Reasons To Take Your Children Out Bicycling
As a teacher with 21 years of experience, I can honestly say that travel is the best education any child could ever receive. Many people feel that children are better off sitting in a classroom, but I believe getting out to see and experience the world is the best way to learn.
Many parents are hesitant to take their kids out traveling on bicycles, but we have discovered it is a fabulous experience for both parents and children. If any travel is good, travel on bikes is even better.
* Persistance. In today's society, it is all too easy to give up too early. Kids aren't taught to stick with something even when it is hard. On a bike tour, you will go through tough times and kids will learn - when they reach the top of a steep pass or reach Grandma's house after battling a head wind all day - the value of sticking with it and not giving up.
* Some days are not so nice. In life, some days are not all we want them to be, but we plod through. On our journey, some days are cold or rainy or snowy or blistering hot - but we push on knowing that MOST days are nice. Isn't that how life is?
* Earth holds no boundaries. If a child can ride his bike across the state, country, or world, is there anything he can't do?
* Religion, color, or language does not define a person. When children play with others from various cultures, they discover humanity's similarities rather than focusing on the differences.
* Real life video games with Mother Nature. Who needs some little idiot box when Mother Nature is all around you?
* Imagination. Children can't carry a lot of toys with them on the bike, so they will learn to be creative with what they can find - sticks, stones, pine cones, berries...
* Learn in context. We may learn a whole lot of random facts and figures, but they all come in context so they mean something!
* Active. One of the major problems with children today is the sedentary lifestyle they are leading. Getting them out on the bike teaches them to be active and healthy for life.
