Kids Do better outside

April 28, 2014 by trudilee

By Tim Hauserman

A few years ago, a book was published called “Last Child in the Woods” by Richard Louv. It talked about how when we were kids, we spent most of the day playing outside, away from our parents, only coming home when it was time for dinner. These day, when we are not keeping our kids busy with structured activities, they are on the internet or watching TV.

Now, a large number of child and parenting experts are proclaiming that this generation of kids are really missing out. That free play in nature is one of the best things kids can do. It develops a child’s imagination, helps them to learn problem solving skills and personal responsibility, and with all those calories being burned, it just might put a dent in the childhood obesity epidemic as well.

This has been an important issue for me for years. My book, “Monsters in the Woods: Backpacking with Children” talks about why it is great to take your kids backpacking. But even if you don’t spend the night, but just give children a chance to be out in the woods for an extended period of time, it’s a good thing. I said, “To me, backpacking with my children is by far the best time I spend with them. It is one on one time without the distractions of civilization. Away from phones, TV, ballet practice, toys and computers you can actually spend time talking about anything or everything, or most importantly, nothing, with your youngsters. While experiencing the beauty of nature, your children will learn important life lessons that no classroom can teach. As your kids get older backpacking is a chance for them to play again. A time to be young children, no matter what their age. To do simple tasks and focus on just the basics of life. They can learn that just like people have done for millions of years before them, they really can get by without the luxuries of civilization.”

Whether you take your kids out for an overnight trip in the wilderness, or just want to give them the opportunity to explore the joys of nature without the encumbrances of the modern world, Lake Tahoe is a perfect place to do it. We have miles of hiking trails and open forest that are just waiting to be explored. So get your child or grandchild out there, give them a chance to experience the smell of the bark of a Jeffrey pine, marvel at a mushroom, or a build a castle from branches, pine cones and rocks.