in your child. Developing your
own, genuine relationship with the
outdoors, however, is likely to become
infectious.
Start small, with fun and rewards
“Start small,” urges Cosmo. “If
they haven’t done much before, it’s
important that they can get a sense
of achievement out of it – a short trail
with a climb and a view, a short out-
and-back trail so you can turn around
as needed.”
“Make it fun,” says Thorsten. “Be
realistic about what little kids can do.
Hiking in high humidity is awful – do
a short walk which takes in the beach
and rock pools instead.”
Finding a reward is another
way to engage their interest. “Creek
gorges with a water hole to jump in –
especially in summer – is one of my
boys’ favourites,” says Cosmo.
Food is a good motivator, too.
“Have some breaks with a yummy
snack, like dried mangoes,” adds
Cosmo. The Bruces also admit to a
bit of gentle encouragement at times:
“We used to bring treats for along
the way and try to point things out,
collect interesting items from our
hikes or give shoulder rides.”
Don’t be discouraged if your
enthusiasm is met with malaise.
“If you let kids, they would play
with Xbox all day, and mine are
no different,” admits Cosmo. And
certainly don’t give in, warns
Michael Lanza of The Big Outside
(thebigoutside.com). Instead, he says
take them out anyway and employ
bribes strategically.
“Bring along motivators like their
favourite candy bar to eat halfway
through a hike and a favourite stuffed
animal. Do things that create positive
associations for kids, like giving them
their own gear (headlamp, pack,
walkie-talkie, etc.), and let them
be the hike leader or take charge
pitching the tent,” Michael says.
The trick is to engage them.
“Give them a challenge they can
achieve and reward them when they
do. A good trick, especially when they
were a bit younger, was to get them
to run ahead, hide, and then jump
out and surprise me. It keeps them
running for hours,” says Cosmo.
Soon, the sense of
accomplishment will be a reward
in itself. “They both feel so chuffed
when they complete something big,”
says Emma. “I know success and
confidence breeds in them a desire to
participate in future races.”
If none of that works, it’s
important to establish clear lines of
communication. “Establish a rule
up front: no whining,” says Michael.
“Tell your children they can talk
about any situation they’re not happy
with, but draw the line at complaining
just to complain… explain what you
will be doing and what’s expected of
