Article courtesy of InsideToronto.com - Angeline Mair, August 14, 2010
Short hiking trips help time-strapped urban families reconnectFor the time-strapped urban family, stepping into nature is as easy as joining a guided nature walk on a summer's day and still making it to afternoon music lessons or evening sports games. And Rouge Park is an ideal stop for families who want to spend quality time reconnecting with one another and exploring nature together. The park, which measures 47 square kilometres, with access points in Scarborough, offers year-round guided walks ideal for families that want to have an outdoor experience without having to give up an entire day to make it happen."A lot of kids are using a lot of techno-time instead of family time. They are in front of screens, whether they are hand-held units or big massive TV screens and they are not engaging with other people in a direct fashion or they are not outside engaging with nature and fresh air," said Diana Smyth, Rouge Park trail co-ordinator. Smyth, who is also Hike Ontario certified, says hiking gives families that much needed quality time, which helps them reconnect, while letting the children learn how to feel safe in nature. "When we are out on the trail with kids, we like to play a game where we put them in the lead and have them spot out blazes on the trees. And it really helps them feel like they are part of the walk as opposed to being dragged along," Smyth said.She added that these types of activities get kids away from the mono-vision of video-game screens."With the Rouge Parks walks we will always try to accommodate a child even if the walk isn't more or less advertised as a family walk because we want everyone to feel they are part of the outing." The trails in the park are also ideal for children because the paths are not so confusing that a family can turn back. "But we'd love to see you come through the whole walk with us."For many parents, taking young children on a nature walk may seem like a daunting task. However, if the family is well prepared, taking a stroll in the open air on a nearby trail has lots to offer. The key is having the right gear and right frame of mind.First, parents must take the lead and do the planning before heading out. "I think sometimes, perhaps you might over- or underestimated what your kid can do. But if you are prepared to give them the challenge and are prepared to shorten things if it needs to be, then your planning is just as much about the success of the outing as anything else," Smyth said.Although not a parent herself, she suggest that for new parents who are avid walkers and who want to bring the new addition on a walk, to take advantage of the many front-facing infant carriers available on the market. "That would translate as easily from walking in the mall to walking in the trail." Also, "Having one of these will certainly extend your ability to bring your child out in the trail for a longer outing." And remember to dress the little one according to the weather. Keep in mind, once the wee ones reach the toddler stage - and can only last about half-an-hour on the trail - they may need to be carried. Depending on the trail, Mom's tried and true stroller may not be the best option. "Even though those big jogging strollers look very sturdy, I don't think that will translate for a smooth ride for its occupant."But that doesn't mean parents and toddlers can't hit the trails together. She tells parents who are hiking with children to gauge the child's own abilities while giving the child the option to push themselves. And parents should know that they've got to decide a turnaround point when they have a walking toddler in tow. "So, if you don't have a carrier or a stroller and the trail really can't support a stroller, then figure out how long you need that turnaround before parents start to hear, 'Pick me up. I can't go any further,'" Smyth said.Another tip she offers to is to bring snacks. This way, along the trail parents can say, "We are going to stop and have a mini-picnic," instead of eating along the way. With this technique, "You are creating a destination that the child can look forward, too." Any types of games you can think of along the way that will keep them engaged are also helpful, for example, ask children to look for all the purple flowers. "Then they are focusing on things and they are not just looking around wildly. Because you'd be amazed how easy it is, even with adults, to be out on a trail and everything looks green and brown." Another bright idea is to dress children in tones, such as orange and yellow, that are not the same as colours that you find on the trail. "You want them to feel that they are not leashed to you. But that they are not going so far away that you can't see them because they've blended in," she said.On a beautiful day, the typical scenario for many families is to say, "Let's go for a walk". And then just show up. This, says Rouge Park trail co-ordinator Diana Smyth, is not ideal because the parents are not familiar with the blazing system of the trail. They see a path and they take it. And all of a sudden they are not sure of where they are. This is not a good starting point for making nature hikes a family recreation activity.Smyth said a step in the right direction would be to find a guided walk and join it, "even if it's just the parents who give it a try." Also, call the walk leader or conservation area and ask if there are family friendly hikes, and this will make parents more confident that the kids can be part of it, "That sense of adventure does not become anxiety - it becomes excitement," Smyth said.The first step for parents to take when choosing to make nature walking or hiking a recreation activity for the urban family is to start small and take it stage by stage. "Take (the family) for a walk in an open space where the car is almost in sight. And get (the kids) used to carrying their own small backpack."Once this step has been taken, families may want to consider joining guided walks, which Rouge Park offers on Wednesday and Saturdays. Smyth said this places a family in an environment where there are markers and they have a map and they can start to put it all together with the guide's help. "And a lot of people have been coming out on our guided walks because of that person in charge." Smyth recently had two families on a Rouge Park walk and she shortened the usual distance. "We were out a little longer than I anticipated (but not much) but the kids were all fine. They were all looking for the blazes on the trail and were excited they found them because they were talking ownership of the walk." |
