James RickardGet the kids outdoors
November 21st 2007 04:01
Every now and then I talk about taking kids fishing. It's good for them to get out and away from the TV, computer, and video games. I ran across this the other day on the ESPN Website. Actually, it was posted around Halloween. I was slow to find it but, I think it rings true just about any time!
Some of these things you've heard before. Others, you just seem to know instinctively if you're a parent. Anyway, if you're going to go out with a kid, remember that it's all about them!
Some of these things you've heard before. Others, you just seem to know instinctively if you're a parent. Anyway, if you're going to go out with a kid, remember that it's all about them!
1. Trips with children should be to places where there is a guarantee of action. A good example is camping in a park where large numbers of wildlife can be viewed, such as squirrels, chipmunks, deer and even bear. Other good choices are fishing at a small pond loaded with bluegill. Boys and girls want action, not solitude.
2. Enthusiasm is contagious. If you aren't excited about an adventure, you can't expect a child to be.
3. Always, always, always be seated when talking to someone small. That is why fishing in a small boat is perfect for adults and kids. Nothing is worse for youngsters than having a big person look down at them and give orders.
4. Always show how to do something, whether it is gathering sticks for a campfire, cleaning a trout or tying a knot. Never tell – always show. A button usually clicks to "off" when a kid is lectured.
5. Let kids be kids. Let the adventure happen, rather than trying to force it within some preconceived plan. If they get sidetracked watching pollywogs, chasing butterflies or sneaking up on chipmunks, let them be. A youngster can have more fun turning over rocks and looking at different kinds of bugs then sitting in one spot, waiting for a fish to bite.
6. Expect young peoples' attention spans to be short. Instead of getting frustrated about it, use it to your advantage.
7. Make absolutely certain the child's sleeping bag is clean, dry and warm. Nothing is worse than discomfort when trying to sleep, but a refreshing sleep makes for a positive attitude the next day. I
8. Kids quickly relate to outdoor ethics. They will enjoy eating everything they kill, building a safe campfire and picking up all their litter, and they will develop a sense of pride that goes with it.
9. If you want youngsters hooked on the outdoors for life, take a close-up photograph of them holding up fish they have caught, blowing on the campfire or completing other camp tasks. Young children can forget how much fun they had, but they never forget if they have a picture of it.
10. The least important word you can ever say to a kid is "I." Keep track of how often you are saying "thank you" and "what do you think?" If you don't say them very often, you'll lose out. Finally, the most important words of all: "I am proud of you.
I'm going to add one of my own--Do things right and you learn the meaning of the phrase,"I wouldn't give a dime for another kid but, I wouldn't take a million dollars for the ones I have!"
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
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