Traveling with kids on an airplane doesn’t have to be a drama. Sure, airports, security, all that, can make for a stress inducing start to a trip, but accept that you’ll get through it and you’ll be fine. Here are some tips to make it easier to get to the finish line–usually a beach somewhere or Grandma’s house.
Consider packing one carry on just for snacks. Since each child can have one carry on as well as you, pick one piece of luggage to store snacks, wipes, plastic forks and spoons, toys.
Even just looking at this picture, gives me a twinge of stress. Even though it’s just a picture. Am I right or am I right?
Good Snacks for the Plane
Fruit if allowed (apples, oranges, pears, peaches, bananas), granola bars, Kind bars, cheese (I brought a big chunk of cheddar and a plastic knife once and that got us through the first half of a trip to Hawaii.), Oatmeal cookies. Now is not the time to make a fuss about their eating habits. It’s all about getting through the day and keeping them from driving you and everyone else crazy on the plane. No I would not recommend this on a normal day, but there is nothing normal about trying to get little kids to manage through hours of sitting still on a plane, in a seat with very little room. So give yourself a break, and pack the Skittles.
Good but Messy Snacks
These of course are kid favorites, but take into account the amount of hours your flight is. Bring these by all means, but resign yourself to the fact that you will be sitting in mounting piles of crumbs once these babies are unleashed. If you can look the flight attendant in the eye after you peel out of the seat, go ahead and pack them. Besides, it’s nothing they haven’t seen before. So pack the crackers, Cheeze Its, cookies, raisins, fruit roll ups, dried fruit, seaweed snacks, graham crackers, cheerios, pretzels, and nuts and make your peace with it.
Toys, Toys, Toys, Did We Mention Toys?
Let there be toys! However, try to bring ones without lots of small parts. Also bring books, cards, stuffed animals (only take a few-they take up space and are easily left behind), simple crafts that can be done on a tray table and don’t have a zillion pieces, or require scissors, better yet, unless you see something that works, skip the crafts as there’s likely no room. If you are in first class, then maybe you can bring the crafts-but keep them simple. Coloring books but prepare to be picking up crayons from weird places for the majority of the trip. I would go as far as tying strings on the crayons and only bringing a few. I’m not kidding.
A Note About Favorite Stuffed Animals
And a reminder about stuffed animals. If you can get away with it, I highly advise you bring the B side team of stuffed animals. If you bring the favorites and they get left behind it will ruin your trip. Think about all the places between home and your destination that that one tiny stuffed animal can end up lost forever. So either bring a doppleganger, or bring the B side of creatures that will not send your child into a fit of dispair if one of them disappears.
Electronics on A Plane
God bless electronics. DS and other handheld games, Ipad, mini DVD players, laptops. Remember to charge everything up ahead of time and download the movies you want to see. You might be able to get wifi on the plane but it usually doesn’t allow movie streaming. Invest in a juicebox type charger that will allow you to add additional charges to your gear. If the upgrade to first class is doable, consider it on long flights as many of the seats now come with charging stations. Check first.
Don’t make the rookie mistake of forgetting the headphones and bring a spare.
In case you don’t have time to read, check out my video on traveling on planes with kids
Bring the Car Seat on The Plane
If your child is very small, you’ll need to bring a car seat on the plane if you don’t want them sitting in your lap. Many car seats convert to airplane travel friendly. It’s not counted as luggage. Strollers can be checked at the gate and that’s handy as it will be waiting for you on the other side.
Safety Harnesses, Don’t Judge
I had one on my daughter at customs coming back from Turks and Caicos to JFK and it was a God-send. Long lines and little kids don’t mix. I could let her wander around and she couldn’t go very far, but I had the comfort of knowing she could move around a little without disappearing in a crowd–where I’d have to lose my place in line to go get her. And they come in cute designs like teddy bear backpacks, etc.
When we were in Turks and Caicos, my daughter was like a fish on a line, The minute I felt a tug I knew to check on what was going on a few feet away. Did I get the stink-eye from the Uber parents and the people who don’t have kids but think they know everything? Sure. But she’s alive and sitting on her bed, reading in her room today. God forbid, I’m not wondering where she is.
I say get over the leash thing if you can. People may frown upon it but who cares. It’s your child’s safety. No need to apologize. And if you don’t use it anywhere else, consider taking one if you have a potentially long customs line waiting for you. After awhile I found the only place I ever really used a leash/harness was on long lines. But it depends on how rambunctious your child is.
Temporary Tattoos and Skin Writable Markers
Safety temporary tattoos are awesome. Put them on, write your phone number on the tattoo with the special pen and you’ve got one less worry. You don’t really need the tattoos but they are cute and somehow make you look less neurotic. I had a handful sent to me back when I was an editor for Disney and they were fantastic. Little buttlerflies and stuff with a space for “If Found, call XXX.” I would not write your child’s name on them though in case someone uses it to their advantage. A phone number can be called, traced etc. A name can be used to subvert a kids’ normal sense of discomfort around a creepy stranger. I’ve also seen markers in toy stores for this purpose. Just make sure it’s not going to hurt your child and avoid the sharpies if you can. Otherwise, there is always the Sharpies.
Being nice doesn’t always come naturally, especially to other kids that your kids run into. This can be on the playground, park or out on the hiking or ski trails.
However, just because others aren’t so nice, doesn’t mean your kids, or you for that matter, don’t need to invest in being nice. To help you out we’ve put together an algorithm for how to be nice. Follow this and your life will improve at work, out on the hiking trail, in line at the waterpark, and at the deli counter.
eing a nice person is not something that can be precisely quantified with a mathematical equation. However, we can metaphorically express the qualities and behaviors that contribute to being a nice person as follows:
Being a Nice Person = (Empathy + Kindness + Respect) ÷ (Judgment + Selfishness)
Here’s what each component of the metaphorical equation represents:
Empathy: Practice putting yourself in others’ shoes, understanding their feelings, and showing compassion and concern for their well-being.
Kindness: Be considerate and thoughtful in your interactions with others. Small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in people’s lives.
Respect: Treat others with respect and dignity, valuing their individuality and showing regard for their thoughts and feelings.
Judgment: Avoid being judgmental and critical of others. Instead, focus on understanding and supporting them.
Selfishness: Be willing to put others’ needs and interests before your own sometimes. Selflessness and generosity are key components of being a nice person.
Remember that being a nice person is a continuous process, and nobody is perfect. It’s about making a conscious effort to treat others well and contribute positively to the world around you. Embrace these qualities, and strive to cultivate empathy, kindness, and respect in your daily interactions with others. Over time, these behaviors will become part of your character, and you’ll contribute to creating a more positive and compassionate community.
When you were younger you had dreams of when you had kids of your own, you and your spouse would go camping, biking and hiking with your kids. You’d spend the day as a family exploring nature and tag teaming it together to share the burden of schlepping gear and prepping. But that’s not how it turned out. It’s all on you. And let’s be honest, prepping to take even a short hike with your child, can be a bit of work. And when it’s just you and your child out in the great outdoors, the decisions are all on you.
You might be finding excuses for not going, and telling yourself you’ll wait until your kids are older and can handle themselves better in the woods. Don’t wait. Life is short and don’t cheat yourself or your child out of the experience because things didn’t turn out as you planned. Here are some tips to get it done and enjoy yourself with your child
Go easy on yourself. Don’t try to do it all. And take the breaks when you can find them. For example, don’t beat yourself up that you’re not up to taking them deep woods camping and doing all the cooking yourself. Do the cushy camping thing, with a nice campsite with lots of activities for the kids, restaurants nearby and clean bathrooms. They may not be experiencing what it’s like to be in the middle of nowhere, but so what, you’re outside and you are having fun together.
Invest in good carrying gear. Pay a little more for the lighter gear, and a backpack that can help you carry more while not killing your back.
Rent when you can. Don’t schlepp beach chairs or a beach umbrella if you can rent it.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid. You can do this. You are capable of much more than you give yourself credit for. Single parents are a resourceful lot when it comes to raising kids, why should getting out in nature be any different.
Post it! It may be a little lonely having no one to turn to to point out the latest cool thing your child just did, but don’t deny yourself this joy. So post it to your friends and family on Instagram and FaceBook. Let your friends and relatives gush about how adorable your kid is sitting on that rock or splashing in a spring. We read enough about everyone else’s adorable kids, so why should yours be left out. It may seem a bit silly, but it really does help get over the lonelies to read that “OMG she’s so adorable,” and “Wow she looks like she’s having a great time,” from your friends who care about you but don’t have the chops to be there in person.
And remember, you are not half a family just because it’s you and your child. I’ll admit it’s times like these that I feel guilty for being the one to end my marriage and making it fairly impossible for my daughter to explore nature with both of her parents at the same time. But then I remember I did it for a good reason and my daughter has a much happier single parent than she ever had as a married one. Then I remind myself, we are a whole family, even if it’s just the two of us. You deserve the same fun and experiences as other families have and it’s your job to make sure your kids make great memories with you. It’s a little extra work, but you’ll be glad you made the effort and so will they.
While hiking with my daughter, we came across this pretty little deer.
It’s time to put the MindCraft down and get outside. But hiking with kids changes the game a bit. Here’s what you need to know in order to have a safe, fun, educational hike.
1) Dress appropriately. Use layers. If you are going to be high in the mountains the weather can change pretty quickly and can go from rainy to hot and sunny and back again on a dime. Remember cotton gets wet and stays wet, so to wick sweat away it’s best to use wool in cold weather or technical fiber year round. A light windbreaker can save a hike on a windy day and keep you from calling it early because of a chill.
2) Shoes. Good treads are a must. Trail runners or hiking boots are ideal. Something that will protect little toes from the rocks along the trails. Sneakers will do in a pinch for a light hike, but if you are going to get serious about spending time with the kids outdoors, invest in a decent pair of shoes for hiking. Waterproof is preferable
3) Be realistic. You may be an avid hiker and five to ten miles is no big deal to you, but remember, kids are little. They get tired, they get whiny, they get hot. Don’t push them to do more than they can really handle. Start out slow and keep an eye on your pace. If it’s taking them longer than you expected, don’t try to push to get to that waterfall and back before dark. Pick trails that are easy to return to the car from, should your little one have enough sooner than planned.
4) Remember, this is about them. Yes you want to get out, and bond with your kids and get in touch with nature. But you are the parent. You are teaching your kids right now. Your number one goal is to impart your love of nature to your child. You want them to go home excited and wanting to do it again. If you push them and they hate it, you could turn them off to hiking for a long time.
5) Munchies. You gotta have munchies. Gorp, goldfish, apples, carrot sticks, crackers, plenty of water, plus throw in a few juice boxes. Bring things that you know they’ll eat. Now is not the time to focus on their eating habits. You want to avoid an out-in-the-wild, low blood sugar melt down at all costs.
What else to bring:
Cameras, notebooks, sunblock, bug spray, change of socks, GPS or a map app., a paper map, bathing suit, map, flashlight, tissues, diapers, wipes, sunglasses, plastic baggies (take whatever you bring in, out with you).
By the way, always bring a flashlight, even if you only expect to be out for a little while. You never know, and if you end up getting back later than planned, believe me you’ll thank me later.
Looking for an exciting way to spend time with your kids? Why not take them on an outdoor adventure? Not only will you get to bond with your little ones, but you’ll also be able to enjoy nature’s beauty and get some fresh air.
Here are some tips to help you plan your next adventure:
Choose a Kid-Friendly Destination
When selecting a destination for your adventure, it’s important to consider your children’s interests and abilities. Pick a place where they can explore and have fun, such as a nature reserve, hiking trail, or even a local park.
Pack Plenty of Snacks and Water
Kids can get grumpy when they’re hungry, so make sure you pack plenty of snacks and water for the journey. Granola bars, trail mix, and fruit are all great options for fueling up your little explorers.
Dress for Success
Make sure your kids are dressed appropriately for the weather and the activity you have planned. If you’re going on a hike, comfortable shoes and breathable clothing are a must. If you’re going to be near water, don’t forget to pack swimsuits and towels.
Kids love games, so make your adventure into one! Create a scavenger hunt, where your children have to find different plants, animals, and other natural features. Alternatively, you could play “I Spy,” with your children taking turns to spot different things in the environment.
Take Plenty of Breaks
Kids have shorter attention spans than adults, so it’s important to take plenty of breaks during your adventure. Use these breaks to snack, rest, or even play a game. This will help keep your kids engaged and energized throughout the day.
Taking your kids on an outdoor adventure can be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. Just remember to choose a kid-friendly destination, pack plenty of snacks and water, dress appropriately, make it a game, and take plenty of breaks. Happy adventuring!
You can do what everyone else does and just follow the herd to your local, overpriced university or you can try something new. Not only will your child get a college level education, they will learn about the world around them and meet people from other cultures. This one could argue is even more valuable than the classroom work they do.
It’s Cost Effective
The cost of a college education has risen outrageously over the last four years. It’s an absolute tragedy how many kids come out of school with huge debts that make them risk adverse. They can’t afford to start a business because they have to start paying off those debts in six months, so they have to find a job and be on someone else’s payroll. They can’t even goof around and travel for a year if they want, because these education debts are weighing them down.
The US should be ashamed at what they are doing to our young adults, at the most vulnerable periods in their lives. It’s a form of indentured servitude if you ask me. It’s the only loan that can’t be thrown into bankruptcy, so there really is no way out. You either pay it off or have it haunt you for years. Europe and other countries do not do this to their students. In Germany, it’s even free to non-residents after a year.
There are also so many programs now in English taught in Europe that with a little extra work, and a little nerve, your child can walk away with a solid education, great connections and little to no debt.
Your Child Can Learn a New Language
Didn’t do as well as you’d hope they would in those couple of language classes they taught your kids in school? Not surprised. It’s really tough to learn a language and stick with it, in the US. Unless you go out of your way to find those that speak the same language–some are easier than others depending on the language–it’s tough to maintain it.
I have always regretted not speaking at least one other language and am always so impressed when I hear someone switch back and forth. It will open up a world of doors and give your child a competitive advantage in this global economy. By going to college abroad, even if your child’s program is taught in English, they will still be exposed to another language outside the classroom. And, since it’s going to be used for practical purposes, the language your child picks up with be more functional and stay in their heads longer, than if they learned it in a classroom.
It Builds Confidence
As adventurous parent types, we know getting out there into the unknown and trying new things and meeting new people, and seeing that you can succeed, is the biggest confidence booster you can have. When I was an exchange student I remember being terrified at first, but then realizing, this isn’t so bad. I think I can be dropped anywhere and be able to figure it out. That lesson stayed with me from my 20s all through my life. Finding out that the world is not as big and scary as you thought, and people are not as different as you thought, gives you the confidence to know you can make it anywhere, even if it’s only for a few days. It changes your mindset to think globally, and understand that you are part of this big world, and not on the outside looking in from just your little corner.
You have an Excuse to Travel
Selfishly, I’d love my daughter to go to Italy. We joked that if she goes to Florence, I’ll just show up with empty suitcases. When you go to look at colleges or visit your child at school or on break, you have a good excuse to do amazing travel you might not have otherwise done. If your child goes to college in Europe, maybe you can crash at their place for the week and head out for some sightseeing fun either on your own or with them as your tour guide of wherever they have landed. Since they are already there, that’s one less ticket for you to buy. You can catch them at the end of the school year and do a little touring before heading home. I know cost can be a factor, but think about all the money being saved by having them go to school in another country to begin with.
Where to Find Out More
There’s a site I love, and when my daughter goes away to college the year after next, she’ll be leaning heavily into this site. It has everything you need to know about going to college overseas. Check it out. It’s called BeyondtheStates.com.
The key to enjoying winter sports is to dress right. There’s nothing more miserable and potentially day ruining than letting your child get cold, wet and uncomfortable kid. It’s important to also take into account what your activities are, what the weather predictions throughout the day will be and since most of it will change from hour to hour, you need to dress in layers. And layering in the right gear is also important.
Follow these guidelines and you’ll be good to go for a full day of family adventure.
First, what are you planning on doing? Will there be a lot of hiking up a mountain, skiing, duck walking up to the lift line? Will you be Alpine or Nordic skiing? What I’m getting at is, how hot do you expect to get under all those layers? If you think you’ll be sweating that’s important to know.
Dressing Your Core in The Winter
Base Layer (top and bottom):
A good moisture wicking, tightly woven, flexible technical fiber will keep you cool and dry. Keeping dry is important because while you are hot while you are sweating, if you don’t get rid of the moisture you just shed, it will make you colder than when you started out. Remember why we sweat in the first place? We sweat to cool our bodies down by evaporating the moisture off our bodies. Getting soaked even in your own sweat is just as bad as if you accidentally got wet. So, moisture wicking is key.
Also keep it flexible. The more flexible your under layer is the more you’ll enjoy yourself. And try to find the thinnest, with the most protection that you can. It can be a bit more costly but it’s so worth it when you are out there in the elements. Cold weather gear is not the place to cheap out.
For really cold days, you can add a layer of fleece on top of the under layer. Make sure that’s flexible as well for both your torso and legs. You want to be free to move at your own pace. Remember the kid in Christmas Story that looked like a marshmallow? Don’t be him.
Your Core Middle Layer:
We’ve already talked about Fleece but there are a number of technical fabrics you can use to layer up over your base layer. Wool is also a good choice as long as it’s flexible. This middle layer is the part you will want to remove and add as the weather changes. So for really cold days one more thin layer that can be easily taken off and stuffed in a bag if the sun comes out, might not be a bad idea. Just don’t make this layer a big heavy one. Stay away from the big cable knit sweaters. A turtle neck is fine to throw over your base layer but try to avoid cotton. Make sure if you do put anything cotton on, that it’s sitting on top of your base layer (as opposed to touching your skin directly–neck is OK) and you can peel it off easily.
Your Core Outer Layer:
First it MUST cut the wind. It’s not worth anything unless it cuts the wind. I don’t care how pretty the jacket is, you’re not going to care if you are miserably cold. Tight fibers like Gortex and other types of material are good for blocking wind and water. You want a nice, water and windproof shell. This way even if you do get sweaty under there, the wind won’t be getting through to evaporate the sweat. You can get a super heavy duty jacket that has goose down or layers of insulation that will keep you super warm standing still. If you will be standing around watching an event or minimally active outside, this is a good choice.
For skiing, or hiking I’d recommend a mid weight shell with air vents and plenty of pockets to hold your stuff. If you think it might be super cold out, I’d go with yet another fleece layer with a shell on top of it, than a very thick jacket. The weather can change on a dime and when you are skiing hard or Nordic skiing (which you’ll find yourself dripping in sweat even on the coldest days) you will get hot. If you have a fleece layer that you can remove and a shell with vents under the armpits you can better regulate your body temperature. If you only have a big honking goose down jacket to remove, you’ll be stuck with either freezing or sweating your brains out. Or you’ll be putting it on and taking it off every five minutes. One important thing to remember about technical fiber, don’t stick pins in it. No name tags, no stick pins. If you push a pin through that fiber, you’ll start to ruin the whole “wind-proof” part of it.
Preparing Your Head for the Cold
If you grew up under a rock you might have missed the fact that 70% of your body heat leaves through your head. That includes if you have a thick skull or a thick head of hair. So ladies, I know I hate them too, it’s hat time. Granted if it’s not super cold out, you can get away with a fleece headband or earmuffs but a hat is your ticket to long term fun. I have always hated hats, but I’ve come to Jesus about it and found a better way. Instead of a hair flattening, stupid looking hat, I bought a neoprene full head hood. I look like I’m ready to dive off a pier but it has this great affect of keeping my head warm, plus my hair stays relatively intact. It’s similar to when you put your clothes in a suitcase still wrapped in the dry cleaner plastic. My thick hair is flattened out and tucked away so it’s not getting stuck under my goggles, so it makes it easy to put on my helmet (also another item I finally grew up and started wearing).
Ski Helmet:
If you are skiing, helmets are not just for kids anymore, everyone should be wearing a helmet. It took me awhile to get over the dork factor, even though I’d think nothing of wearing a bike helmet, but seriously, there are rocks out there, and ice as hard as rocks. When you think about how crazy it is to be strapped to a board sliding down the side of a mountain…on snow… it’s kind of crazy that we didn’t always wear helmets. So invest in a good one. Make sure it comes from a reputable company and make sure it fits comfortably on your head. Air vents are also a nice feature to have. Another nice feature are the kind that come with cushioned pockets that let you drop little speakers in. Make sure to replace it every few years and for kids, check every year to see that it still feels comfortable or go get a new one. Never use a hand-me-down helmet. Treat helmets like you would car seats.
Mounting Things on your Helmet:
I know a lot of people like to mount cameras on their helmets. I’m not an expert on them by any means, but something about drilling through or attaching mounts to a helmet never sat right with me. If the helmet comes with a mount that’s a better choice. When I read that the formula one racer, Michael Schumacker’s freak off-piste ski accident, which left him in a coma, was possibly caused by his Go Pro mounting, that kind of made sense to me. It’s just good policy not to modify safety equipment after market.
Ski Goggles:
My least favorite piece of equipment. I am yet to find the perfect pair that never fogs, is dark enough for sunny days, and still lets me see the dips and peaks of a very gray/white looking terrain. Depth perception is the bane of my existence when the sun is not out. And I want ones infused with Google Glass or something like that, that shows me where to go and how to hit the mogul…and an arrow pointing to the lodge, but I digress. If you are a heavy breather like me, invest in a pair that leads with no fog as their key feature. They even have ones with fans in them. Truth is, it’s best to have a couple of pairs ready, one for sun, one for clouds, or a set that allows you to change lenses. And it has to fit your face or you’ll be miserable. There’s no easy win with Goggles, do your research and take your time to get them fitted. This is one of those items (unlike Swaravski- encrusted ski jackets) where the more you spend, the better the gear will be.
Keeping Your Neck Warm
Scarves are Ok in a pinch but if you are planning to be active at all, invest in a neck gator. It’s a nice round, usually fleece scarf that stays snug around your neck (not too tight of course) and you can pull it up over your face when you need.
Try to have at least one of your layers zip up your neck. You want to make sure there’s no way for air to get down your shirt, or blowing on a naked neck. When skiing your chin gets cold because along with your nose, it’s one of the first body parts heading into the wind. So at the least a gator, at the most, something that zips up completely covering your neck.
Scarves are also bad because they get caught in chair lifts and under skis. They’re kind of deadly actually, so if you have a scarf tied around your neck, be very careful about loose ends.
Keeping Your Legs Warm During Winter Activities
The same as mentioned above applies for pants. My recommendation is get the most flexible, comfy pair you can find. They can be baggy as long as they cling to you on the inside and are water repellent. Unless you don’t plan on ever falling, ever, or it’s warm enough for you to ski around in wet drawers, only invest in water resistant. The more waterproof, the less flexible they tend to be, so try to strike a balance, or don’t plan on falling down. And no sitting in the snow while waiting for your less than perfect friends to catch up either.
Keeping Your Feet Dry and Happy
Winter Socks:
Wool, silk or technical fiber socks. No cotton. Repeat. No cotton. They can come in different thicknesses so choose them based on how cold you think it will be. Keep in mind what boots you are going to be wearing. I usually go with thinner. My boots are pretty well lined and hopefully stay water proof (but even the best boots can manage to get water in them). Feet sweat too remember. Avoid doubling up socks unless you have to. And did I mention, no cotton?
Boots–for Winter Hiking
Waterproof, covering your ankle is preferred. In summer I’d say a lighter shoe is fine, but when there’s a potential for any snow or slush, you want something covering at least your ankles, preferably up to your calf. You want a good grip on the bottom of your shoe. If you hit ice and there’s no tread on your shoe, down you will go unceremoniously. If it’s really icy, invest in a pair of crampons, it makes exploring in icy areas, so much easier. They are not just for ice climbing. Any hiking trail that gets trampled in the snow is going to get icy.
Boots–for Specialized Winter Sports
With any specialized boot you need to get fitted properly. Nordic, Alpine and Snowboarding boots are all different, so you need to get fitted by an expert and discuss the features that best work for you. Most importantly, they should feel comfortable even with a pair of mid grade thickness socks on as it’s likely that’s what you’ll be wearing. Don’t try them on with light, dress socks. Make sure your toes are not jammed in there and that if they lace or buckle up, they can handle your calf. For front entry boots for example if you have big calves, you might need to have the buckles moved. I’ve never tried the molded fit boots but they sound fabulous, but can be pricier. The idea behind them is the less wiggle room between you and the boot, the better control you’ll have over your equipment. I’ve also heard complaints from people who say the fitting wasn’t done right and it’s too tight out on the hill (which is just the worst). So you’ll have to explore that one on your own with a qualified sales rep.
Also, this may sound weird but make sure you clip your toe nails. If you are in between pedicures your nails might not be bothering you in regular sneakers as you walk around but you’ll find that if you are in a pair of boots and hiking, walking, running or skiing downhill and your nails are a little long, it won’t take long before they start cutting into each other. This can be really painful, so don’t underestimate it. Clip them good and lace up tight before you head out.
Keeping Your Hands Warm
Gloves
This is a key item. The first things that will get cold are your hands and feet. Invest in a good, waterproof, windproof, insulated ski glove. If you need to, you can also buy inserts as they can wick sweat away and keep your gloves dry for days of skiing. Just make sure your gloves still fit when you put them on. You don’t want your fingers to be too tight in them, or cut off your circulation. The last thing you want is less blood flowing to your fingers, since as it is, it will be making a mad dash to protect your core as soon as you get a bit chilly. Even with the best gloves, your fingers are likely to get chilly. Go inside when you need to, or take the time to warm your hands up, even if it means sticking them under your armpits. My recommendation, especially if you have kids with you, buy a big box of hand warmers, the kind you shake and they heat up. They are the best thing in the universe when you are out skiing and the only thing making you uncomfortable are your bitter cold hands. There’s no shame in them. I have them for the boots as well but they tend to bunch up in my ski boots and end up hurting. It really depends on the shoes and socks you have on so try them out before you go.
How to Handle Kids and Cold
Now I’ve written this with an adult in mind, but everything applies to a child even more so. When you are with children in the cold, remember they get cold faster, and are less tolerant that us adults. Keep checking on them, ask them how they feel because they may not always tell you, and be ready to carry their layers if they need to take them off or put them on. Keep an idea in your head of where all the good spots to warm up will be, and be realistic about how much you can push them.
Having a kid have a melt down because they are cold and miserable in the middle of nowhere on a cold, snowy day, believe me, can be a bit scary. I know because it happened to me. It was late in the day with a zero wind chill factor and my daughter threw a tantrum and refused to move, half way down the hill. Luckily I convinced her to move, but it was frightening to think what do you do to keep them from freezing. So cold weather is not the time to push them, even though you are dying for one more run, or to check out that ridge just a little further up ahead.
Oh and those hand and toe warmers? They are fantastic for shoving down a pair of kids ski pants if needed. They work magic. I just stockpile them each winter and bring fistfuls with me on every outdoor trip.
I’d love to hear about your outdoor winter adventures with your kids. Feel free to share below in the comments section. –Chris
First off, get over the idea that you’re going to hike like the animal that you were before you had kids if you are bringing said kids. It’s not all about you and how far and how fast you can go. It’s about making sure the next generation is exposed to the outdoors and will remember what an awesome parent you are for taking the time to do it. Your kids are lucky they have a parent that wants to do this stuff with them and even if they whine now, they will remember it when they have their kids…and the circle of life, yadda, yadda.
But in the here and now you need to be practical. So here are my tips for having fun hiking, staying sane and making sure everyone wants to do it again.
1) Take it easy on yourself and give yourself every advantage. Charge the phone and the juicepack. Make sure you have a map as a backup, or download them on your phone before hand. Don’t be a martyr. Download some apps that can give you details on flora and fauna as you hike in the area. Also do yourself a favor and download some pics of Poison Ivy, Sumac and Oak. You’re welcome.
2) Dress according and bring extra clothes. Weather changes on a dime and a cold or overly hot kid, is a miserable kid and a miserable hiking buddy. Bring T shirts and an extra sweater and depending how long the hike, extra socks etc. Cold weather requires multiple layers. Think Under Armor.
3) Bring food and water. Duh, you say but how many people go out without enough water. Remember you’re bringing not just for yourself but the kids too. Snacks, snacks, and snacks. And throw in a few Hershey’s kisses and get over it. A low blood sugar meltdown in the middle of the woods has it’s own special place in hell.
4) Wear the right gear. Suck it up and buy the kids the best hiking boots you can afford. You don’t have to go crazy, but get some kicks with serious all terrain treds. I moved to NYC and went on a three day trip with my daughter’s fourth grade class. I thought I’d see 40 pairs of overachieving, top-of-the-line hiking boots that could handle Everest, lined up outside the bunks. And there were some. But I was surprised at how many kids were hiking in rubber rain boots. Don’t do that. The kids managed but the steep slopes were extra treacherous. I’d rather they were in sneakers.
6) Ticks. I can’t emphasize enough how much you don’t want your kids getting bit by a tick. As someone who suffered a long time with Lyme Disease, it’s not fun, or pretty, and can be expensive. I hate telling kids to wear long pants on a summer hike, but if you can, do. And if you don’t hike in long pants, make sure you cover everything with bug spray including the hair lines and socks, then hose off or shower and do a good tick check under the arm pits, behind the ears and knees, ankles afterward. And be diligent even for a good twenty four hours afterward. If you do see an embedded tick, save it and take pics of it if you can. Oh and a word on DEET. If you have a homeopathic bug spray that works, go for it. Me personally, I go for the strongest thing I can get my hands on. Yes, it was so powerful it peeled the ink off the marshmallows package and transferred it to my legs where it touched (my legs were covered in Deep Woods OFF), but I’m willing to take that. And the freaky thing was, the only way to get the imprint of the marshmallow label off my legs was more bug spray. I know, I know. I don’t like all the chemicals either but I like Lyme disease even less.
6) And bring these other things accordingly:
Hats, sunscreen, diapers, bottles, backpack, baby carrier, baby food, towels, swim clothes, swimmies, band aids, neosporin, and don’t forget the aspirin, you’re probably going to need it.
Seems simple right? We all went through it. But it’s been a long time since you sat on that seat feeling awkward and being afraid you’re just going to topple over. It really is a weird thing when you think about it. Sitting there suspended on two wheels, the only thing keeping you balanced is the fact that you are moving. Besides having to worry about your balance now you have to worry about where you are going and if you can stop in time. So it’s good to put yourself in their shoes for a bit. It will help you have patience. And believe me it’s worth it. There’s nothing I enjoy better than looking back at my daughter’s beaming face as we ride through the streets of NYC, central park or out in the country together. She’s so darn proud of herself.
So what do you need to do to get your child on the bike and eventually out on a biking adventure with you? If you live in a major city there are programs galore geared toward helping kids bike. Check out your local town’s website for information. But to do it yourself, here’s how to get started.
1) The Bike
Go to a bike shop and have her fitted for the bike. She should be able to stand comfortably over the seat. Hold onto the handle bars and let her sit on the bike. Her legs should be able to extend but not stretch. Make sure the seat is not just too low or high. If it’s not the seat, then the bike is either too big or too small. Don’t get a bigger bike hoping she’ll grow into it. You’ll just have a miserable kid who tosses it down in frustration. Better to pay a little less or get a used bike to start with then try to get one with room to grow.
2) The Bike Gear
Helmets, get one that fits her head. Many helmets have adjusters in the back. That will give you a little room to grow. Get one that is sturdy, is from a reliable manufacturer and be ready to replace it every few years. Once it’s taken a few hard hits, it’s time to get it replaced. Keep it from sitting out in the sunlight as well as it can damage the material. Never put it in the back window of your car
3) Forget the Training Wheels
They just teach kids bad behavior and they use them like a crutch. Better to take the pedals off and lower the seat. Let them scoot around on it in an open area. It will be much easier to get the hang of it. Let them focus on balancing and turning. No need to pedal just yet.
4) Scoot Around
When they’ve gotten used to the feeling of scooting around on the bike and can balance, put the pedals back on and adjust the seat to accommodate for the pedals. Let them try it in a flat, wide area. No hills please.
5) Practice Turning
Make nice wide loops (that’s why I said to find a big wide area). Let them go in and out of circles. Keep them big and then go smaller and smaller, then change to turn the other way.
6) Learn to Stop
Once they are comfortable with the pedals they need to learn to stop. Teach them to step on the petal to break or use whatever breaking system the bike has. Most importantly remind them to be ready to put their feet down as the bike comes to a stop.
7) Take it Slow
Keep going around in your wide flat area until they feel super comfortable. Next it will be good to branch out to a quiet road. A rails to trail type bike path makes the perfect place for kids to practice.
8) Don’t Push Them
Remember, it’s about getting them out there and experiencing it for the firs time. If they hate it or feel pressured, you’ll be hard pressed to get them back out there. So be realistic about what they can do the first few times out. Don’t worry, I promise they’ll be ready for those longer jaunts in no time.
Surfing is a great sport for kids. It gets them out in the fresh air, surf and sun, teaches them balance and is something the whole family can do. But you don’t want to take them out into the big surf without being prepared. Waikiki Beach in Honolulu Hawaii is where surfing was invented. There’s a great section of the beach that for all intents and purposes makes for a perfect bunny hill for wave riding. There are non stop lessons going on everywhere you look. We visited Waikiki to check out the surf and we weren’t disappointed. We got together with friends and took lessons through Big Wave Dave’s Surf Shop. It was a great day of mom and daughter bonding. At one point we even got up on the boards at the same time. That’s something we’ll never forget. Big Wave Dave is where my friend, a Hawaii local takes her kids for lessons and I couldn’t recommend them more. Prices are reasonable and you can get a package of professionally shot photographs (with a long range telephoto lens) to capture the moment. Click here to sign up for surfing lessons
elieve me it’s worth it. There’s nothing I enjoy better than looking back at my daughter’s beaming face as we ride through the streets of NYC, central park or out in the country together. She’s so darn proud of herself.
