Even with the best gear, perfect attitudes, and beautiful weather, taking your kids along for that hiking adventure can be tough.
Do they have enough bug spray or sunscreen on? Why can’t he just leave his hat on!? And could you please hold my hand so you don’t slip and fall! There are some days where simply getting everyone in the car is a daunting task. But you know what? It’s worth it. Every. Single. Time. Because our kids need to see us when we’re uncomfortable, tired, and hangry. They need to see us when we do hard things on purpose and persevere. Our attitudes and outlook during these adventures are the most important part and an opportunity for them to learn how to manage their own uncomfortable feelings. And when things don’t go quite as planned, those are the memories that they will hold onto through not only their childhood, but their entire lives.


Our daughter loves retelling the story of when we hiked to Mushroom Rock and saw a rat snake hanging out of a tree. Or the time we watched tadpoles swimming in a puddle out at Foster Falls and collected colorful leaves for her collection. The hikes that ended in bee stings and rain drenched clothes are stories she also retells often. And those memories are going to be some of my favorite as well. And that is what makes it all worth it.



