Even though a parent’s schedule is often hectic and chaotic, taking the time to make memories, walking hand in hand with your child can set the tone for a healthy relationship.

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by Joan M. Thomas

When asked to complete a questionnaire for a family memory project, I surprised myself by my response to “What is your earliest memory of your father?” I realized that my earliest memory of anything is walking up a country lane hand-in-hand with Dad.

I distinctly remember him strolling slowly so that my toddler legs could keep pace. He was a man of few words, but I’m certain that he said “Yup” at least once. As it was just he and I, and cell phones were still in the future, so that had to have been in response to something I said with my then-limited vocabulary. Thinking about it now, I get this overwhelming sense of warmth and security.

Walking and talking with a child is possibly a parent’s greatest bargain. It’s free, it’s easy, it’s physically beneficial, and most of all, it’s psychologically nourishing for both the child and the adult.

Taking the necessary steps

Taking a walk requires zero monetary outlay and can be easily adopted to any number of parenting styles. As the activity is usually impromptu, there are no dues to pay. There’s no required equipment, other than comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. All kids and adults have such attire, and most already have suitable shoes.

An article published by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness titled "Walking as Exercise and Pleasure" claims that shoes for walking should have arch supports and should elevate the heel one-half to three-quarters of an inch above the sole of the foot.

As far as a destination, there’s the neighborhood, local parks, and even shopping malls. Part of the fun can be exploring nature and the local area together. Ramblers, a United Kingdom organization, suggests making a walk seem more of an outing or adventure by building it around another activity, such as visiting a friend or going to a local attraction like the zoo.

Such ventures need not put undue stress on one’s body. Unstructured walks can be as leisurely or as brisk as the participants choose. Just getting up and moving about is better than staying glued to the TV or computer. In the article “Walking With Children,” Wendy Bumgardner writes, “Walking with your children and setting a good example of doing regular exercise are critical in preventing your child from becoming a lifelong couch potato.”

Considering today’s obesity epidemic, all family members could do well to start walking.

The healing effect

Regarding the psychological advantages to walking with your kids, there’s no better way to bond. So often in everyday life, we are all so preoccupied with responsibilities that we overlook the value of the simplest things. We fail to listen to each other. And listening to someone is how we come to know that person, his or her likes, dislikes and aspirations.

“Successful families spend time together, talking and listening to one another,” says Amy Peterson, MS, RD, extension educator for the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension. The Iowa State University Extension reiterates that point: “When you listen well to family members, you encourage them to talk about what is most important to them.”

Both agencies emphasize the importance of the family as a safe place where everyone can share hopes and dreams, cares and concerns. Spending time with children by simply taking a leisurely walk after dinner, or accompanying them someplace, like to school, affords time for that kind of sharing like no other.

Truth to tell, that first conscious recollection of mine starts with my wandering alone toward the county road. As I recall, my pal who lived on the neighboring farm had a great sandbox, and I set out to visit him. Dad must have spotted me from his vantage point on the seat of his John Deere tractor while plowing a nearby field. Interrupting his farm work, he hastened to stop me before I could reach the road.

Yet I know, he was neither angry nor annoyed. I was just a baby after all. And though he had much to do before supper time, he slowed down so that I could walk alongside him. And he responded to what I said in my simple way. He was not perfect, but I know he loved his family.

C. Everett Koop. M.D., former U.S. Surgeon General, once said, “The pleasure of your company is the best reward your child can receive and the best gift you can give.”  That gift costs only your time when you just go for a walk together.

 

The author of three books, freelance writer and historian Joan M. Thomas also enjoys writing feature stories and essays on current topics. Born in Carroll, Iowa, she now lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, Bob, and canine pal, Sasha.

© Photo by Pavel Losevsky | Dreamstime.com