Take a Walk

This holiday season would be the perfect opportunity. Have a Happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Take a Walk With Your Kid
by Dr. Rick

Kids tell us in many ways that they’re more interested in our attention than in our gifts. Over the years, kids of all ages have told me in lots of ways – their behavior, their writing, their offhand comments – that they crave the attention of the significant adults in their lives.

One sophomore in a long-ago English class wrote plaintively that she didn’t really care about expensive gifts, of which she famously and enviably had many. What she really would have liked was some time alone with her mom, who rarely had time for her.

When kids ask for something so special, why not give it to them, especially when it costs so little? They’re young for such a short time.

I’ve found that a simple walk in the neighborhood can be a terrific gift. Here are some reasons why and some things to do on your special walks. Make them a happy routine. You’ll be glad you did.

1.One child at a time. Yes, walks with a group of kids can be entertaining, but make it a practice to walk from time to time with just one at a time. No siblings. Just you and one feeling-special kid. This, by the way, is a highly motivating reward for some job well done, some goal attained, or some good effort expended. Kids love being our center of attention.

2.Talk about school. Your walks are a perfect and leisurely way to learn about what’s going on in school. No agendas. Just hearing about classes, teachers, lunches, and classmates. Keep in touch and keep informed.

3.Talk about friends. Friendships are kids’ most urgent interests as they get older. Maintaining friendships is a learned skill, and kids need a sympathetic ear to sort things out. Be that person. You don’t need answers. Just be there.

4.Talk about family. Sometimes a relaxed walk is just the right time to talk about family memories, relatives who are no longer with us, or interesting family history. Kids love to know that they belong to a close group with a shared history.

5.Talk about sports. A universal topic. Talk about school, local, or national team favorites. Share your interests, experiences, and knowledge. Talk about your sports heroes and favorite memories. Ask about theirs.

6.Talk about favorites. A perfect conversation starter. Everyone has favorites. Food, TV programs, movies, music, personalities, books, subjects in school, heroes of the human and super varieties, pastimes, cars, fashions, technology. Up to you.

7.Talk about whatever the topic of the moment is. Maybe a crisis at school, a broken heart, hurt feelings, or confusion. Maybe a rising confidence from having just made a team, getting a part in the school play, or succeeding at something difficult.

8.Listen. You don’t always have to supply the topics of conversation. Kids have plenty of things to talk about. Let it happen.

9.Be silent. Silence is, indeed, golden. Amazing what holding one’s tongue can accomplish. Kids will continue talking, you’ll continue learning. And you’ll be gently and knowledgeably helping them gain independence while being present for them.

10.Keep a record of your mileage. Get one of those inexpensive pedometers that keeps track of how far you’ve walked. It’s fun to watch the miles rack up, an added physical benefit to go along with the closeness you’re building. Make a mileage goal.

11.Sing, skip, and be silly. Walks should be fun. No reason why you have to turn them all into learning experiences or family therapy. When the mood hits, sing a favorite song together, kick a stone for as long as you can keep it going, skip, hop, and act silly. Wear fun hats. Let the neighbors wonder what you’re up to.

12.Draw, describe, write. Make mental notes of what you see. When you get home, sharpen your powers of observation by drawing together, or writing the occasional poem about what you noticed.

13.Take pictures. Many a talented amateur – and professional – photographer started by snapping pictures around the neighborhood. Just about every phone has a camera now, or those single-use cameras are just right for youngsters.

14.Learn about nature. Just about every community has a park. Explore the trails, become familiar with the varieties of trees, and notice the effects of the seasons on nature. For each season, note the changing light, the position of the sun in the sky, the way animals adapt to winter, the way trees and flowers come back to life in the spring.

15.Get to know the neighborhood pets. Walkers get to know their neighborhoods in ways people in cars cannot. Walkers get to know not only their neighbors but their neighbors’ pets, the friendly puppy from the house on the hill, the tetchy mutt that needs a wide berth, the cute calico always curled in the sun by the corner. Come up with funny names for them.

Don’t try to do all of these things in each walk, of course. You have plenty of time and plenty of walks. But you get the picture. Kids need our time, we want to be there for them, and taking a simple walk on a regular basis fills the bill. Get moving.