A lot of folks ask me how to get kids to enjoy hiking. To me that's like asking how to get kids to enjoy reading...it depends on your ultimate goal. Early on, Tim and I realized that we enjoyed different parts of hiking: Tim likes the physical challenge of a tough hike of long miles followed by a good meal. Cold and rain only make it even better. I, on the other hand, enjoy looking at birds, flowers and chatting with other hikers we come across. We both love the connection that being in nature give us to our "right sized" place in this world. Successful hiking with kids involves both
With young kids, I think it is important to realize that the primary joy they will get from hiking while it is happening is finding and discovering things: a frog, a big rock, a sign. Then of course there are always those special treats that only seem to show up on hikes: peanut M&Ms, honey and peanut butter wraps, etc. It is only after the hike itself that they seem to revel in the challenge completed.
If you think about it, it isn't unlike the many other challenges young children face everyday. Using the potty, buttoning their shirt, writing letters. The process is often full of frustration and patience and pacing are important. But once you are done, nothing beats the sense of accomplishment a kid exudes when he proclaims, "Look what I did, Mom!"
