Anyone else's kids refuse to try new trails?

Dec 17·1 min read

My 8yo has mapped out exactly 2 acceptable hiking routes and will literally whine for 45 minutes if I suggest anything different. I get that familiarity is comforting but like... there are 47 other trails within 20 minutes lol. How do you convince them that new stuff can be good?

5 comments216 views

Comments(5)

DDrew H.RegularDec 17

The 45-minute whine is brutal though. Has he said what actually bothers him about the new trails? Like is it the distance, elevation, not knowing what to expect?

DDwayne S.RegularDec 20

Familiarity = safety for that age. Instead of suggesting 'new trail,' could you make it an adventure? Like 'I heard there's a creek on this one' or 'this one has better views'

BBen H.RegularDec 20

I gave up on variety and just picked one trail we do every other week. Kid's so familiar with it now that HE suggests little detours and exploration. Maybe your dude needs repetition to feel safe before he'll branch out

JJoel F.RegularDec 17

47 other trails and he's locked into 2 is peak kiddo energy. You're not wrong that it's annoying but honestly the whining might stop sooner if you just do his trails for a while without the pressure.

FFrank T.RegularDec 18

8yos are weirdly rigid about stuff like this. My guy had 3 acceptable routes for like 2 years. Honestly I just waited it out and didn't push. Eventually got curious about a new one on his own timeline.