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.
licensed cleaning services Winnetka ...John was a 43 year-old sales manager at a large... Read More
My son recently had his third birthday party and it... Read More
It's been said, time and again, that for a child... Read More
Home, home on the range, Where never is heard A... Read More
Grandparents, what better way to stay close to your grown... Read More
As a parent you will be asked to assist with... Read More
Here we will come to know who are the most... Read More
"To educate a person in mind and not in morals... Read More
This is one of the most common questions asked of... Read More
In the beginning, having children was just a byproduct of... Read More
21 Reasons I Love Being A DadWhat you will read... Read More
Individualism is a common thing in today's modern society. Many... Read More
The human brain never actually stops developing. Beginning formation in... Read More
In seminars I am often asked about pocket-money and whether... Read More
Are you a parent concerned about passing values on to... Read More
All babies cry, but if yours cries a lot, isn't... Read More
The key to lifelong learning is reading and writing. When... Read More
What's hard for teenagersHaving people who don't understand you trying... Read More
Bearers of life, wipers of noses, givers of unconditional love... Read More
Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and... Read More
A tall, weary-looking mother with glasses, walked into my counseling... Read More
It was a day that I will forever be etched... Read More
1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply)2. Wipes3.... Read More
Children do what feels good to them and follow their... Read More
"Now don't you go getting any ideas, Harold.""Don't you get... Read More
whole house cleaning Morton Grove ..."In general my children refuse to eat anything that hasn't... Read More
Q: Whenever we tell my daughter "no," she just bugs... Read More
Look around: Your kids are counting sleeps until the last... Read More
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is making... Read More
Although many children are picky eaters at some stage in... Read More
Once upon a time, I thought I had it all.... Read More
Not Letting Them Think.We all implicitly know that anything questioning... Read More
Is your babysitter watching the kids and your k9 family... Read More
A great many parents are concerned that the electronic games... Read More
When kids try new things, sometimes it's a 'fit' and... Read More
Courage means doing the right thing when it is hard,... Read More
"Hugging is healthy: it helps the body's immunity system, it... Read More
It's among the top criticism wives have of their husbands:... Read More
When choosing the perfect jogging stroller, a very important question... Read More
"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds... Read More
As with everything, names go through cycles of change with... Read More
Annie easily slipped into becoming the sole caregiver of her... Read More
As I sit here and reflect on the past two... Read More
Some years ago when touring the Scottish Highlands, a man... Read More
As a parent there are lots of things that you... Read More
It was the homework that did it. Each night became... Read More
Under the "No Child Left Behind Act," public schools whose... Read More
It's sometimes difficult to find ways to be involved with... Read More
Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More
There is no doubt that mothers play an all-important leading... Read More
Parenting |