9
Rules for Parents
by James Holter
Teaching
a kid to ride in a way that’s fun for everyone can be tough.
But it’ll be a lot easier if you keep these nine rules in
mind:
1. Communication is key.Explain in detail each action the child
needs to perform. For example, your kid won’t know that
“shift to a lower gear” actually means “tap
the shifter down with your toe” until you explain it.
2. Take it one step at a time.There’s a lot involved in
operating a motorcycle, and just riding safely is a big step.
Concentrate on the basics until your child can demonstrate complete
control of the machine.
3. Remember that each skill advances at its own pace.Until all
those skills catch up with each other, it’s tough to make
big steps in learning.
4. Praise your children for the progress they make.And don’t
be discouraged if they don’t progress as fast as others.
5. Don’t let your kid’s frustrations frustrate you.If
things aren’t going well, sometimes taking a break is the
best solution.
6. Work within your child’s limits.Just because your first
kid learned quickly doesn’t mean your second one will, too.
Every child is different, and each learns at his or her own pace.
7. Be the voice of reason.Only let your student attempt something
new after honestly assessing his or her ability to succeed at
it. If there’s any question, err on the side of restraint.
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8. Remember that it’s tough for young students to recognize
everything that’s going on around them. Be your child’s
eyes and ears while he or she is riding. If you see a danger
sign, take action immediately.
9.
New riders need supervision. The best way to assess your child’s
skills is to be along for the ride yourself, so you can stop
and offer guidance exactly when it’s needed. Besides,
it’s a lot more fun that way.
Reprinted
with permission from www.AMADirectlink.com, the official website
of the American Motorcyclist Association.
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