There was a time when keeping a child indoors was virtually possible.
This was an era before DVD's, video games, and all the other technological "wonders" that seems to keep a child in his room or on the couch.
These days, it is as hard to push a child through the door leaving as it was to keep the older generation inside during their youth.
What do we, as parents, have to offer a child that makes it worth going outside for? We could argue that the outdoors is beautiful, but they can see it all online if they truly wanted to.
No, it has to start in the beginning.
When a child is young, shortly after learning to walk, we must get our kids interested in going outside.
One very popular method is hiking.
A pair of good kids hiking boots is a good start.
It will give them the incentive to start.
The boots will make the very young kids want to go outside, particularly if you, the parent, have your own hiking boots to wear when you go out.
Hiking is one of the healthiest pastimes in the world today.
It not only gives you exercise, but helps to relieve as well as prevent stress.
First, as said before, get the child some kids hiking boots.
Then take them out into the woods and find a small stick.
Let the child pick out the stick.
It needs to be just big enough around to fit their hand nicely.
Then, take the stick home and carve the bark off of it.
Sand it down, stain it with a nice brown or reddish color stain, and then polyurethane it.
Voila! Your child has his first hiking stick.
You will be shocked to find out how quick and often the child wants to use it too.
When not hiking, take the stick and lean it in the corner by the front door.
Put the shoes next to it or tie the shoestrings to the stick and hang the hiking boots off of it.
Every time that your little one sees that stick and those kids hiking boots, he or she will ask you to take them hiking.
Start young and your child will grow to be an avid outdoor entrepreneur.