Hiking is a wonderful way of returning to nature’s lap for a short while, to boost mind and body, before returning home. It makes good use of one’s core and leg muscle, improves heart health, and enhances the secretion of mood-improving endorphins. As a result, people who go on hikes and natural trails often enjoy less stress in life, not because there is not any, but because they developed endurance naturally to deal with it.
While adults can take advantage of this wonderful activity at any time, and they should, this is a great physical fitness and endurance-enhancing option for kids. Instead of being stuck on their couches and bean bags with smart devices, they can go out and play, be an actual kid and explore the secrets of nature. After all, back in the day adventures did not come knocking on apartment doors in busy cities. But how to make sure your kids will develop endurance while going on hikes and nature walks? This guide will help.
Hiking employs multiple muscle groups throughout the journey, but chiefly focuses on leg and core muscles. Since it is like a good habit, it must be practiced regularly, even if for a short duration. Using those muscles increases your kid’s endurance to tolerate more soreness, pain, or wear and tear. And with proper, healthy snacks and meals, such muscles and joints only grow stronger and resilient. Hiking also improves your kid’s stamina. After all, if a child goes on nature trails for a couple of kilometers with their family daily, their stamina will soon be enough to handle it with ease. All you need to do is increase the distance and continue developing stamina and endurance in kids, as they keep enjoying nature and fitness.
Offer to take your kids on hikes from a young age. They may say no, but do not lose patience. It often takes months or years before kids see you having fun doing the activity and join in. So, even if your kids refuse to join, take them along and let them sit in their perambulator. This will make sure they feel a part of the experience and are attracted to trying it.
This may seem surprising, especially for young kids, but yes. Make them carry their backpacks. Obviously, not the basket or bag containing their food or diapers, but a backpack with their personal toy or water bottle in it. This will develop the habit of carrying one’s own luggage without hoisting it onto someone else.
Hiking and nature walks can be very mesmerizing. They offer a wide range of novelties, like cool insects, unique flowers and leaves, friendly birds, lush greenery, and cooler temperatures. As a result, kids automatically have multiple distractions to ensure they are not bored. You can also make up hiking games for them like ‘I Spy,’ ‘Memory Game,’ and more.
When hiking with your children, especially young ones, let them set the pace. It may seem very slow, but it is essential for kids to feel they are doing well and going steady. If they realize they are slowing everyone down, it might demotivate them. So, unless you need to be somewhere soon or there is an emergency, let your child build up their pace and perseverance on their own terms.
Positive reinforcement and appreciation help a lot. It can make or break your kid’s love for an activity and confidence. So, if your kid is trying and enduring a walk or hike in nature, appreciate and praise them precisely. If they complete the hike, or achieve the goal set, reaching the hilltop for example, reward them with a homemade hiker’s certificate, sticker, or other tangible small presents to commemorate the achievement.
Hiking and going on nature walks are an excellent way of bonding with your child. They may grow up, but this bonding time activity will remain special and going. Since kids are more open to learning and suggestions in nature, they teach them valuable life lessons, answer their queries about life and the world, and help them identify different plants and creatures. These memories will remain with you and your kid for a lifetime.
Going on walks and hikes in nature is an exciting and healthy experience. It detoxes kids from their daily digital, sedentary lives and brings back mindfulness and child-like curiosity in them. What better way to teach kids endurance and perseverance than employing the best of nature and physical fitness? Give this guide a try and watch your child’s perseverance build well from a tender age.