It can be challenging to know when your kids should learn different skills as parents. Sure, we can think back to when we were children, but should our childhood mark when our kids should learn skills? Kids learn at different paces, so while it’s important to know if your child is ahead or behind, keep in mind as long as your child is making progress, they’re on the right path.
When do kids learn left and right?
The ability to recognize and differentiate between left and right is a very early skill. By six months of age, most kids can tell the difference between their own and others’ hands. They can also mean the difference between their “good” and “bad” hands. Recognizing the differences between familiar and unfamiliar objects also occurs very early, around six months.
Left and right need to be taught and can be introduced anytime after four. Keep in mind that some children won’t pick it up quickly and may need more time. It’s essential to be patient.
For children that already know their alphabet, it can be helpful to present a visual lesson. Have them hold their left hand out, making an L with their four fingers and thumb. This visual stimulation should help them learn left, and the process of elimination can help them learn right.
Your kid will learn left and right in no time!
When do kids learn to tie shoes?
Tying shoes can be a complex maneuver, but your child will be tying their shoes all the time with practice!
The appropriate age for shoe tying varies from child to child, but it can happen as early as four years old and as late as eight years old.
To speed up the process, consider buying kid shoes with both tie and velcro options so they’re able to not only practice but fail and start over as many times as needed.
It can be tempting to tie your kid’s shoes before leaving the house if you’re in a rush, but it’s essential to give them at least the opportunity to practice. Many parents make the mistake of expecting perfection without practice.
When do kids learn to ride a bike?
While it’s not uncommon for kids to ride a bike by age three, most kids don’t learn to ride a bike until they’re four or five years old. By this age, kids have developed their balancing skills and physical coordination.
Most kids start to understand what a bike is and what it’s for by the time they’re two years old. They might have seen their parents riding bikes or seen bikes in action around the house.
However, most children don’t start to practice biking until they’re four or five years old. By this age, they’re old enough to understand how the pedals work and how the rest of their body moves while they’re riding.
To speed up the learning to ride a bike process, consider purchasing an age-appropriate scooter to help balance and a big wheel to practice pedals and turning handlebars.
When do kids learn to ride a scooter?
Scooter riding can occur earlier than bike riding because it is a more straightforward process of just balancing while standing. Sure, balance can be tricky, but take a stroll through any of your local neighborhoods, and you’ll see three-year-olds on their various scooters.
Allowing your child the time to learn to ride a scooter can be an essential step in their motor development.
If you’re teaching your toddler to ride a scooter, start with our review of 6 toddler scooters!
When do kids learn to ride a big wheel?
Big wheels are great because they’re safe, and your child won’t be held back by fear. The only consideration is they need to be tall enough to reach the pedals. This can happen as early as three years old.
We encourage starting with the big wheel and working your way up to a scooter before finally trying out the bike at five years old.
Conclusion
We should not assume that kids are too young or too old to learn. Instead, we should accept that kids can and will learn at their ready pace.