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How can you take a 7-year-old, 2-1/2-year-old, and a 19-month-old out to do outdoor activities?
| Alice introduced her oldest child, Will, to the outdoors at a very early age by climbing New Hampshire's Mt. Washington—in winter—while pregnant. And she and her family haven't stopped experiencing the joys of outdoor adventure, even with newborn twins.
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Linde's Question:
How can you take a 7-year-old, 2-1/2-year-old, and a 19-month-old out to do outdoor activities? When I go to a public place, it's chaos at times and I can't enjoy it. I am also a single mom and don't get much help.
Linde Kines
Canton, Texas
Alice's Answer:
Unfortunately, with two toddlers in tow, life is simply going to be hectic most of the time, especially when you're not on home turf. I sympathize deeply, Linde, because I've got two toddlers of my own, both 14 months. There are simply places I will not go without another adult or helper, because when my girls head in different directions, it's anything but relaxing!
But don't despair, Linde, you're in the home stretch. I think three is a magic age--kids can understand so much more then and outings become a bit simpler.
With all of that in mind, I have several recommendations that should help with outdoor activities. My number-one suggestion is to take another adult along, if possible, so you can have an extra pair of hands, not to mention company for yourself. An ideal situation might be one of your seven-year-old's friends and the friend's parent. Then both of you will have company.
I regularly hike with the families of my six-year-old's buddies, and my friend, Ellen, is always toting one of my twins in a child carrier.
Yet another idea is to hire a teenage"mother's helper." You often don't have to pay younger teens too much, and they can be of great assistance.
Another huge help would be a double jogging stroller. Your youngest too are old enough to do some walking, but not too much, especially if you want to actually cover a bit of territory.
You'll all enjoy a jogging stroller. Your younger two can ride whenever they're tired and you'll therefore be able to travel much farther.
These strollers can navigate some fairly rough terrain and you'll also get a workout pushing it. In fact, my six-year-old sometimes manages to hop aboard on the little foot platform, which really makes the pushing a big effort. These contraptions are pricey - - several hundred dollars - - but they're indestructible, which means you can buy them used at a second-hand kids store or at yard sales.
Simple hikes and picnics are probably your best bet for outings right now. Don't expect to travel too fast or too far, but just being in the woods with your children can be a refreshing change of pace. Sometimes a change of scenery can do wonders for everyone.
Go cultivate as many adult helpers as you can, Linde, then hit your local trails. Remember to take plenty of snacks, water, and sunscreen to help keep your gang healthy and happy.
Let us know how your outings work out, and best of luck.
Sounds great to me, Tab. Of course, accommodations and children's programs like this are hardly cheap.
You can get more details at www.gorptravel.gorp.com. You can even book your trip by calling 1-800-444 DUDE, or emailing info@gorptravel.com.
Have a super vacation, and let us know where you end up.
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