Well the answer that I found worked well for my youngest and some of my friends kids was:

1. Lower the seat so that they can almost have their feet flat on the ground so they can prevent themselves from falling too many times - so they are not terrified.
2. Pick a bike with short pedal arms so their legs rotate more times per minute which will help with balance.
3. The run along beside them with a firm grip on their shoulder applying downward pressure to help them with their balance. (this is almost stage 2, if they have zero balance you may have to hold the back of the seat also or something).
4. When they are ready, count outloud how many seconds they are on their own as a feedback mechanism if that is helpful.

Good luck! and it does help you get in shape!

Well the answer that I found worked well for my youngest and some of my friends kids was:

1. Lower the seat so that they can almost have their feet flat on the ground so they can prevent themselves from falling too many times - so they are not terrified.
2. Pick a bike with short pedal arms so their legs rotate more times per minute which will help with balance.
3. Then run along beside them with a firm grip on their shoulder applying downward pressure to help them with their balance. (this is almost stage 2, if they have zero balance you may have to also hold the back of the seat).
4. When they are ready, count outloud how many seconds they are on their own as a feedback mechanism if that is helpful.

Good luck! and it does help you get in shape!