Since I was a child growing up in Michigan, with woods behind my house, I have felt calmed and renewed hiking amongst the trees. The woods were my playground full of wild orchids and ferns. My husband, Bill, loves hiking as well, so this was a natural outing to do with our daughter.
Jen hated hiking. She was bored and would whine about going and ask, “Are we done yet?” Her lack of appreciation for the beauty of nature could have made the trip miserable and I could have given up and not taken her along which translates into not hiking at all.
I was determined that she would experience how rejuvenating and crucial it is to connect with nature on a regular basis. I had to find a way that was meaningful for her. So, we made Jen the tour guide on the path. She would lead the way and point out interesting trees, flowers and birds. She enjoyed this position of power and authority and we did, too. She no longer whined or complained and instead saw nature through her eyes, rather than ours. We became her ally in the woods, rather than her controlling adversary. This picture is of Jen and me.
Now, Jen enjoys hiking and even camping with her boyfriend. I am so pleased that she has developed a love of nature and invites us to hike in the Concord area where she lives. I don’t believe she would have developed this love if we had forced her to hike as a child. So, if you are struggling with getting your child outside with you, think of who they are, what they value, and how an outdoor activity with you can be enjoyable. Don’t give up!
Thornwood Open Space is a great place in the Woodside area with redwood trees when you enter from Old LaHonda Road and deciduous trees and bunnies closer to Woodside Road. Bill and I hike from the Old LaHonda road entrance, because I LOVE redwoods, at least once a month. In the winter, there is a rushing creek. Here is their website.
©2017 Cynthia Klein, Bridges 2 Understanding, has been a Family Success Coach since 1994. She works with parents and organizations who want more cooperation, mutual respect and understanding between adults and children. Cynthia presents her expertise through speaking, private parenting coaching sessions, and her book, Ally Parenting: A Non-Adversarial Approach to Transform Conflict Into Cooperation. She works with parents of 5 – 25 year-old children.
To learn how Cynthia can help you solve your specific challenges, contact Cynthia at bridges2understanding.com, , or 650. 679.8138 to have a complementary 45-minute discovery session. Why keep suffering? It’s time to change!
Contact Cynthia at bridges2understanding.com or 650. 679.8138 to have a complementary discovery session about finding solutions to your challenges. http://wp.me/p2TgAe-No
Copyright © 2026, Cynthia Klein, All rights reserved. Please contact Cynthia to use any of her blog post.
About Cynthia Klein
Cynthia Klein’s mission is to contribute to World Peace and building healthy family relationships is the place to begin. As a parenting expert for over 30 years, parents have learned from Cynthia how to communicate more effectively as an ally rather than an adversary. Her unique Family Harmony System teaches parents of 5 and older how to have open dialogue, solve problems together, support one another, and build mutual respect. Cynthia is the author of Ally Parenting and the video-based self-paced program Win, Win, Win, Parenting. She has presented over 700 talks and coached hundreds of parents privately towards greater family connection and harmony. To learn more about her services of coaching and speaking, contact Cynthia Klein at , visit her website at bridges2understanding.com.
