I wish I could find a local job where I take other people's kids for hikes. Long hikes. Pushing them further then they think they can go. Challenging them and then helping them to meet that challenge. Pointing things out that get them excited and then getting super excited about the things that they point out to me.
I just love the challenge of figuring out what I need to do to keep them going. I love the excitement after a new goal is reached, a new hike accomplished or a new great treasure is found. I LOVE being their hiking buddy!
Today I got to be a hiking buddy. My two girls did just fine. Well, Avery completely melted down at the end because she got her glove wet. I eventually got her to stop sobbing. But our two other "big" kid friends that were along have not done as much hiking and with the chilly weather they needed some extra encouragement. I held hands, encouraged and pointed out fun things for them to see. And they both did great! They had fun and made it through the whole hike.
Our "big" kids leading the way!
We made it to the top!
And then headed back down to check out the river below.
We had a great hike this morning. And are really enjoying this strangely warm winter weather!
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The Nitty Gritty!
More on this idea of being a professional hiker....well kind of.
If a parent isn't interested in outdoor things like hiking, fishing, camping, etc. do you think it is important for them to find some other way for their children to have those experiences? You could ask the same question about music, art, dance, sports, etc. Is it a parent's job to expose their kids to everything, including the stuff that they might not enjoy? Or do we stick with the things that we, as parents, truly love so that it can be a bonding experience as well?
I work really hard to try a little bit of everything with the girls. But we certainly have a nature and outdoorsy focus to our lives. My girls don't take dance classes or art classes. They aren't very good at sports. Is it wrong of me to focus with them on learning and doing the things that I love? Should I be seeking out other people that are better at art or dancing or sports to work with my girls on those things? I do my best to introduce them to these things because attending classes for everything would get really expensive; but is that wrong of me?
I would love to know how other parent's feel about this and where you stand on the issue!
Great question! My husband and I felt like we had kids to introduce them to all that we love (hiking, running, skiing, art, reading) BUT we both agree that we are so excited to see what ultimately peaks their interests. Should it be ballet dancing....I am totally ready to plunge in and learn from THEM all that I can! :-)
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