Should They Stay, or Should They Go???

Whenever I think of the story I read on Backcountry's blog a few weeks ago, I can't help but think of the Clash's song, "Should I Stay or Should I Go."

Apparently this lady thought that her kid would have an enjoyable time being strapped to her back while she climbed up the face of a cliff. Looking at the child's expression pretty much sums up why I have a hard time understanding why some parents insist that their children do everything with them, and go everywhere the parents go.

There are three people in this photo, and only two smiles. Can you guess which one is feeling left out from all the fun???

So why would parents want to take their child on an adventure when the kid is too young to appreciate the view, or the climb, or the work to get to the destination, or the feeling of "roughing" it? I honestly feel that parents don't do it to make their kids miserable, I think that the parents feel that the extra effort it takes to pack the kiddies along shows an unselfish desire to include the kids in everything they do - regardless as to whether or not the little ones want to be there or not. Although they have good intentions, it's important to ask yourself whether your child (note that I say child - not teenager) will be more comfortable at home or roughing it outdoors.

I am a firm believer of getting kids away from their videogames and other devices which tend to numb the brain, and get them outside for some good old fashioned fun. I do feel that there is an appropriate age for every adventure though. Going on a short hike with the youngsters is one thing, but taking them on a multiday backpacking trip is something completely different.

Ever want to know if your kids enjoy the trips that you take them on? Take a look at the photos...they have the tendency to speak the words some kids are too young to say. Look at the photo above! Who has the helmet? It may only be a 20-30 foot climb, but can you imagine how terrified that kid would be if she were to take a fall?

If you ever find yourself debating on whether to take the young kids or not, just ask yourself who it's all about - you feeling good about including them, or the kids who are too young to tell you what they want.