Major accomplishment

Emma achieved a major accomplishment last night!  She learned how to ride a 2-wheeler!  She has really struggled with being afraid to try to ride a 2-wheeler.  We tried some last summer without success.  At that point, we decided it was the bike - too big.  So, we tried a smaller bike on Monday and we had a meltdown.  Emma was very upset that she thinks she is the only person who can't ride a 2-wheeler and she was very down on herself.  Kevin and I did some research yesterday and found a good step-by-step process to teach her how to ride a 2-wheeler.....it's the same process Allie's friend, Walker, who is 3, used to learn to ride and he now rides a 2-wheeler like a champ!

First, you have to use a bike that is small enough that the child can sit on the seat and touch the ground comfortably with flat feet.
The first step is teaching balance by having the child use the bike as a scooter - no pedals.  They push off with their feet and coast.  Once they can coast, turn, etc. successfully with their feet, you can add the pedals back to the bike. 
The biggest thing I've learned about teaching a child to ride a bike is that the mental confidence/desire is more important than the physical readiness to coordinate riding a bike! 
So, after school last night, we took the 12" bike and raised the seat and removed the pedals.  Emma used it as a scooter and within half an hour was asking to try with the pedals.  Once we put the pedals on, she was riding the bike like it was no big deal....2-wheels only!  She did great.  We were proud of her and she was very proud of herself! 
Here's a video (hopefully the link works) of her solo riding a 2-wheeler....you may have to turn your head (sorry, can't figure out how to rotate the video).
http://www.youtube.com/watch_private?v=sljljFr2tNE&sharing_token=uEbXOqTDhFnmqIK5VETT5A
The next step is transfering the confidence to a bike that is more her size....we're still working on that, but I think we'll be there soon!