Why I go into the wilderness with my toddler.
I initially started writing this blog as “5 Reasons Why I go Backpacking with my Toddler” but as I kept writing it I also realized that all these reasons apply to car camping and day hiking in the wilderness and other remote places. While I enjoy backpacking with my little girl the most, I also enjoy simply camping in remote quiet places when we are road tripping. It does take effort to make time, plan, pack, get out of the door, carry my toddler on backpacking trips or hikes, figure out nap and food logistics, and run after my busy and full of energy little girl all day outside, BUT it’s definitely all worth it for me because of these five reasons.
Disconnect To Reconnect
I have to be honest that I developed a bad habit of picking up and checking my phone whenever I want a break or when I have some free time, which ends up with mindless scrolling through social media and wasting of time. It also makes me more disconnected from my family, and sometimes I even start comparing myself or my life to others on Instagram. I definitely think that social media has its place to inspire and inform or to get inspired and learn or even simply entertain (Yes, I do enjoy funny cat videos), but I also think that at times it can have a negative effect on our lives even if we don’t realize it immediately. Yes, social media is a big part of what I do for living now and because I enjoy sharing our experiences and what we learn with others. Om the other hand, I also always feel the need to balance it out and disconnect with the word for some time. I find it very refreshing going to remote places with no cell service for several days in a row, and surrounding myself by beautiful landscapes, nature and people I love.
When we get into backcountry our daughter Zoey is the center of our attention. There are no cell phones, work or any other distractions out there but simply human interactions between the three of us. I think there is definitely a great need in this world for simple human interactions without phones, computers, TVs, or whatever other entertainment. I can’t tell you how happy it makes our little girl when we have our eyes constantly on her, and she doesn’t have to ask or do something mischievous to get our attention. I definitely learned that little kids don’t really care about fancy toys or even breathtaking views as long as they have YOU.
Nature is a Therapy
With my checklist personality it is often stressful to be at home where I have so many chores, work and other things to take care of. I think that I know well my priorities in life but I still find it challenging to organize my time and choose what’s most important, and let some things be not done. Sometimes I feel guilty that I didn’t dedicate more time and attention to my daughter instead of taking care of chores or work that seem to have no end and repeat every day. On those days when the level of stress and craziness builds up and I feel stuck and like an emotional mess, I know that my family and I need our nature therapy fix ASAP.
Nature does wonderful things to my mind and soul. There is something soothing and comforting about breathing in full lungs of fresh air, listening to the natural sounds of the wind, leaves on the trees, birds, rushing water and admiring beautiful views all around. This is where I can truly connect with my inner self and just be myself. This is where I don’t feel the stress and pressure of my checklist, goals, scale on my bathroom floor, and I can just relax and I begin to think more clearly. For me, everything is simple in the backcountry and all I have to do is to be present in the moment and enjoy being with my family. I believe that this kind of therapy helps me to be a better mom and a better wife. I strongly believe that our emotions and stress reflect on our children and that they absorb a part of it. That’s why I am a strong believer and promoter of SELF-CARE time for parents, because raising kids is not an easy job.
I also think that our daughter benefits a lot herself from being outside. She always sleeps better when we are camping outdoors, and she is also less cranky compared to when we are at home. She loves to look around and observe while in the carrier, and she loves to explore and play with rocks, sticks and whatever else she can play with. I can definitely see that my daughter is very happy and serene when she is outside. Nature is her therapy too.
Family Quality Time
Real quality time for me is creating memories with those you love that you will treasure for the rest of your life. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something exciting or exotic but it has to be something where you are fully engaged and present. I find it easier for us to have quality time when we are outside and don’t have distractions of screens or other things just like I mentioned above. We normally do things like going to the playgrounds, parks, movies or playing games together, and ,while I think those moments are also important, I just can’t vividly remember them like I remember our adventures in the outdoors. I wondered why and decided that it was because I wasn’t completely present in those moments, and maybe my thoughts were interrupted by things to do or some everyday worries instead of completely disconnecting from all of that. I definitely find it most beneficial going away for at least couple of days.
My goal this year is to be more mindful in all aspects of my life but it’s not that easy. It is definitely easier for me to be more present in the moment when we are in the outdoors and are not thinking about work, chores and other stuff to do. Sometimes, when backpacking we just bunker down in a tent when the weather is not great, and we simply play with Zoey and do nothing. For me those simple moments are the best, and they are vividly engraved in my memory. Another great thing when we do these activities, backpacking trips or just camping is that both of us are actively engaged as parents. In our everyday life we normally take turns taking care and playing with Zoey, while the other is doing work or chores. These kind of trips are such a great opportunity to just be and play together. Our daughter Zoey might be too little to understand some things but she can definitely feel the difference when we are fully present and having quality time as a family.
Outdoors is The Best Playground
Nowadays, kids grow up with more toys they can play with or truly care about. While we still buy toys for our daughter we definitely try to limit them. When we are outside she is just as happy(or even more) to play with rocks and sticks or just exploring, splashing in the creek or lake and climbing over rocks and fallen trees. I believe that this kind of interaction with nature is very good for her sensory and motor development. I also think that it helps with her imagination and creativity. It is probably more work for us parents when she is playing outside vs a childproof house, because one of us has to watch her constantly but I think it’s totally worth it. I, of course, don’t really know what the future will bring, but my hope is that her exposure to nature and having fun with simple things will help her have different values in the future. I hope that it will help her realize that you don’t need a lot of THINGS to be happy.
Inexpensive Activities
Probably the most common question we get is “How do we afford our lifestyle?” We work as freelance photographers, content creators, and social media influencers on the road but another big part that makes this lifestyle possible is that most of our family activities involve outdoors, hiking and backpacking. While you need an initial investment to buy necessary gear and right apparel at the beginning, these kind of activities and travel are not very expensive. Staying in hotels and eating out could definitely add up, but backpacking is mostly free and only sometimes will involve a small permit fee. We also mostly travel in the United States instead of internationally so our main expense in gas. For a little expense you can get a lot of fun and memorable moments to treasure, and to me it’s priceless.
About Me
Hi, My name is Natasha Moon. I am a blogger, photographer, traveler and an adventure mom. I consider nature and experiences in the outdoors to be a much needed therapy for me and my family. I hope you can find inspiration and motivation on my blog.