Took my kids on the Pine Creek loop and learned a LOT about patience

Last summer, I planned a two-day hike on the Pine Creek loop with my two young sons. We got into a BIG argument about stopping for snacks every half hour. I had to adjust our pace and explain why we needed to keep moving. How do you handle family moods when the miles get tough?

4 comments

4 Comments

gray_ramirez1mo ago

Have you considered that your kids' snack demands might be the best strategy? Constant breaks can prevent total meltdowns and make the miles feel shorter for everyone. I've found that letting my crew stop when they whine means we argue less and actually cover more ground overall. Maybe the loop isn't about logging miles, but about not having to carry a crying child.

jennifera821mo ago

God, I wish I had that wisdom earlier. I used to power through snack whines like some kind of marathon coach, only to end up hauling a sobbing toddler the last half mile. My big plan for 'discipline' just meant I got to listen to crying while desperately searching for a parking spot. Now I just hand over the fruit snacks at the first sign of grumbling. It's not pretty, but neither is my attempt at being the fun police. Turns out, bribery with crackers gets us home faster.

lindaburns1mo ago

Honestly gray_ramirez, constant stops just make my kids expect them more.

jones.logan1mo ago

Yeah, tried that logic once. My kid still won.