What 5 years of hiking with my son taught me.
Welcome back everybody! Before we begin I also want you to share your own experiences in the comment section, let me know how it's going for you and what experiences you had as a child.
We came a long way.
Bringing your kids in to nature is hands down one of the best things you can do as a parent or teacher. Everywhere you look there’s lessons to be learned and experiences to be had, this is by far my proudest achievement as a father.
Has it always been a pleasure?
- depending on my own mindset, YES! Of course there’s been challenges with motivation, mood, fatigue, sleep and hunger but that’s where I learn and develop my skills as a father. Any mistake I made my son will feel the consequences of, therefore I learn to be flexible with plans and goals that I set when we go out. Below you’ll find my greatest takeaways from 5 years of adventures with my son.
Let Them Fail, Be There, and Encourage Resilience
In the world of nature and adventure, failures are inevitable. The key is to let your kids experience these failures, be there with them, stand by their side, let them know you've got them, and then get them to get up and try again. Resilience is a skill that's best learned through hands-on experiences.
it’s easy to underestimate the power of presence and awareness.
Adventure as a Challenge for Both Parent and Child
Taking your kids on an adventure will challenge you as a leader and parent, and it will challenge your kids in many ways. The beauty of it is that you can't turn it off once you're in it. You're fully committed, and together, you must keep pushing forward. This creates a strong bond, offering numerous opportunities to show compassion, understanding, and to instill trust and belief in your kids.
Give Them Responsibility and Let Them Lead
Give your children responsibilities during your adventures. Allow them to make decisions, let them lead, and hold them accountable for their choices. Including them as much as possible turns you into their mentor, guide, and biggest follower. This not only builds their confidence but also strengthens the parent-child dynamic.
Avoid Spoon-Feeding Solutions
Be cautious about offering too many solutions and answers. Let your kids figure things out by themselves. Often, there are no right or wrong answers in the wilderness. Allowing them to navigate challenges independently fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Conclusion
Reflecting on these 5 years of hiking with my son, I've come to appreciate the transformative power of nature and adventure in shaping not just the experiences we share, but the parent-child relationship itself. Embrace the challenges, be a supportive presence, and watch as your adventures become the foundation for lasting memories and a strong family bond.
Don't forget to share your own experiences in the comments below. Let's build a community of nature-loving parents sharing their wisdom! If you want more, the video on my YouTube channel is here.
