As a parent, I’m always looking for ways to bond with my children, especially during these tricky teenage years when they seem to withdraw into their own worlds, hang out with friends and stare at screens.
Being a huge advocate of sports, I’ve always known the benefits they provide kids and teens, not only for their physical health but also their mental health and well-being. I’ve also spent the last 20 years professionally teaching and coaching dirt bike riding, motorcycle racing and mountain biking to all ages.
Of course, I wanted my children to enjoy the sports I love, but I also strongly believe in kids participating in multiple sports to foster well-rounded development and a lifelong love of physical activity.
I enrolled my kids in as many activities as possible—parkour, diving, circus, gymnastics, rock climbing, ballet, dance, soccer and swimming. I also taught them to bike, dirt bike, ski and snowboard and took them hiking, snowshoeing, camping and adventuring whenever we could.
My 15-year-old son Ashton gravitated toward my favourites, like motorcycle racing and motocross, and he’s insane on his downhill mountain bike. He’s also a skilled freestyle BMX rider and dirt jumper.
However, convincing my 13-year-old daughter Kai to try mountain biking and dirt jumping was challenging. Despite learning to ride a bike at age three and a dirt bike by six, she adamantly refused. “I’m NOT a mountain biker,” she’d declare vehemently—flat-out refusing to go.
I persistently sought creative ways to encourage her to give biking a chance, hoping that one day we could enjoy it together.
A Sushi Bribe & Sudden Change
While doing some event work at North Shore Bike Park, the largest indoor bike park in Western Canada, located in North Vancouver, I heard about a sushi-making workshop and ride combo. I decided to bribe my kid.
Something changed when Kai hopped on the bike and rolled over the smooth, undulating jumps and features. Her initial hesitation gave way to joy! I could see it in her face—her resistance faded, replaced by pure excitement. With wide eyes and a big grin, she looked at me and said, “Come on, Mom,” gesturing for me to follow her. Just like that, she was hooked. She stayed until the park closed at 10pm, riding the jump lines, catching air and even hitting the small airbag!
We started visiting regularly as our go-to spot for mom-and-daughter bonding time. While her riding improved with each visit, what stood out even more was her emotional transformation. She laughed and smiled more, and—most importantly—she began to talk to me and ask me to hang out with her!
Why Sport Matters for Girls
As a coach, I recognized how crucial sports and physical activities are for children’s development. I’ve always believed that sports teach valuable life lessons like perseverance, teamwork, dedication and courage. However, witnessing the profound impact of this shared activity on my daughter’s life during her preteen years gave me a newfound appreciation for its importance—especially for girls—during this critical phase of life.
According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, by age 14, girls drop out of sports at two times the rate of boys. The reasons vary, from societal pressures and lack of confidence to concerns about body image, but the consequences of leaving sports can be huge.
Studies have found that participation in sports can reduce the risk of depression by 25 percent in adolescent girls, and staying active helps develop strong bodies and minds, boost self-esteem and encourage a strong sense of self.
A Stronger Mother-Daughter Bond
The most beautiful part of this journey has been how it has brought us closer together. Having something we both enjoy has created a new way for us to bond. Our riding adventures have become a time to connect, laugh and push ourselves.
I’ve found that she’s more open to talking about her life when we’re riding. Whether it’s school, friendships or the ups and downs of adolescence, riding together has given her the space to communicate more openly and freely. In a time where teen girls often distance themselves from their parents, I’m grateful to have found an activity that keeps us close.
