What to Do If Your Child Asks to Ride?

What would you do if your child asks to ride? Or what would you do if your child asked if they could have a motorcycle? Would you tell them it’s too dangerous?

Well, whether you like it or not, but if you are a mother or a father, then at some point you are going to face this situation when your child asks to ride a motorcycle.

Some parents may be delighted at the prospect of their children following their passion for motorcycling or some parents may be frightened when the images of an accident or crash come flooding through their mind and they can’t shake the terrible feeling of something like that happening to their child.

Because it is true! As a professional rider, I can tell from experience that motorcycle riders are more likely to be involved in a crash.

See Also: Best Motorcycle Helmets for Kids

Parenting Advice

So, what would be your first reaction when they ask to ride?

Think about it because you don’t want to push it too hard either way.

If you say “No,” then either they will hate you for not agreeing with them or, if your child is older, he/she will just simply go out and buy a new bike anyway.

These days, young people, and children seem to drift away from their parents. So, if they started hating you, then, one day, they will also start blaming you for everything and it won’t be easy to recover this relationship.

Another scenario is if they rebelled and buy a bike without your permission. In this case, it could be the wrong motorcycle for them and the lack of knowledge and riding skills may harm them. So, both conditions are not suitable.

If you are afraid that things might turn out this way and end up saying “yes,” then that will not be good either. You also shouldn’t become over-excited, if your child asks to ride the motorcycle.

Instead, of showing a lot of interest, you should teach them the value of human life and discuss the facts about safety and costs. Don’t put any pressure on them. On the contrary, after going through all of these factors, you can leave the decision to your child.

I am sure they will appreciate this and make the right decision to go ahead or not.

On second thought, if you haven’t taught your child how to ride a bicycle, then you better teach them right away. It will help them to understand the skills necessary for riding on the road, safety, vulnerability, etc.

Setting Parameters

If your child still insists on riding or makes a decision to ride, then you better appreciate their decision. But, don’t stretch it.

After all, they are still your child and he/she may not be mature enough to understand the complexity of riding. To keep them safe and observe their movements, you can set a riding parameter or a set of riding rules for the child.

For example, discuss with him/her who pays for the costs involved in everything, such as learning to ride, buying motorcycle riding gear, license, registration, insurance, maintenance, etc.

I hope this article helped you to understand the mind of children and young people. And I am sure after understanding this you will make the right decision for a better future for your children.