Take the Kids Paddling

Turn off that TV. Put the videos away. It's time to make some family memories. Take the children out paddling!

It's never too early to expose a child to the wonders of nature. Seeing things through young eyes renews our spirits. It draws us back to the times that we were kids and lets us shed our adult responsibilities for the moment. We share our "when I was a kid" stories and give our children glances of when Mom and Dad were young. It may bore or amuse our kids, but it shows them that we were once their age. All we have to do is try to remember what happened way back then!

I love working with families who want to take their children hiking, camping, or paddling. They have an urgent sense that their children are gifts that will quickly pass through their lives. They want to be with them, enjoy them, and pass on their values.

At this point, many readers are probably thinking that I'm hallucinating. Kids whine, complain, and fight. Why spend more time with them? They drive me crazy!

Kids do whine, complain, and fight. I'm not ignoring those behaviors. However when all is said and done, they know that their parents love them and want to be with them. It's cool to be able to tell your friends on Monday morning that you went kayaking with your parents. The usual reply is "Gee, I wish my parents were like yours."

So, how do we get past the whining, complaining, and fighting? We have to be prepared for it.

• Plan your trips with the kids. Get them involved in where you will go, what to pack to eat, when you will return. Remember short happy trips are better than long miserable ones.

• Plan on stopping before the kids start saying "Are we there yet?" Stop for lunch, a swim, or a tree to climb. Don't make it a destination trip. Make the trip an adventure in itself.

• Don't tolerate bad behavior. Let it be know that on a trip everyone helps out and watches out for each other.

• Do not bring along any electronic devices other than a cell phone. CD players and video games are left at home. The cell phone should be turned off and used only for emergencies.

• Bring along a change of clothes. Adults and kids who are wet and cold are grumpy.

• Pack insect repellent, a small first aid kit, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera.

• Make sure that you bring plenty to drink.

Happy Paddling,

Irene