Sharing the outdoors with your children is a very special part of being a parent. Before you go, it's important to teach your children how to be safe in the woods. It's also up to you to make sure that every outing is appropriate for your child's ability and interest level. You should always pace your hike to the slowest person, which for families is often the youngest child.

The first step to having an enjoyable hike with your child is being prepared. Educate yourself. Have the proper gear and know how to use it.

Keep the hike fun for children. Choose a route that will be interesting for them with frequent views or waterfalls. And teach the the principles of Leave No Trace to make them responsible hikers at a young age.

Teach your children how to stay safe in a situation where they are separated from the group or find themselves lost off the trail. There are several things that you can teach your children to keep them out of danger and improve their chances of reuniting with you if that happens:

• Stay in one place, stay together and stay warm: Tell your child, "If you wander, it will make it harder for us to find you. If you're with a friend or a pet, stay close to one another. And stay warm." Snuggling together with a dog or friend will keep your child warm.
• It's important that your child knows not to hide. Stay in the open where searchers can see you. Put out something bright for searchers to see like a bandana. The urban teaching to beware of strangers needs to be reversed in your childs mind when they are lost. Kids have died hiding from searchers who they considered as dangerous strangers.
• Always carry proper gear and emergency supplies: A whistle and garbage bag are just two of the items that can keep your child safe in the woods. A whistle is an effective signaling device for rescuers; teach your child to blow it loudly three times in succession and to repeat this often. In the case of inclement weather, the garbage bag can be used to keep dry and retain warmth. Your child should also carry water and snacks, such as trail mix.
• Bright clothes: Whenever you hike, make sure your children dress in bright clothes so they can more easily be spotted if they become lost.

Kids often think differently than adults do when they are in the woods. For example they might be so engrossed in exploring a new area that they forget to stay on the trail. Once they realize that they are lost, it's possible they will be more afraid of their parents being angry with them for getting separated than fearful of what might happen to them alone in the woods.

Stress to your children that you aren't going to be angry with them for getting lost; you just want them to use what they've been taught so they can be found safely.