Last week, I found myself in a frustrating hour-long standoff with my two boys over the simple idea of going for a bike ride. A BIKE RIDE, for goodness’ sake!
We were blessed with perfect weather, had no commitments, and they were bored out of their minds. (Also, I might have confiscated the Xbox after hearing them drone on about Fortnite one too many times. If I have to endure that game chatter again, I might just build my own fort on the beach, complete with a bar.)
As we stood in the driveway, staring at the beautiful blue sky, I suggested, “What about going on a nice, long bike ride?” You’d think I had asked them to wrestle a bear or something equally outrageous. A bike ride? OH, THE DREAD!
To sweeten the deal, I offered them cash and said they could ride to the local convenience store for candy and soda. I mean, who in their right mind would turn that down? Yet, somehow, both of them managed to find reasons to refuse.
First, they complained, “It’s too hot.” (It was a pleasant 72-degree day in Florida, and I grew up riding five miles in the sweltering heat without a second thought.) Then came the line, “There are too many hills, and I get tired.” Seriously? You’re ten years old! At that age, tiredness shouldn’t even be a concept.
Next, it was, “I don’t want to wear this helmet.” Sorry, kiddo. You’ll wear that helmet, and be thankful it’s lightweight with superhero designs. Do you see this scar on my forehead? Trust me, you don’t want one of those.
Finally, the most heartbreaking excuse: “It’s just not fun riding our bikes.” That statement hit me hard. When did riding bikes cease to be enjoyable? When did the thrill of feeling the wind in your hair and the freedom of exploring the neighborhood become boring?
Growing up in the 70s and 80s, I often hear my generation reminiscing about how much better our childhoods were. Ironically, today’s kids have access to incredible technology! They can pause live TV, stream movies on demand, and listen to their favorite songs whenever they want. They possess an entire library of information in their hands, unlike anything we could imagine.
Yet, it seems that all these gadgets and screens have inadvertently snatched away their freedoms and desire for outdoor activities.
Moreover, it’s not just technology keeping kids off their bikes; it’s the adults as well. Take, for instance, a case in Saratoga Springs, NY, where a middle-schooler was punished for biking to school. School officials claimed it was unsafe for children to ride their bikes, despite statistics showing the benefits of biking far outweigh the risks.
After much coaxing, I finally got my boys on their bikes that day. While I had hoped for a two-hour adventure, we settled for a 20-minute loop around the block. At least they rode! With any luck, I can gradually extend that time, even if it requires the temptation of candy and soda from the convenience store.
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In summary, while today’s kids have access to more entertainment than ever, it seems that the joy of biking and outdoor adventures has faded. As parents, we need to encourage our children to reconnect with the simple pleasure of riding bikes, even if it takes a bit of persuasion.
Keyphrase: Why are kids not riding bikes anymore?
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