Do you take kids in deep?

robbier · 12-31-2009, 11:25 PM

I'm thinking about going in for a pretty intense hike and my sister-in-law wants me to take my nieces and nephews in with me. I think that's a pretty bad idea, as what I want to do is not easy. Have you ever taken in young kids before?

HillbillyMama · 01-01-2010, 12:31 PM

I have four kids and we hike quite a bit but if you are going for a "real" hike then I would never take them unless you are hiking with someone else. I would suggest sitting down with her and scheduling a hike for all of you to go on together.

Sniper · 01-02-2010, 09:34 AM

I don't think it is a good idea for someone to take kids hiking or camping with no other adult. Too many things can go wrong in a split second.

jason · 01-04-2010, 02:00 PM

Have they been hiking in any form before? I would start them on a small trail first, to see how they like it. Make sure they like it, and try and judge how long, and what they can handle. Last think you want is to do all the planning, get in about 20 minutes and they all complain they want to go back.

2coastcamper · 01-05-2010, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbier

I'm thinking about going in for a pretty intense hike and my sister-in-law wants me to take my nieces and nephews in with me. I think that's a pretty bad idea, as what I want to do is not easy. Have you ever taken in young kids before?

Ideally, when children are involved, there should be two adults for these reasons:

1. Something might happen to one of the kids, and an adult needs to run back for help. Having one adult leaves the injured child (and the other children) alone.

2. Something could happen to you, and then the children are left with no adult.

...

I've been on hikes where two adults could take care of up to 10 children adequately, but the key is the minimum two adults.

Grandpa · 08-20-2012, 02:04 PM

Although we start our kids backpacking very young, we do the buddy system with a kid/experienced adult. Note I said "experienced" adult. Some of my grandkids are more experienced at 11 than a lot of adults. But the buddy system is the way to go. Makes them feel important to have an adult as a "partner", not as a tutor. They try their hardest to show their skills and learn much faster than in a "classroom" atmosphere.

ChadTower · 08-20-2012, 02:09 PM

If you don't feel comfortable with the idea...

...you're very likely right about it.

If your sister in law wants her kids to go on such a hike I suggest you tell her she needs to come along. That will probably nix the idea instantly.

Esperahol · 08-22-2012, 02:40 AM

Well to start off with they're young so that makes the idea a shaky one from the start. Then you are thinking of taking a lot of them, which is a pretty big undertaking even with multiple adults nevermind just you. Finally is the fact that when you least want something to go wrong is when it will.

So, you're in deep and someone slips or trips or gets surprise mauled or there is an accident involving fire/water/sharp objects... and already you can see that this is a senario you don't want to deal with. You should probably sit down and discuss this with your sister, but if you feel uncomfortable then you are probably right to feel that way.

ejdixon · 08-22-2012, 10:36 AM

Took a couple of my nephews out hiking, but these are often on short and easy trails. For some reason, they get tired more easily when it comes to hiking. Also, you can never tell what can happen. There is always the possibility that someone might get injured along the way. Like what everyone else suggested here, if you don't feel comfortable with the idea, best go with your gut.

ppine · 08-22-2012, 12:39 PM

I have taken other people's kids far, deep and for long periods of time. Just make sure you try them on a day trip first to judge their personalities. Kids are very adaptable if their parents are.