In hiking, as in life, safety is measured by how far it can be pushed. pushing your body to its limits to see how far it can go before needing to stop. So we beginners learn to use our breathing only for short periods of time before we restrain ourselves. In such circumstances the saying that ‘Old wives tales’ is truly useful. In theory if everyone could learn the singing of the birds and the using of basic hand signals there would be no more accidents.
However, as we westernized we began to forget our original understanding of what it was that fueled our anger when we were young. In yelling at the top of our lungs we can frighten away the birds, but when they are pelting us with snow we have to calm down and let them be.
This retrievable method does not work always, but then maybe it is not always best to teach children this method, as it involves them in the adrenaline rush and it is very easy for them to get hurt in this manner. The other problem with this method is that if a child does not know the difference between right and wrong, they could look at us in a critical parent way and call us bad names. We have to find a way to let them know that although we are trying to warn them, we are not accept their criticism or lower their spirits. In this manner, we are trying to make a bridge between their emotional states and our own.
To let the children know that we appreciate their choices and intent, bringing a small device such as whistles can be a great way to let the children know that they are not going to get discounted on their hike. It lets them know that they are important and we are not going to leave them to their own devices.
Although we understand that children do not need much of anything and are not entitled to all the luxuries of the adults we do not forget that they still need to be controlled. We parents are doing everything we can to help our children to stay safe.
We teach our children to be respectful of nature and to be alert to potential dangers. We explain the difference between right and wrong and whether it is always wrong to do something.
Hiking with children requires a lot of research and planning. We the parents are doing our very best to provide a fun and safe experience for our children. We want them to experience hiking as something that they can share with their children.
We are listening to their questions and concerns. We are following their progress and interacting with them every step of the way.
All of this helps us to focus on the most important thing- the safety of our children.
Below is an article that ischiographical guide to camping with children.
First Aid KitFor children who are somewhat more mature, having them in the outdoors under their own control means that they are less likely to be run over by older children. Plan ahead for cross country trips with your children, and make sure they have their first aid kit.
Map and CompassIt is a good idea to familiarize yourself and the children with the map and compass. Checking the terrain before you start and assess how bad the damage might be allows you to be proactive.
ample food and clothingThere are many situations that can arise while you are out camping. Always have ample food and clothing for your children to stay out for days. Start with a couple of simple meals. Make sure you have a good deal of snacks and bread, as they are easy to burn.
eliciting helpFrom your neighboring campers, you can try asking them for assistance. Someone may have the knowhow to set up a temporary campsite for you. You can also ask the store where you may buy things like water so that you also have something to drink to combat the dehydration.
You can also protect your children from the harmful effects of the sun and shade them whenever possible. Fortunately, you can find many cheap and cheerful shade structures and parks to take your child to.
To feel more comfortable while camping with your children, bring a portable playpen to keep them amused and entertained. But don’t forget that their eyes are not as precious as yours and that playing in the open air close to the refrigerators and the bathhouses are not always a totally safe thing to do. Here are some other things that would be equally fun for you and your children to do:
Throwing the football around in the open field. Coaches and kindergarten classes can be trained to throw the football around in the open field. What a great way to bond with your children, to teach them to love the game and to celebrate their success.
Silly Symphony. Create an impromptu musical score byTalking about God’s love with a profanity poem ensuite. Children love this as it is very challenging and requires presence of everyone in the family.
Making an impression on the children with your food.
