Hannah started begging for a bicycle when she was two years old. We even dragged her out of REI at one point as she was screaming, “I want a bike! I want a bike!” Not long after, we got her a Strider balance bike, and she was absolutely delighted.

Balance bikes do not have pedals, and the idea is that very young children can propel themselves with their feet and then gradually develop balance as they grow in confidence. Then they could skip training wheels later and go straight to a regular bicycle. We had many great years with Hannah on the balance bike, lots of miles on trails with friends, but she never seemed to balance much.

After three years with the Strider, she had completely outgrown it, so we got her a small bike with training wheels. She rode this for a couple months then was begging for us to take her training wheels off. We didn’t as we were in no big hurry to tackle the next step.

One day, we were playing outside, and she got on a neighbor boy’s bike. A regular bike, no training wheels. As she hopped on, I was yelling, “Get off that bike! What do you think you’re doing?! Hannah, YOU CAN’T… Oh, I guess you can… Huh… Yay, Hannah! Watch out for cars!”

She didn’t fall off, she didn’t get scared, she just rode along on two wheels. I was stunned.

Looking back, I don’t know why this was so surprising. We’d given her the balance bike and taught her how to pedal. She had the skills she needed.

I’m sure this will happen again in parenting, and I don’t want to be so surprised next time. If we equip our children with the skills for a milestone, why are we stunned when they move forward with confidence to tackle it?

If we’re doing our jobs, this should happen a lot. Our kids should be equipped with responsibility, independence, creativity, compassion, self-control, and a heart for justice. These skills will enable them to take on a lot in the world, and we need to let them. Often, parents seem to either lack the vision for training their children or lack the willingness to let them practice their skills independently. So I’m moving forward with more intentionality and a keener eye for signs of readiness.

Take off the training wheels! Let them develop balance! And then cheer for the successes and support them through falls, it’s all part of letting go.

School starts early in Kansas! Mid-August and we’re into our new fall routine. Lots of adjustments this year as Hannah started kindergarten, and Violet started a “parents’ day out” program on her own. Kindergarten is every morning, and PDO is one day a week. I took pictures and did some brief interviews to commemorate the start of the school year.

Hannah, class of 2028

• favorite book: The Octonauts
• this year I want to learn: how bees get nectar from flowers
• when I grow up, I want to be: a medic

Violet, class of 2031

• favorite book: Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
• this year I want to learn: about Jesus
• when I grow up, I want to be: a pirate

We walk Hannah back and forth to school, only about ten minutes away, and the stroller ride can be quite relaxing for the younger two.

In the last couple of years, I’ve been asked several times for ideas of baby gifts for others. Specifically for things that are useful but may not be thought of by the typical first-time mom.

I don’t have to think too hard, because it really wasn’t that long since I was a new mom, and there are definitely a few items that stand out. I didn’t know about them or think of them when Hannah was born, but I consider them necessities now. And all under $30!

Muslin blankets

These are super handy! A few uses: covering a car seat or stroller to block sun, swaddler, nursing cover, lightweight summer blanket, and later, for a toddler, a cape! ;) These particular ones are from a higher-end brand that has a Target line. Price range: $23-35 for four

Outdoor swing

We received one of these as a gift when Hannah was a baby, and it has gotten many hours of use over the years with many more to come. This is a great gift as it is probably not on the registry but would be used a lot. Easy outdoor fun! Price range: $22-30 (though I recommend the Fisher Price brand specifically as some other brands have difficult buckles)

Small high chair

We started out with a “real” high chair but decided it was too big and too hard to clean. We got one of these after seeing a friend with them, and we were hooked. They are small and lightweight, and they hook onto a regular chair so they are easy to move on and off for guests as well as use for travel. We have two, one for the dining table and one in the car for travel. Price: $25

Some of my other favorite baby items (with higher price tags):

Ergo baby carrier – another necessity for me. Pricy but well-made and easy for dads to use, too! I’ve used it for shopping, hiking and to be hands-free while doing housework. Price: $120

Portable swing (similar to this) – great for the first few months, especially if you’ll be traveling. Doesn’t take up much space and is much cheaper than the big fancy swings. Price: $50

Diaper Dekor Plus – the best diaper pail ever. It’s not glamorous as a baby shower gift, but this thing is awesome. Easy to use, easy to change, keeps the smell in. Price: $50

We’ve had the above items for all three girls, and they are well-made and well-used. Great for new and not-so-new moms!