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.
cleaning team near Winnetka ..When our oldest son was 2, my wife went out... Read More
Teens can freely access the Internet from computers at school,... Read More
In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color, paint... Read More
Have you heard the song; "I Hope You Dance"? It... Read More
1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply)2. Wipes3.... Read More
1) It's not my (pot, beer, cigarettes, etc.), I'm just... Read More
There are few thoughts as terrifying as the abduction of... Read More
This may come as a surprise, but many parents are... Read More
It's that time again! Parent-teacher conferences are coming. Are you... Read More
My son is 6 yrs old. He came home the... Read More
If there are any parents reading this who are thinking... Read More
Valentine day has always been a special day in my... Read More
The older my daughter gets the more it's sinking in... Read More
There are many parenting styles. Yours may be very different... Read More
The school holidays are a great time for the kids,... Read More
'Whose room is it anyway?'If you have a teenager, you're... Read More
Having a baby is one of the most exciting times... Read More
Many people still think that the game of chess is... Read More
Self esteem in an important quality for all children to... Read More
You have a chore to do around the house, and... Read More
Ever feel like you're out of the loop when it... Read More
It's been said, time and again, that for a child... Read More
The purpose of this article is to address some of... Read More
I've learned numerous, important lessons on life, motherhood and men... Read More
If you're a single parent or a married couple on... Read More
family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..Having a high level of emotional intelligence in your children... Read More
Bedtime and children's sleep habits can cause nightmares - for... Read More
You've just received a call from your child's teacher. As... Read More
Why Me?"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should... Read More
Past experience with federal education programs predicts that the No... Read More
When my oldest daughter was born, I walked the floor... Read More
Here in Kansas, where we live, the leaves are turning... Read More
So, the thing is? I am feeling a little guilty.I... Read More
For many adults, reading a book or newspaper seems effortless.... Read More
Sara loves pampering. Haircuts, facials, manicures, and makeup bring smiles,... Read More
Start some gardening traditions with your kids. Give them their... Read More
There has been much attention in the media of late... Read More
There is a new stage of development for parents to... Read More
For parents, keeping our kids safe is a constant top... Read More
Many young people don't know how to study efficiently and... Read More
I have a bit of a different response than most... Read More
Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, some of... Read More
Pool safety should be on the minds of every parent... Read More
I have been a single mom for almost 20 years.... Read More
Until the moment I became a mother, I couldn't quite... Read More
The First Reason: For one thing, child development experts are... Read More
Are you worried about your child's reading habits? Perhaps you... Read More
Over a number of years there have been issues raised... Read More
Is it possible to be using our children addictively?Anything that... Read More
Travel is a common theme in my life -- probably... Read More
Parenting |