Start Them Young- Lasts a Lifetime
I met my husband of 20 years (divorced now) when I was in college. We spent almost every single free moment hiking, camping and fishing. Having our first child in 2001, and second in 2003, we didn’t want that to stop! AND… it didn’t have too. From the time when they couldn’t even walk yet, we had them in the outdoors. In fact, some people drive young babies around in a car to get them to fall asleep, we’d put ours in a backpack and walk in the woods. We were lucky because we lived on 32 acres that backed up to 500 acres of wilderness, so no shortage of space to wander. Depending on the time of day, sometimes they slept through much of the hike, but regardless, it was evident how excited they would get when they saw me bringing out the backpack. We didn’t endorse video games with our kids, but we did encourage them to be at peace in the Outdoors!
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Once they are a bit older, get them to walk, and see them explore the woods. Below my kids found a cool growth on the tree we walked by. Siblings bonding while in the woods.
And, don’t let the weather or conditions hold you back. Even if it is raining or snowing, get out there and explore!
Above is my best friend, Teresa! Snowshoes on foot and backpacks with kids strapped in, we would head out in any weather to be OUTSIDE! Her kids and my kids all mixed in together, some walking and some “ridin” too.
Above, we hiked into wilderness, made a snow bench surrounding our fire pit and the kids made hotdogs and beans for dinner. Get your outdoor cooking gear here—
Now, you don’t just have to hike… get yourself and your kids, or maybe just yourself sometimes, out to fish year round! Yep, all year long no matter where you live. These little ones went ice fishing with quite a few nice catches (see below). This was in the upper peninsula of Michigan- the ice was thick and the temperatures in single digits. Get your warm jackets and fishing gear here.
https://fortheoutdoorenthusiast.com/product-category/outdoor-activities/fishing/
So no matter what activity you love- whether it be fishing or hiking or camping, or anything else outdoors, KEEP doing it when you have kids. Don’t give it up. Take the little ones. In my opinion its way better for them than sitting inside with electronics. There is a place for that in their lives, but enjoying that fresh outdoor air can’t be matched. Keep heading OUTDOORS! I think if you start them young- from my experience, it lasts a lifetime.
