Hiking with your kids can be FUN! It can also be a wonderful opportunity to listen and LEARN!
If you are not a big hiking family, it can take some time to figure it out so set expectations slowly for all parties.
Start with easy, close by trails or parks to explore. Have everyone wear the right shoes, bring snacks, extra clothes and plenty of water.
Your expectations have to be realistic. There are going to be challenges when you are hiking with kids. Don’t expect everyone to be happy all the time and don’t expect your kids to hike beyond their limit.
If your kids do break down while you are hiking, either from being tired, falling, or just being bored, address the situation. This may mean having to stop and take a break in the middle of the trail or carrying them (even if they are 5, 6, or 7) for a little while. Be prepared with backpacks, carriers for little ones, etc.
If someone is unhappy, try to address it. Once the situation is addressed, get over it and move on. Don’t dwell on it; be upbeat and happy and continue on with the hike. Your kids will feed off of your energy so be prepared for this one so you can bounce back quickly when things get tough.
If they see something they want to explore, let them stop and check it out. This may be a good opportunity to take a break for a snack, a rest and water break or a picnic. Remind them that you have to keep moving to reach your destination but kids don’t like to start just to get to the end, they enjoy exploring; for them it’s not a chore or a forced exercise.
If your children are young, play story telling games with them. One person starts a story and the others add to it; changing it or adding their own touches. Encourage them when they run out of ideas by asking questions, how do they get there? What did they find? What did he look like? Children relate games to what they see in their lives, you may be surprised at what you discover.
If you have older children, let them talk about something that interests them. If they are shy or don’t want to share, ask questions. What is something you’d like to do this summer? Tell me about that book you are reading? If someone gave you a bag of money, what would you do with it? Most importantly, tell them that the hikes are no judgement zones, they can feel free to talk to you without having the right or wrong answers. The first few times may not seem successful but if you continue to encourage conversations, they will be more likely to feel comfortable sharing.
Don’t expect the first or even the 3rd or 10th time to go perfect because it probably won’t, but stick with it and you and your family will figure it out. ENJOY YOURSELF!
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