The weather is finally warming up around these parts (hello Spring!) and this afternoon was perfect for some outside play time.  The boys begged me to take them to the school so they could ride their tricycles, something that, as of last Summer, they had yet to conquer.  So I packed up the car and to the school we went.

It didn’t take long for both to get frustrated with their inability to manipulate the pedals and make the bikes go.  Will quickly abandoned his bike for the monkey bars.  We’ve all been there.  Something doesn’t come naturally, is harder then expected and it’s just easier to close the door and move on to the next thing that is easier.

But Sam did something that surprised me, and gave me a glimpse into the person he’s becoming.  As he grew increasingly frustrated with the bike I tried to distract him with the offer of joining his brother on the playground.  He looked at me with a look I don’t think I”ve seen before, a look of pure determination and he said “No mom!  I’m going to learn to ride this bike.” So for the next few minutes I stayed near by and gave him gentle encouragement offering to push him when he stalled.  He turned that same look on me “Mom, I don’t want your help, I want to do this myself.”

Finally taking my cue, I backed off, retreating to a bench that gave me a good view of Sam on his bike and Will on the playground.  While my attention was turned towards Will I kept hearing the squeak of Sam’s tricycle behind me and then the mantra he’d been repeating to himself over and over “I’m practicing, that makes me better.”  This went on for well over half an hour.  A building of frustration, then the mantra.  I swore it was just a matter of seconds before he abandoned that bike for more fun.

I watched with a mix of emotions torn between cheering him onward and wanting to put an end to it before another fall (yes he fell off a tricycle . . . many times) or more frustration.  Until I turned around and saw this.

That’s my boy.

As we were packing the bikes back in the car he turned to me and said “Mom, I really wanted to learn to ride my bike and I kept practicing till I did it.  I’m proud of myself!” Me too buddy!

It’s amazing how a four year old and a tricycle can remind you that instead of giving up on a dream, you may just need to practice a little bit longer.  And that being a mom sometimes means taking a step back and letting them grow a little bit on their own.

Happy Spring!

Disclaimer: For the record, I am passing no judgement on Will’s character . . . he’s only three after all!