Time for Exercise

As the weather continues to improve, it’s time to think more about getting outside and hiking with your family. Even if you live in the middle of a city, it shouldn’t take long to find a place where you can take a pleasant hike.

Your city may have a park that is sufficient for a basic hike, or there may be a state or national park within easy driving range. Any of these should suffice for getting out there as a family.

Figuring out what gear you will need can be a challenge. If you have an infant or toddler, a hiking backback can be a great idea, and much simpler than a stroller.

Once a child can walk, of course, you should encourage his or her participation in the hike for at least a part of the distance. That hiking backpack is likely to be necessary for a toddler unused to walking long distances, but as children get older they won’t need such assistance.

Always bring enough water. The warmer the weather gets the more important this is.

If you’re doing a serious family hike, think about what each person ought to carry. You do not want to overload the children.

Start out simple. Find a nature trail or similar if your family hasn’t been hiking in a while (or ever). Let the children explore the plants and animals they see in a safe manner.

Talk to your children about things they shouldn’t touch. You don’t want to watch anyone suffer through a bout of poison oak or poison ivy. You also don’t want the kids chasing after the animals, especially if Lyme disease is a problem in your area. Most wild animals are really best left alone.

Remind your children not to wander too far off. Most kids will be pretty good, but being lost while on a hike is not a good experience for a child.

However, hiking has great benefits for children too. It allows them to appreciate the world around them. It’s great exercise. There’s even some evidence that contact with nature can help children with attention deficit.

Technorati Tags: hiking, family hike, family time, exercising, fitness, children