I’ve just returned from a 3 weeks holiday with my family in the Lake District, in the North West of England (where I’m originally from). Walking is something my husband and I have done with our boys since they were very young. Now, aged 18 and 15, they are as eager as ever to come on walking holidays with us and will happily hike up any mountain we suggest – the steeper the better, as far as my 18 year old is concerned.
Spending quality time walking with your children is one of the best ways I know of raising great kids. It’s a real pleasure to get out in the fresh air (sometimes a bit too fresh in England), admire the fabulous scenery and spend hours of time together. There’s really nothing like it and I recommend it to all parents who are keen walkers. Even if you’re not a walker yet, you might get to love it if you give it a try.
You don’t have to climb mountains
While raising great kids, quality time together can be as easy as a walk on the beach. Slip off your shoes, walk along the water’s edge, feel the water between your toes and the wind in your hair. Check out your local area and see if there are any local foot paths and walk-ways. Are there any national parks in your area?
Having lived in Sydney for almost 18 years, I think we have walked almost every harbour, bush and beach walk with our boys. Even now, if we are heading into the City at the weekend to visit museums, markets or gardens, we will park the car on the south side of the harbour and walk over Sydney Harbour Bridge to our distination. Walking back over the Bridge at sunset is an experience not to be missed.
Total Cost – Zero
One of the great things about walking is that it’s free. If you pack a delicious picnic for lunch, eaten away from crowds and queues, a day spent with your children will cost you very little.
Don’t walk in Ugg Boots
You wouldn’t wear slippers to play football or wear ski boots when you cycle, but you’d be surprised how may walkers wear totally inappropriate footwear while walking. Just last week in a UK newspaper there was an article about walkers twisting ankles and having to be rescued (at great expense) because they were hiking in Ugg Boots. I’ve seen children walking in the Blue Mountains (2 hours drive from Sydney) in thongs – that’s flip-flops by the way, not the other type of thong.
If you’re planning walking and raising great kids think about what is appropriate footwear for the type of walk you are planning. Hiking boots that give proper ankle support are best for walking in the mountains; walking/running shoes might be more suitable for flat walks. If your children have sore feet at the end of the day because of wearing inappropriate footwear, they are unlikely to want to go walking with you again.
Added Bonus
Of course, you wont just have lots of fun walking together as a family, you’ll also get fit if you do it regularly. Walking – just one more way of raising great kids.
Final Photo (I can’t resist)
Please send me your thoughts about walking with your kids. Just fill in the box below or click on the word Comments.
Hi Jan,
A big thumbs up to walking. It’s a great physical exercise that you can double as a social activity. And because it’s low impact you can make a day of it – or extend your walking episode at will. It’s a natural activity in raising great kids. Glad to see you enjoyed your holiday. Your hiking pictures look great.
David Moloney´s last blog ..Using Layers in Your Artwork Makes Sense
Great pictures Jan, and as you said, what a fabulous way for raising great kids. Walking keeps you fit, brings you closer to nature, and enables you to spend quality time together.
A couple of weeks ago, we packed a picnic, and walked up to Barrenjoey lighthouse at Sydney’s Palm Beach. The weather was great, the views awesome, and the company was wonderful
.
Hilary´s last blog ..Indoor Air Quality
Hi Jan,
Beautiful scenery in the pics and a lovely family.
I like walking although I probably don’t do enough lately. Your article has reminded me that it’s important to take a walk more often. Growing up, my mother would often want the family walking after dinner. The dog and the cat came along as well.
I recall we once also walked over the Harbour Bridge. I suggested we also walk up over the arch and my mother dismissed the idea as nonsense. 30 years later it’s a profitable business
Thanks for your comments Jill. You’re right about the Harbour Bridge climb being a profitable business. Whenever I drive (or walk) over the bridge there are always at least 3 groups doing the bridge climb.
Thanks for your comments Hilary. We too love the walk up to Barenjoey Lighthouse. The view looking back to Palm Beach and Pittwater is fantastic.
Thanks David – you’re right about walking being a great low impact physical exercise. It’s perfect for young and old, and everybody in between!
So nice to see you having fun with your boys – a great way for building relationships, chatting as you go. We live in a country with a temperate climate and beautiful contrasting scenery. You can take so much more of it in when you walk.
We also have done many walks with our kids, starting when they were pre-schoolers, and still love it today.
Carolyn
Thanks Carolyn – My husband and I have always loved walking (mountains if possible) so taking our two boys walking from a very early age was always going to happen. Fortunately they love it too and I hope we’ll continue to climb mountains together for many years to come.