And they're off...

The big day was finally here: eager children, shiny trikes, and proud parents. Anticipation mounted as the clock hit 9:00 a.m. and they're off. Will they be able to do it? Kids from 2-6 years old riding trikes, bikes and scooters for one solid hour without complaining whining or crying. I am happy to report that they did. It wasn't easy and I had taught them that it wouldn't be, but sometimes we have to do things that are hard when we are helping other people. We told our students ahead of time that their legs and bottoms would get sore and that they might want to give up. Remember though that we are riding for all the kids who are too sick to ride. We let the kids know that this was their job to ride their trikes for one hour and that people had donated money to St. Judes because of our willingness to ride. Preschool aged children can have amazing heart, determination and attention span if they feel that they are doing something important. I found this quote and believe that it applys to children of all ages.

"Do not handicap your children by making their life easy." Robert A. Heinlein

Don't be afraid to let your child work hard at something, it's ok to struggle, as long as parents are cheering their child on from the sidelines. We had an amazing amount of parents, grandparents and friends supporting and encouraging these kids on from the sidelines giving their support but not stepping in to take the hardship away.