How to survive a family walk
Remember that classic Sunday afternoon movie scene where the family sets off for a walk, filled with joy and wonder, only to be met with chaos and grumbles?
Only that's not a movie... that's your life.
Walking on the wild side - with the family.
How do you survive a family walk?
Remember that classic Sunday afternoon movie scene where the family sets off for a walk, filled with joy and wonder, only to be met with chaos and grumbles?
Only that's not a movie... that's your life.
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Ok, maybe that’s a bit harsh, but the reality for many families mirrors this all too closely. Coaxing kids out for a walk can feel more like initiating a Hunger Games episode – complete with survival packs and scarce resources stretching for miles. But hang up your white flag, weary parent, because we're here to help you rewrite the script of your family outings.
Beneath the cacophony of 'Do we have to?' and 'My feet hurt!' echoes a more primal yearning for adventure. Let's unravel how to transform the dreaded family walk into an epic quest with your little adventurers begging for more this half-term.
Embrace the whining: a tale of two milestones
As a parent, you're all too familiar with the scene – the grand plan to conquer the local nature trail thwarted by the 'Whine Virus', infecting your once-excited tribe. At that very moment, you're plotting an escape route. But pause the internal meltdown. Those whimpers and whines mark the beginning of your journey to outdoor transcendence.
The negotiation phase: How to win allies
Remember, preparation is key. It starts with diplomacy; making them part of the process. Involve your kids in choosing the route or the 'treasures' to seek (read: rocks and sticks, feathers, animals or kingdoms).
This tactical inclusion plants a seed of ownership, steering their mind from trepidation to jubilation. And always negotiate your resolve, not the walk. Trading screen time for outdoor play can be a powerful bartering chip. Being outside a lot does not mean we say no to screens - just that we pause them temporarily.
The distraction derail: Mind games and challenges
Ah, the power of distraction.
Turn their smallest accomplishments into grand achievements. 'You walked all the way up the hill without stopping? You're like a mountain goat!' Imagination is your ally.
Create landmark challenges ('Race to the next tree!'), or concoct a pseudonym for your adventure that enlists their wildest fantasies ('We're the Forest Explorers escaping the Ghost Leaf!'). For this phase, it does depend a little bit how old your children are, younger ones with wide open minds tend to latch on to fantasy more quickly than the sullen teen. But find what your teen is into, relate your walk to how this could help them (art, sport, writing...).
The pack of possibility: Essentials beyond snacks
A successful quest demands provisions – but not just any old trail mix will do.
Packing for a family walk is akin to planning a military expedition. It starts with the right mindset – you're supplying fuel for active young minds and bodies, and you're going to need a LOT of snacks.
The snack strategy: From sugary fuel to bravery bars
'I'm hungry/I'm thirsty,' you can hear it now... the anthem ringing across the landscape.
Your snack bag should be the Trojan Horse of distractions, concealing their favourite fuel – and maybe a surprise sweet for morale-boosting towards the walk's end.
Make sure you have enough to get you to your turning round point and then an equal if not greater amount for the return. Depending on how far you go, even a couple of kilometres could be a lot for a child not used to walking, so you need to make sure they are happy and nourished.
And be armed with water bottles, hydration is key to keeping the family moving on a walk together.
The tool tote: Gadgets and gizmos aplenty
Once upon a time, explorers wouldn't leave home without their compasses and maps.
For the modern adventurer, these tools come in digital form. Apps can turn navigation into a treasure hunt or birdwatching into a competitive sport. Or, you can go geocaching together - a real treasure hunt with coordinates. Sounds like something an older child or teen might enjoy, no?
But don't stop there – the gadget options are endless. Kids can capture plants and creatures on camera (or you as mum or dad doing something silly), record sounds, track wildlife you encounter... And to up the ante in this digital age, set challenges for sharing all these
You don't have to let tech reign supreme. A simple magnifying glass can magnify a walk in the park into an entomological expedition.
Playtime or precaution: Structured versus free play
The dichotomy of play versus caution stands at the heart of modern parenting. How much independence is too much? The wilderness offers a space for children's growth, but a balance ensures that safety remains the highest summit.
Organised chaos: Themed trails and crafty pursuits
Pre-planned activities inject structure without sacrificing spontaneity. Choose routes that might have activity trails, weaving stories or puzzles into the path. Or arm yourselves with journals to document the journey, drawing and writing what they discovered, stopping regularly so they can recharge - whilst continuing their drawing on route.
The serendipitous stride: Allowing wonder to lead
Sometimes, the greatest adventures are unplanned.
Moments of wonder present themselves in the most unexpected places. Give your little ones the freedom to explore their perceived 'wilderness', within safety's clasp, of course. Old trees become climbing frames, streams become illegal fish-smuggling channels, and the world, once again, is their oyster. Let their imagination run wild, their curiosity blossom, and embrace the spontaneity of childhood. You should to, you never know... you might enjoy it!
The finish line: triumph or truce?
As the expedition comes to a close, the pivotal question arises – was the adventure a triumph or merely a temporary truce in the ongoing family escapades?
The victory lap: Celebrating small and large wins
Every milestone, from conquering a tricky slope to composing a symphony of nature's sounds, is a victory worth celebrating. These triumphs aren't just for today but for planting the seeds of a lifelong love for the outdoors. Telling your kids how proud you are of them, despite maybe surviving a few challenges and meltdowns along the way, will instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their abilities and a reminder that yes, they CAN do this.
The home stretch: Lessons in the aftermath
Back at home, you'll witness the unexpected ripple effects.
Tired bodies and fresh air usually signal peaceful bedtimes, or certainly enough time for you to have a cup of your favourite brew.
But beyond the immediate peace, walks breed resilience and resourcefulness in your children – qualities that extend well beyond the bounds of any forest, so sometimes, enduring the journey is worth it for all.
And with each successful family walk, you'll find yourselves more equipped to tackle the next adventure – whatever that may be.
Finally...The family that walks together
Let's wrap our epic in a tender epilogue of sorts. Family walks are not just about putting one foot in front of the other; they're an odyssey of bonding, discovery, and growth. With a dash of creativity, a pinch of humour, and a profound love for the outdoors, your family walks can become cherished memories and the cornerstone of a robust family spirit.
So, fellow fun-seekers, gather the troops, prep those packs, and march to the beat of the wild – for the greatest untapped playland lies just beyond your doorstep.
Wild Free Fun
Kids Adventurist is a free resource for parents, educators and guardians to inspire kids of all ages to get outside and explore the great outdoors. We believe that nature is a powerful teacher and source of inspiration, providing endless opportunities for learning, growth and fun.
From walks to campfires and outdoor craft and adventure, we aim to encourage families to spend more time in nature together.