Embarking on a trekking trip is one of the best ways to have fun, connect with nature, and at the same time, test one’s endurance and stamina. As wonderful as trekking can be, many outdoor lovers wonder if this is an activity that’s safe enough to take kids along with.
The good news is that it is possible to have a safe trekking adventure with your little ones, as long as certain precautions are taken. Below are some of them:
1. Make a thorough plan.
Coming up with a comprehensive plan before your journey will make everything easier for you and your kids. You’ll need to consider details such as the distance you’ll be covering and the type of terrain you’ll encounter. Depending on the age of your little trekking companion, you may want to consider less elevated or rocky terrain.
Once you have a better idea of how long the trek will take, you can then make preparations for that duration, such as the snacks and activities you’ll be having along the way. Remember that your kids aren’t likely to be as fast or nimble as you are, so set a realistic pace that includes every possible short break your child may want to take.
2. Prepare for injuries.
As adventurous as kids are, they are also more prone to accidents and injuries, especially because the great outdoors may unleash your child’s energy.
Pack first aid kids and make sure you know how to apply emergency first aid, either by self-teaching or, better yet, by enrolling yourself to a first aid training course in Perth or other major cities. Preparing for injuries also helps you feel more confident to tackle emergency situations if and when they happen.
3. Ensure you have the proper gear.
When it comes to protective clothing, especially for your children, it’s often best not to spare any expense. Outfit your kids with high-quality yet light outdoor clothing and make sure they fit.
Depending on your child’s age and physical activity, you may also need to provide quality packs so they can carry their own water, a spare shirt, favourite toy, or a sleeping bag if you’re planning an overnight trip.
Be mindful of the weight of both the clothes and packs your kids have on, otherwise, you’ll end up encumbering them, which can really put a damper on your fun adventure.
4. Distract them with fun and games.
Children get anxious and bored easily. While you may be more interested in enjoying a nice and peaceful walk in nature, your children will likely need something to keep their interest piqued.
Pack some light entertainment items like cards, sketchbooks, or inflatable balls to keep fun levels high.
Alternatively, you can engage your kids in games like “I spy” or simply start singing some of the songs you know they love and can join in on.
5. Bring plenty of food, water, and treats.
Kids spend a lot of energy. With that in mind, it’s best to pack enough food and even more water to cover for all their nutritional and energy requirements.
Don’t forget to pack plenty of light snacks and treats for yourself too. Stick to healthy treats if possible and opt for high-energy yet low-sugar options such as chocolate-flavoured protein bars, nuts, and fruits.
6. Assign your kids with responsibilities.
Responsibilities can really do wonders for building your child’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
Exchange leadership roles with your kids from time to time, such as giving them the freedom to decide on which activities to do or which places to have breaks at. This is a great motivator and will make your kids feel proud of themselves.
Furthermore, teach them some valuable skills like rope-tying, map and compass reading, and weather reading, then assign those responsibilities (under your guidance, of course).
Make your trekking merrier by bringing your kids along.
Trekking with kids might not sound easy at first, but with proper preparation, planning, the right equipment, and a pinch of patience, bringing your kids on a trekking trip will turn into a beautiful, unforgettable experience for everyone.
Author: I’m Jaylin: SEO Expert of Leelija Web Solutions. I am a content manager and the author of elivestory.com and a full-time blogger. Favourite things include my camera, travelling, caring for my fitness, food and my fashion. Email id: editor@leelija.com
