Teaching your kids outdoor safety is probably the most valuable hiking lesson you can give them. By taking the time to teach your kids about safety rules, protocols, and expectations, you will have a lot less “babysitting” to do on-trail.
Teach your kids to stay away from steep cliffs and drop-off areas, and to use caution around water and when climbing on rocks. Be sure to educate your kids about trail hazards (hydration, poison oak, rattlesnakes) before hitting the trails.
Teach your child to stay on the trail, never let them hike alone, and pick out a prominent visible landmark to prevent them from getting disoriented. With older children who are more independent, hiking experts suggest allowing them room to roam, but make sure you express to them that they are not to leave the trail for any reason and they must always wait at a fork in the trail for the group to catch up, even if they think they know which way to go.
Even if your children are well versed in woodcraft, be sure to use common sense and remember that ultimately as mom and dad, you are responsible for their safety, care and behavior.
Be aware of lakes, streams, cliffs, and drop-offs that could pose a safety hazard for young children. Don't let them out of your sight even for a moment, but take special care if water is nearby.
Plants: Teach your children what poisonous plants look like, and teach them simple rhymes to remember what to look for. Have them point these plants out to you, to test their recollection. Some of the plants in our area to look out for are Nettles, Devil’s Club, and Poison Oak. Do not let your children touch or collect fungi or berries that might be poisonous. Teach them a “no touch” policy as a best bet.
Wild Animals: Let’s face it- children have a natural fascination with animals. In areas where mountain lions and other stalking predators are a concern, simple rules are good. For example, "no running, have a whistle at the ready and always keep in sight of me" might be a good place to start.
Getting Lost or Separated: Teach your child that youstay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person. Provide your child with a safety whistle, and teach them how to use it. Stress to your child how important it is to keep the whistle with them at all times. Review the Hug a Tree program at http://www.gpsar.org/hugatree.html. This a great idea for if your child ever becomes lost or separated.
First Aid:Add the following to your regular kit, or pack a separate kit, depending on the age of your child:
Baby or junior Tylenol
Teething ointment,
Diaper rash treatment
Allergy medication/liquid antihistamine
Topical antihistamine cream
Insect sting relief
Children’s sunscreen
Children’s bug repellant
Tweezers to remove splinters or ticks
Anti-bacterial wipes or gel
Moleskin for blisters
Epipen if your child has allergies
Watch for sunburn, windburn, altitude sickness, dehydration, insect stings, poisonous plants, and hypothermia. Be aware and be prepared. Apply sunscreen liberally, and pack a hat.
Be sure to pack snacks and plenty of liquids and avoid caffeinated beverages. Salty treats will replenish liquids lost to sweat better than sweet things.
Keeping Safety Rules Simple: Here is a list of simple safety rules you can teach your child.
Stay with the group (don’t run off, get ahead or fall behind)
Teaching your kids outdoor safety is probably the most valuable hiking lesson you can give them. By taking the time to teach your kids about safety rules, protocols, and expectations, you will have a lot less “babysitting” to do on-trail.
