One Way To Build A Stronger Relationship With Your Kids

Do you want to know your children better? Learn more about their likes, dislikes, fears, hopes, & motivations? If so, get outside & hike!

Yep. I mean that.

The hike doesn’t have to be over the top. It can be as easy or as strenuous as you’d like. Make your decision based on the weather as well as the age, health, & fitness level of everyone involved. You be the judge!

…Connect…

There are many ways to connect with your children. Whenever you spend true quality time together it builds a stronger connection. There is something healing, however, about getting out in fresh air. It refocuses & centers people.

My family loves being in nature. Whether we’re exploring, observing, playing, or working, we’re always more connected afterwards. When our daughters (2 Peanut Butter Girls) were younger, we’d ride bikes & pull them behind us in a bike trailer (like this one). It was shaded & netted to keep bugs out. We loved that thing!

…Learn…

We usually biked around town or at the park. While there, we’d head into the woods for a family hike on the trails. That time outdoors revealed our oldest daughter’s obsession with acorns, animals, & all of nature. We also learned of Alora’s interest in landscape photography (like mother, like daughter!).

We witnessed some of our youngest daughter’s fearlessness & extreme inquisitivity (like father, like daughter!). More of her love for color & detail was also revealed. At a very young age, Vivia noticed specific things about the scenery we hadn’t-which explains her natural talent for drawing & painting.

It’s very likely your kids will want to explore, touch, & collect items like rocks or leaves. Let them, but do it wisely. I suggest carrying gardening gloves for everyone (or per child) & ziplock bags to keep the items safe. Our daughters usually carry a mini backpack for their treasures, water, etc.

There are many learning opportunities to be had in the wild. The more the senses are stimulated, the greater the learning experiences. You’ll also become more knowledgeable of your child’s fears & dislikes. We quickly learned of our daughters’ aversion to insects that buzz. The fear runs deep!

family hike at haw river in saxapahaw nc

…Converse…

I’ve had many in-depth mother-daughter conversations while hiking. Both of my girls are naturally transparent with me but they seem to open up even more while outdoors. I really enjoy these moments! I think this next-level transparency happens because they’re calmer & feel more emotionally secure. Alora & Vivia appear to be more self-aware & self-assured during these times.

Do your best to listen when your child opens up on the trail. Don’t give in to the urgency to reply or fix whatever problem may be revealed. I’ve learned our kids aren’t always sharing details because they want us to fix the issue. They simply want to be heard. Please do your best to listen.

…Participate…

Lastly, join in on the fun! If your child has made up a game or song while on the trail, participate. Share in the joy & enthusiasm. My adventurous family likes to walk across logs together, climb rocks, play I spy, & challenge one another to be the first at doing or finding something. We’ve also taken small notepads to jot down ideas or keep track of wildlife we encounter. I think our most enjoyable activity is taking photos of nature & each other.

On the other hand, if your child is more silent while hiking, allow the space for introspection. Don’t hound him/her with questions about the silence. Your questioning will defeat the purpose!

We’re all different. Our kids are all different. Your child’s enjoyment of the hike may be the silence or natural melody of the wood’s activities. For that period of time you’re all unplugged (except for photos!) & daily stressors are nowhere to be found. There are no deadlines looming or responsibilities to tend to. Relish in that.

…Surrender…

While you’re out there, just be. Allow nature to speak to you & work her magic. There is no right or wrong way to hike as long as you remain wise, aware, & respectful of your surroundings. Whether you’re on a trail being caressed by the sun or enveloped in crisp enlivening air, it’s the perfect time to practice gratitude.

Look around. Life is happening everywhere & it’s beautiful!

Ask yourself AND your kid(s) what he/she is grateful for. Pay attention to the answers. Count your blessings instead of what you think you lack. Give no thought to your to-do list & don’t allow negative thoughts to permeate your mind. Above all else, speak your positive words aloud for your child(ren) to hear. Gratitude is contagious!