Tips for Hiking Along with Your Kids
Author
Chris shares his passion for cycling, hiking, skiing, and climbing from Buxton, in the Peak District. As a blogger for Outdoor Look, Chris shares outdoor tips and indoor tricks to help you get the most out of your time spent outside. When he's not out adventuring he's making videos or trying to keep up with his 4-year-old son.
Travelling, adventure hikes, trekking etc. are fun activities when done with a bunch of enthusiastic people. It is even more fun when you have your own folks around who are as excited as you are for travels and hikes. Adventure activities like going for a hiking trail can be enriching and a good learning experience for your younger ones. Many ask, how?
Well, when you travel or hike, you give your kids the chance to explore a completely new environment and surrounding, instead of sitting at home and getting stuck with technology. When nature beckons, let them too be a part of it, for it is a great way of letting them get connected with the outdoors and nature itself. It evolves them as humans and the exposure to nature and its wilderness is sure to make the youth ponder how they can appreciate and enjoy that of which, for the longest time, they have been so fundamentally bereft. Let them contribute in their own way to preserving nature's beauty.
All things said, taking your kids along for an adventure hike can be a little intimidating. However, if you are a professional hiker, you already know how to prepare yourself. Create a plethora of fond memories with your loved ones. Just remember to pick a hiking trail that inspires the young ones.
Frequent Energy Stops and Good Food
It is a well-known fact that kids can be restless, which can lead to a lot of energy being drained from their bodies. Instant energy boosters are mandatory when taking kids along for trails. Energy-drained kids are cranky kids. Motivate them to keep on going by providing them with several small breaks. Give them a target to accomplish before feeding them. This works most of the time. They feel encouraged to complete the given task when they are energy-sapped. Pack your backpacks with boxes full of energy bars. These are best for that one grumpy kid who starves often. Do not forget to keep energy drinks too. Just keep your child energized.
Engage In a Conversation and Reconnect
When out on a hiking trail or for that matter any other outdoor activity with your family, you can engage in a lot of uninterrupted chatting. Listen to your kid. I have observed that kids usually have a lot to ask when they do anything new. Especially, if you have a kid who has just stepped into his/her teens, they love exploring and striking conversations that keep their curiosity factor entertained. They’ll throw a lot of questions and you might just want to answer none. But, do not commit that mistake! Lend them your ears, for they will love it. This way you can pass the toughest paths without having to give in to any of your kids’ tantrums.
Listen, Observe and Believe
Being ignorant of your child's needs and requirements is never a good idea. Don't force your kids when on hiking trails. Especially, when your child complains of any strange symptom, pay heed and listen. Also, there are times when your kid might not know that he/she is having difficulty during the hike. Observe his/her body language and be attentive all the time. The next step is encouraging them and making them believe that they are absolutely fine and perfect for the next round. Positive reinforcement is a must when out on such trails.
Simple and Easy Hiking Trails
Always choose a hike that is not too strenuous when taking your kids along. Remember that it is the journey that is important and not the destination. For the kids, the hike is all about a new outdoor experience. Let it be simple for them, instead of complicating it with difficult paths and situations. Keep it for next time. Instead, have them engage in games that includes some hunts. Ask them to look for different species of flowers, plants etc.
Just give your child some time to understand what is right for him/her and let them find themselves amidst the beauty of nature. Do not be selfish and stern. Give them their space and keep feeding them with good humor and some really good food for a rejuvenating experience.
Author
Chris shares his passion for cycling, hiking, skiing, and climbing from Buxton, in the Peak District. As a blogger for Outdoor Look, Chris shares outdoor tips and indoor tricks to help you get the most out of your time spent outside. When he's not out adventuring he's making videos or trying to keep up with his 4-year-old son.
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