5 TIPS FOR RAISING OUTDOORS- LOVING KIDS
michael lanza’s advice is tried and tested from rocky mountain peaks to the depths of the everglades. if you want to raise a family as passionate about the outdoors as you are, here’s some help getting started.
1
TAKE BABY STEPS Don’t push your kids too hard. It’s tough for parents who have always been very ac- tive, but remember that what’s familiar and easy to you may seem scary and intimidat- ing to a kid. Evaluate your child’s readiness for something new based not just on its physical difficulty, but how well your child handled previous experiences that pre- sented comparable stress.
2 WORK YOUR P.R.
Engage your kids in trip planning—it gets them excited and builds anticipation. Compliment them when they do well and encourage them when they’re challenged: they crave your attention, so shower them with positive reinforcement. Tell your kids they’re good hikers, skiers, climbers, pad- dlers, or cyclists, and they will take pride in being good at it. You will help them self- identify as a kid who likes the outdoors.
3
LET THEM ASK TO CARRY MORE Don’t ask your kids to carry a daypack or a backpack; wait until they tell you they want to. If they perceive it as a chore imposed
upon them, they might resist or resent it. If they perceive it as something an expe- rienced, grown-up, strong hiker (like you) does, they will want to emulate you.
4
DON’T GIVE IN TO FRUSTRATION Let’s face it: hiking, camping, or doing almost anything outdoors with babies, tod- dlers, and preschoolers is often more work than fun. Don’t get discouraged; take them out anyway. If you introduce children to the outdoors while they’re very young, you can make it part of your family lifestyle and nurture a long-term love for the outdoors.
5
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF Maintaining your own fitness is important for taking your kids on bigger adventures as they get older. You inspire and provide a role model for your kids when you take— and talk about—your day hikes, trail runs, or bike rides. Kids want to emulate their parents; they will perceive whatever you do as normal and fun and eventually ask you to bring them along. The best way to get them to love the outdoors is to set a good example.
adapted from the big outside. get more tips and stories at
thebigoutside.com.
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