There is nothing quite like hiking with small children. The thrill of introducing these young ones to the wonder of nature is matched only by their eyes as they take it all in. If you follow a few simple rules when hiking with children, things go extremely well. Forget these simple rules and your treks with the young can be a recipe for disaster.
The first thing to remember is that young ones don't understand or know the dangers of a trail that might seem the most basic of realities to anyone else. Poison oak, snakes and wild animals seem fun to the youngest of hikers. You know better and need to make sure that your partners do as well. You'll need to be the eyes and ears of those who eyes and ears aren't yet up to the task. You'd be surprised how quickly they can get themselves into trouble so you'll need to keep on your toes.
Secondly, you'll want to bring lots of snacks. Little legs burn a lot of energy when they're hiking and their little stomachs require that you feed them often. Obviously, go without quick fixes of candy and the like. Nuts, whole grains and dried fruit all taste great and work well for all ages. Make sure to bring lots of water as well.
With so many snacks, trash will be a big issue. Teach these young ones about the power of packing out their trash and keep the environment as clean and pristine as possible.
Know that a good first aid kit with Band-Aids, ointment and insect repellant is always a good idea. There is no reason to let an entire hike go bad, just because someone fell down and went "boom." If your crew is young enough, diapers and a change or two of clothing is also well worth the effort.
If one or more of the children are brought on the trek in some form of backpack, make sure that the pack is fit for you before you take off on your trip. Adjustments, for some reason, are always easier to make at home than they are in the middle of your trek. If you are purchasing a new pack for your adventure, consider shying away from the cheapest option ? they are the cheapest option for a reason. A good resale shop or a trip to ebay.com can find you high quality at a price you are willing to spend.
No matter where you are hiking, waterproofing is a must. A couple of ponchos have been know to save the day more times than not. They weigh next to nothing but are life savers when needed. Umbrellas are more awkward than anything else.
Finally, take lots of pictures ? these are memories that you'll want to look back on for a long time.
When you do take small children on a hike, the rewards are plentiful: an early respect for nature, good exercise, family memories and the like. Keep these simple thoughts in mind and you'll find that this is an activity enjoyed by everyone that you'll want to do again and again.
About The Author
Linda Jones is the Webmaster of ebay.com. She's loved hiking since her parents took her on her first hike at just 14 months. Visit her site at ebay.com.
trusted cleaning company Lake Forest ..Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing... Read More
What do you do when your child begins talking to... Read More
When our oldest son was 2, my wife went out... Read More
"Now don't you go getting any ideas, Harold.""Don't you get... Read More
Late vs. Too LateEvery now and then, I'll hear a... Read More
Everyone loves penguins. And now, everyone has a chance to... Read More
Teens don't learn responsibility overnight. If you haven't been working... Read More
Many families today are blending members from past relationships. It... Read More
I love Google and Yahoo. With Google and Yahoo I... Read More
Since so many would rather avoid the use of stimulant... Read More
I don't know how people raise daughters because I have... Read More
Summertime means insect bites and stings. Ouch! Take a leaf... Read More
Julia Roberts recently gave birth to twins: Hazel and Phinnaeus.... Read More
Maintaining a safe home environment for your childrenAs adults and... Read More
In our last issue we posted some of our suggested... Read More
Anyone can splurge on a formal dinner or a pricey... Read More
For any parent, learning that a convicted sex offender lives... Read More
As a parent, you probably know that the birthday party... Read More
Most parents at some stage are driven to distraction by... Read More
Once your little boy/girl goes off to school, you may... Read More
the woes of being a parent of an ADHD child.....Like... Read More
1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More
When my firstborn arrived into this serene and peaceful household,... Read More
When I was pregnant, we knew that we had some... Read More
Often I will hear parents say, "I just ignore Jr.... Read More
pet-friendly home cleaners Lincolnshire ..If I had a dollar for every time I persuaded... Read More
Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They... Read More
"Before every action, ask yourself: Will this bring more monkeys... Read More
Reasearch into children's friendships shows that those children who are... Read More
Learning obedience is an important part of child development. This... Read More
Every week I write something about the stock market -... Read More
Sara loves pampering. Haircuts, facials, manicures, and makeup bring smiles,... Read More
Dear Camille,As I thumb through the photographs that I carry... Read More
Are you a professional?Notice how the questions differs from, "Do... Read More
It is hard to believe that summer is coming to... Read More
This is one of the most common questions asked of... Read More
Advocate: you've probably heard the term before. But what does... Read More
All responsible parents would want to support their children, find... Read More
People always ask my wife and I: "How did you... Read More
There are several treatment options available to help improve the... Read More
When kids try new things, sometimes it's a 'fit' and... Read More
It can be said that any man who procreates is... Read More
Something eerily familiar happened in KwaZulu-Natal's Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park in Africa... Read More
Many working families choose a commercial or individual day care... Read More
Do your children have a McChildhood? Do they experience the... Read More
Many children who suffer from the psychological effects of child... Read More
The main thing we noticed since having a baby is... Read More
In today's fast-paced society, many families depend on some form... Read More
'Whose room is it anyway?'If you have a teenager, you're... Read More
What's hard for teenagersHaving people who don't understand you trying... Read More
Parenting |