CAMPING
Some children are afraid to sleep in a tent. As no parent's idea of a good time is
sleeping nightly with one or two children between you, don't even think about
resorting to this solution to overcome their nervousness. If possible, give children their own tent,
something they can develop a feeling of proprietorship for, similar to their
bedroom at home. Make it look homey with
sleeping bags spread out, sleepy friends, special pillows, toys, books and
their own packs and clothes. Pitch the two
tents very close together with the children's directly facing yours. Spread mats out on the ground between the
tent, forming a nice, cozy play area.
Then have the children sleep with their heads by the door where they can
easily see you through the netting.
Putting them to bed early while you still have a light on in your own tent
helps. For early morning wakes, have
books and toys ready for quiet playtime in their tent. If you only have one tent, let the children
take turns being the one who gets to sleep next to a parent. The same early morning technique works just
as well in one tent as two if you are firm about not letting them wake you or
make a lot of noise.
HIKING
Children are sometimes initially scared of heights `when`
introduced to hiking. I can remember
one of our first hikes when both Tristan and Colin literally crawled up parts
of the trail on all fours. Trails that
are above treeline are particularly alarming because children can see the long
drops. Let frightened ones hold your hand
and walk on the inside of the path as much as they want. A hiking stick also
helps them feel more secure. Let them
know that crawling up something or sliding down on their bottoms is perfectly
acceptable hiking etiquette. This phase
usually doesn't last long as most children have an affinity for climbing up
things.
SAILING
A boat's sudden tendency to heel and bounce around takes
getting used to for anyone. Some
children become scared each time the boat tips, a tedious business if you are
also trying to steer and handle sails.
Find or make a place where they feel comfortable, a cushioned corner of
the cockpit or cozy area below. Make it
into a comfortable area they can snuggle down in with a book or some toys, even
take a nap. Position them somewhere out
of the way so they won't have to get up and move just when something tense
happens. With a secure "nest"
of their own, they will gradually relax about sailing and begin enjoying it.
BICYCLING
Riding in a bicycle trailer might seem like a scary
proposition at first, especially if the child is alone and facing
backwards. Settle him with the usual
arsenal of treats and toys, make the seat especially cozy with a favored
blanket and pillow, then have one parent bicycle right behind the trailer where
the child can see and talk to you. For
children afraid of bicycling on their own, ride on the outside alongside and
just slightly behind them until they feel comfortable. This will give approaching cars the room to
pass you safely while still helping each child protected by your presence.
CANOEING
Sitting in a tippy-feeling boat inches from the water can be
unsettling to a child afraid of swimming.
Seat the child facing backwards within reach of the parent paddling in
the stern. This allows him to see your face
and easily carry on a conversation. Give
him his own paddle and something to tow over the side to make him feel more
comfortable about the close presence of water.
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