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Taking Care of Mother Nature
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TIPS FOR RAISING WILD KIDS
SUSTAINABILITY
Taking Care of Mother Nature
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Are you ready to raise some wild kids? Kids who love going on adventures and are eager to #ThinkOutside?
If so, then you're in for a fun-filled adventure and, you've come to the right place! Here at Sierra Designs, we believe kids who spend time in the wilderness are happier kids! Every child has the potential to be an adventurous explorer. And we should know - we've been helping all types of families dedicate their lives to raising adventurous kids. So if you're wanting to raise your kids to be wild and free, here are some tips:
1. Get Them Outside As Much As Possible
The great outdoors is where adventure kids thrive. So get them outside as much as you can, whether it's hiking, camping, or just playing in the backyard.
2. Encourage Them to Take Risks
One of the best ways to raise an adventurous child is to encourage them to take risks. Let them.
3. Find Activities Everyone Can Enjoy
Not every outdoor activity has to be a death-defying feat. Even simple activities like hiking, camping, and fishing can be bonding experiences for families.
4. Be Prepared for Anything
The best way to make sure everyone enjoys the outdoors is to be prepared for anything. This means having the right gear, being ready for any weather surprises, and always have a backup plan.
Tips From Sierra Designs Parents
Snacks for the Win
“Start them young! I started hiking when my kids were only a few weeks old. As they got older, it wasn’t quite as easy as plopping them into a kid carrier and hitting the trail. My young toddlers needed the motivation to keep moving forward. My first go-to is always snacks. From fruit snacks to small M&Ms, they get small treats as we keep on going.
When snacks are rare or have lost their luster, we enter the animal kingdom. From walking like bears along the trail to chasing each other like tigers between the trees, our imagination takes over as we all keep (often times slowly) move down the trail.”
Alexandra, Sierra Designs Marketing Manager
Play the Spelling Bee Game!
“We play Spelling Bee Game! – I say spell the word ______ and it’s usually something we see in nature as we are walking around. I spy is always another hit with my little one. And we can't forget a nice Ice cream reward at the end of a successful adventure.”
Jayme, Sierra Designs Production Designer
Keep Outdoor Toys On Hand
“I keep a bunch of fun outdoor gear in my car (like bubbles, sidewalk chalk, sand toys, sports gear, and construction vehicles) so we're always prepared for outdoor fun! Our favorite thing to do outdoors is go to a park or a nearby lake and spend the day there. My son plays with rocks and dirt for hours while I enjoy the sunshine and fresh air!"
Kristen, Sierra Designs Ambassador
Take Them Everywhere
"Don’t just try to explore far from home. Put them in rickshaws and go for a ride around town. Find a local light rail stop and take it to a park or science museum. Show them they can get around in so many ways to so many places. Once the spark to travel has been engaged, they will love longer road trips. Speaking of, afternoon road trips or a quick drive through the country or anywhere outside of town can do wonders. You’ll find something on the side of the road that they’ll want to explore. An old mill, a waterfall, a strawberry patch, or maybe just an old house in the distance, anything that might be worth jumping out for a quick explore. Take them to a creek nearby and let them get out of earshot but still in sight. They will build confidence to be on their own and explore independently. Seeing you there and feeling safe is important but being independent is as well. If all else fails, tell them you’re hunting sasquatch.
P.S. Climb trees often."
Jonathan, Sierra Designs Marketing Coordinator
Take Them Everywhere
Each family is unique. Each child is unique. So the working ratio is likely different for everyone.
My tips for getting outside:
- Start them young, make it part of their world.
- Make it part of the family rhythm – getting out does not have to be a overnight trip, it can be an afternoon at the park, an evening walk, or backyard bugs.
- Make a plan, but be ready for it to change and roll with it….because it will.
- Under 4yrs – plan for down time activities, a place for naps, books, toys, etc.
- Streams are always a win (just watch that spring run off current)
- When they’re older working up to bigger hikes takes practice – it’s just like training – so don’t pull a 14er before they’re up to the task.
- Snacks are key on hikes.
My tips for camping:
- Sleeping bags were toys in our house – they kids used them all the time at home for fun. This helped because when we went camping the kids used “their sleeping bag” and they knew how to work the zipper, etc.
- A real pillow and their favorite stuffed animal goes a long way.
- Being cold sucks, get them a good sleeping bag and pad.
- Over 4 yrs – it’s a mix of making things fun and “letting them be bored”. Why? Because within the solution of boredom creativity is born.
- Campsite food is an underrated tool to make a good trip into a great trip. Doesn’t have to be elaborate, but little ones are hinged on fuel and their little bodies can’t hold much fuel before they are spent.
- Night time / bedtime routine – follow the same routine as home if able.
- When they are older get them into their own tent ASAP.
- Less is more when it comes to gear, but let them bring what they need to be comfortable.
- When my kids were little we used to have a small box, like a Rubbermaid bin. I would let the kids bring any toys they wanted, as long as it fit in the box.
- Successful campsite games for us were: cards, bubbles, tetherball (I made a camping version myself) frisbee, glow in the dark stuff.
Nels, Sierra Designs Director Tents & Furniture
In conclusion, if you want to raise happy, well-adjusted wild kids, get them out in nature! It's good for their bodies, minds, and souls. So take them camping, hiking, fishing, and exploring as often as you can. And on behalf of all the kids out there, here’s to all the amazing moms out there! We love you so much and truthfully appreciate everything you do for us.