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“Old Enough” IS THERE AN IDEAL TIME TO START CAMPING IF YOU HAVE KIDS? WELL, IT DEPENDS.
Let’s say camping has always been on the radar, but you’ve been waiting for the kids to reach
a certain age or milestone. Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of when they will be old enough to participate in one of your favorite pastimes, to be able to conduct themselves well on their own while away from home, or for everyone to simply be out of a booster or car seat. Let’s talk about some basic questions regarding “starting out” camping with kids.
WHAT IS THE “RIGHT” AGE?
There isn’t a “right” age; it depends on your comfort level, finances, and sense of adventure. It also depends on your life philosophy. Generally speaking, kids are adaptable. If you make something “part of life,” it will be perceived as normal and natural. Many families go camping with infants and toddlers so that camping is a part of who their children are as they grow up. Sometimes, though, parents want to wait until their children are older and can be more responsible and reliable, as well as better able to help out around the campsite and be around without needing constant supervision. Both are fair approaches. Again, it depends on several factors, and there is no “magic” age.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF WAITING
UNTIL THE “KIDS ARE OLDER”?
There are several advantages. First, older children may not require continuous supervision and can explore the campground on their own, helping to develop independence. Second,
camping helps to remove screens from their world. More and more research shows that too much screen time, or screens in- troduced too early, is detrimental to attention span and behavior- al development. Third, if kids aren’t in car seats or boosters, you have more options when it comes to the type of RV you choose to own or rent for your camping trips. Car seats and boosters
are better in tow vehicles, so a towable RV is the better choice for families with younger kids. But if you have your sights set
on a motorized RV, then you may need to wait for the kids to be older. Fourth, older kids can do more jobs around the campsite. Fifth, older kids can participate in more advanced activities, such as going on longer hikes, swimming at the beach, and visiting museums with more advanced subjects.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF CAMPING
WHILE THE KIDS ARE “YOUNGER”?
Babies and toddlers can be taken camping as well. This de- pends on your comfort level as a parent and your proficiency as a camper and outdoorsman. An advantage of camping with younger kids, such as those who are of infant or toddler age, is
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