children themselves, it’s worth considering placing a young student in a non-competitive dirtbike school, if possible. One big benefit of such schools, Gladden says, is that the child is taught by a “disinterested third party”—in other words, a trainer who is not a parent.

“A lot of times, kids won’t listen to Dad, but they’ll listen to an instructor,” Gladden says. “Sometimes, the parents, despite their best intentions, may not be able to provide the best instruction possible.” Gladden notes there’s another benefit to an outside riding coach: “A trainer gives the parent a tool that has been proven in other sports. They can say, ‘Remember, the coach said…’

For more advice about getting your child started right in motorcycling, including advice on buying protective gear no matter what your budget, a look at off-road motorcycles appropriate for little riders, and a list of riding schools, visit the Rider Resources section of the American Motorcyclist Association website, www.AMADirectlink.com

Reprinted with permission from www.AMADirectlink.com, the official website of the American Motorcyclist Association.