What would you do?
- Thread starter MadRiver
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MadRiver
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It’s not so much that I am comfortable with my decision, as it is I have no choice in the matter. As one poster said, “this is America, and he is the dad.” I do hope my friend does ask for assistance, but if he doesn’t, it’s his trip and I will just bite my lip.
Jaytrek57
New member
Madriver,
Don't beat yourself up to much. As a youth director I deal with this everyday.
Have you tried some indirect soft skills? If the conversation comes up again, you can say things like, "Yeah, Garfield...that was a very challenging and long hike for me." Or 'Wow, Garfield, what an interesting choice for your first backpacking trip with your kids."
Been my experience that indirect questions/statements help the person (parent) think about the issue at hand and don't lead them down the path of "I'm the parent, They are my kids. I'll raise them the way I want." Once any parent is in that mode, its hard to have constructive dialoge.
Like I posted earlier, I have done Garfield w/kids before. They are long days. You know this parent more than I so I tend to think, by your posts he may be a bit overwhelmed and not even know it. (Jeez...that make sense?).
Like to know how it turns out as well.
Don't beat yourself up to much. As a youth director I deal with this everyday.
Have you tried some indirect soft skills? If the conversation comes up again, you can say things like, "Yeah, Garfield...that was a very challenging and long hike for me." Or 'Wow, Garfield, what an interesting choice for your first backpacking trip with your kids."
Been my experience that indirect questions/statements help the person (parent) think about the issue at hand and don't lead them down the path of "I'm the parent, They are my kids. I'll raise them the way I want." Once any parent is in that mode, its hard to have constructive dialoge.
Like I posted earlier, I have done Garfield w/kids before. They are long days. You know this parent more than I so I tend to think, by your posts he may be a bit overwhelmed and not even know it. (Jeez...that make sense?).
Like to know how it turns out as well.
Pucknuts61
New member
Let's hope for great weather then!
I do have to say that we all took a bit of a concerned approach to the question, so let's also hope that it turns out to be one of those trips where everything goes right and the kids end up having the times of their lives....and the dad too.
It will definetly be a memory maker for all of them, here's wishing it's good ones!
I do have to say that we all took a bit of a concerned approach to the question, so let's also hope that it turns out to be one of those trips where everything goes right and the kids end up having the times of their lives....and the dad too.
It will definetly be a memory maker for all of them, here's wishing it's good ones!
jfb
Active member
What I would do...
I suppose your neighbor was only thinking out loud about how neat it would be to go out backpacking with his kids. At this point in time, the trip to Garfield is just a dream and I'd just agree with him that it would be a great thing to do. I wouldn't worry about it until it is clear that he is serious about the trip (i.e. plan a date and start packing) and then I'd only quiz him about whether he has the right gear, etc. and perhaps offer to tag along for support.
MadRiver said:
I suppose your neighbor was only thinking out loud about how neat it would be to go out backpacking with his kids. At this point in time, the trip to Garfield is just a dream and I'd just agree with him that it would be a great thing to do. I wouldn't worry about it until it is clear that he is serious about the trip (i.e. plan a date and start packing) and then I'd only quiz him about whether he has the right gear, etc. and perhaps offer to tag along for support.
WhiteMTHike
Active member
Pete_Hickey said:
Impressive to say the least.
Hey Pete, no more AXE man? Beautiful cat, he looks heavy though. I have two males at home, each one is a 25 pounder.
MadRiver
New member
jfb said:
I believe you are correct, and since they will not be back in NH until the 4th of July holiday, I am not going to worry about the trip.
DougPaul
Well-known member
You might suggest 3 different kinds of shakedown trips:
1. The parent (without the child, but perhaps with experienced adults) tries a moderate backpack in the mountains so he will appreciate the difficulties. Garfield might be a good choice.
2. A moderate dayhike with the child.
3. A backyard (or very easy hike in) overnight. Rocky Branch (from the south) to the first shelter might be good. Option for dayhike to Stairs.
A program like this might give both parent and child a chance to ease into the game without overextending themselves.
Doug
1. The parent (without the child, but perhaps with experienced adults) tries a moderate backpack in the mountains so he will appreciate the difficulties. Garfield might be a good choice.
2. A moderate dayhike with the child.
3. A backyard (or very easy hike in) overnight. Rocky Branch (from the south) to the first shelter might be good. Option for dayhike to Stairs.
A program like this might give both parent and child a chance to ease into the game without overextending themselves.
Doug
MadRiver
New member
Update:
This past weekend my hiking buddy John was able to convince Tim that Mt. Pierce via the Nauman tentsite would be a better choice than Garfield. I believe the proximity to Mizpah Hut won the argument. Tim was able to pick up some gear at McKenzie’s Going Out of Business Sale in Lincoln this past weekend, so the remaining gear that he will need will be supplied by me and John. I feel a little relieved that he chose Pierce over Garfield, and I trust they will all have a good time.
This past weekend my hiking buddy John was able to convince Tim that Mt. Pierce via the Nauman tentsite would be a better choice than Garfield. I believe the proximity to Mizpah Hut won the argument. Tim was able to pick up some gear at McKenzie’s Going Out of Business Sale in Lincoln this past weekend, so the remaining gear that he will need will be supplied by me and John. I feel a little relieved that he chose Pierce over Garfield, and I trust they will all have a good time.
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