| With technology of today at our fingertips, it can | | | | Most kids are at a high when they enter the trails |
| slip our minds just how little exercise we are | | | | and can really get ahead of you before you know |
| getting on a daily basis. Our little ones are so | | | | it. You will need to keep a close eye on them, |
| involved with the latest XBox game or the | | | | especially if you are in the deep woods or |
| internet wars they can get caught up before you | | | | mountain regions because they can get off the |
| know it. The childhood obesity rate is souring and | | | | trail or lost very quickly. I made it a rule with my |
| there is a simple and enjoyable solution to the | | | | little ones that if they could not see Mom or Dad |
| problem... take them hiking. | | | | they were to stop and start singing loudly. We |
| Kids really get excited when they are walking the | | | | would catch up to them quickly. This worked |
| trails and come across an animal scurrying across | | | | several times when it could have been very |
| the field or see a stream with frogs singing for | | | | dangerous. Keeping them close will ensure you all |
| their friends. Their imaginations go wild and the | | | | leave the woods as happy as you came in. |
| look of pure joy is evident on their faces for the | | | | And, of course, the kids legs are not as long as |
| whole day. I love watching the children on the trail | | | | ours and they tire quickly. I make sure to plan the |
| because they will spot things that we miss just | | | | trip with time for breaks so they can rest, get |
| because they are fresh and new to the | | | | some water and a snack and discuss what we |
| experiences. But there are a few things you will | | | | have seen and heard so far. I also try to teach |
| need to know before taking your little ones on | | | | them about the plant life and what is our friend |
| the trail. | | | | and what to stay away from. This will keep them |
| One important thing to teach your kids when | | | | interested and learning when they do not even |
| hiking is to always take more out of the woods | | | | realize they are. That is a good thing. I keep a |
| than you take in. This means we don not leave | | | | special snack in the car for the one who can |
| trash for others to pick up and if we see | | | | identify the most plant life and this challenge |
| something that should not be there, be a good | | | | usually never gets old for them. |
| doober and take it out with you. This teaches | | | | Fresh air, lots of exercise and a teaching |
| them to be good to mother nature and the | | | | opportunity that keeps them begging for more. |
| critters whose homes we are walking through. | | | | What could be better than that. |