By: Sarah Bailey
Older kids can be tricky to hang out with in general, let alone getting them out into the great outdoors! I have four kids, almost 13 (yikes), 10, 10 and 6, and from my experience, I have found it infinitely easier to get little ones out hiking versus my older kiddos who can tend to be entranced with video games, friends, or how it’s not “cool” to hang with mom anymore (tear). That said, DON’T LOSE HOPE, IT CAN BE DONE, you just might have to adjust your expectations a bit.
Here are my mom-tested tips for getting older kiddos out into nature with you:
- Modify the activity. I know this is a hiking moms’ group, but let’s face it, any dose of nature is better than nothing at all! I have found it helps to modify the activity if kids are resisting. Maybe a mountain bike ride, fishing, or skiing will help make getting out into nature more enticing to your big kid!
- Go it alone! I have four kids, and something they all love, regardless of the age, is alone time with a parent. Yes, even when they’re preteen and hormonal, and mom is “cringe,” they still really crave that one-on-one time. It’s not always possible, but when you can have special time with one kiddo, I have found it to be easier to get them outdoors.
- Give them control. Let your big kid choose the hike, snack, music on the way, and/or let them lead. They’re starting to mature and letting them help craft the outdoor time often creates more engagement.
- Expect less but prepare for more! Yes, an older child should in theory be able to hike longer distances, but in my experience when I expect a longer or more demanding time in nature I am left with grumbles. Instead, try a hike that can go either way. For example, maybe there is a 1.5 mile loop with the option to tack on an extra mile. There have been many instances where we knew we could be done but kept on trekking!
- SNACKS! As is true with all kids, snacks are key! I have three preteen boys in my house so I probably should carry a steak dinner in my pack here on out. Let them choose a bunch of snacks pre-hike/outdoor adventure and then pack about 20 more… but, seriously, did I mention the snacks?!
It’s not always easy, and you may hear some whining, but push through mommas! You got this!