By Christina Pittman
In today’s world with technology at our fingertips, it can be a struggle to pull a kid away from it all. But it’s so worth it to get them outside to enjoy God’s beautiful country. Here are some tips to make it easier for them—and for you:
1. Always pack snacks. If you think you have enough, pack more.
2. Coloring books and crayons will work for a short amount of time, but they help.
3. Don’t expect to sit for hours and hours like you normally would. Remember, we want them to have fun and look forward to the next time.
4. Use everything you see and hear as a learning experience. The more they learn about the trees, animals, weather, and all surroundings, the more they will appreciate the outdoors.
5. Take a small chair, pillow and blanket so your child can get comfortable and enjoy the blind.
6. Accept the fact you might not see or shoot an animal. Teach your child that it’s also a part of the hunting experience.
7. Bring a camera along so they can take pictures of animal tracks, flowers, or anything else they see along the way to the blind. Smartphones work in a pinch, too.
8. Teach your child to be mindful of rattlesnakes and not take their surroundings for granted.
9. If your child is fidgety inside the blind, bring along a book for them to read, or as a last resort, a tablet for playing games.
10. Remember, have fun!
Cherish the memories you’ll build with your child. My daughter Ava has been hunting with me and my husband since she was 4 months old. She still talks about how her mama shot the biggest hog on the ranch, and we were together. Pass the torch by taking someone hunting with you. Let’s keep hunting alive by adding them to the outdoor family!
