• Published by Salma Safira Sukma from BehaviorPALS Center 

Riding a bike is a fun activity which is not only healthy for your kids, but also beneficial for other areas of their development. Cycling with your kid is a great way to expose them to the outside world and keep them from boredom or negative effects of technology. Other than it is purely fun, here are some other benefits of riding a bike for your kids:

1. Keeps them physically active

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that children should at least have 60 minutes of moderate physical activity everyday. Riding a bike can help your kids to meet this recommendation and help them establish a healthy lifestyle. You can encourage your child to ride a bike to their school (if it’s possible and safe) or have an afternoon cycling around the neighborhood after school.

2. Gives them a “technology break”

Kids nowadays tend to be bound to their phones, tablets, computers, or TVs. Spending too much time on screen is not healthy for you kids, thus giving them a “break” from all of the technologies is great for them. You can show how fun cycling is and how it can be as satisfying as playing video games. 

3. Improves mental and emotional wellness

Riding a bike can help improve your child’s mental and emotional wellbeing. The activity has been linked to happiness and also good to boost their confidence. Moreover, riding a bike can be a stress relief for your kids (and you) as they can feel the open air. When your child learns to ride a bike, they become aware of their surroundings and start to develop responsibility over their own body. 

4. Develops social skills

Cycling is a great opportunity to help your child create connections and social interactions. When they ride a bike around the block, you can encourage your kids to say hello to the neighbors. You can also invite your child’s friends from the neighborhood or school to ride a bike together.

5. Enhances learning ability

When your kid learns to ride a bike, they are practicing their focus and attention to certain things. Learning to ride a bike also requires several skills that will be beneficial for them to learn other things, especially at school. Research says that children who ride a bike to school show higher readiness behavior to learn other than their peers who are driven. 

6. Good for the environment

Other than for your child’s own health and development, teaching your kid to ride a bike is good for the environment as it can help reduce carbon emissions. You can tell your kids how they have helped the earth by riding a bike. This can give them a sense of pride and meaning in their life.

References: 

https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/be-magazine/exercise/6-reasons-why-kids-should-ride-bikes/

https://kiddingzone.com/benefits-of-cycling-for-kids 

By: Salma Safira Sukma Ikhsani, S.Psi. from BehaviorPALS

benefits, riding, bike, kids, cycling

Children 4 Years - 6 Years / 4 Tahun - 6 Tahun / Physical Development / Tumbuh Kembang Fisik / Health / Kesehatan / Benefits of Riding a Bike For Your Kids

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