First Steps to Family Treks... 

I absolutely love walking and the outdoors. It’s not only my sanctuary from what is often chaos at home but it’s where I can truly disconnect from the world and immerse myself in the moment. I love the solitude in sole walks, setting my own pace, finding space to sit and reflect, often journal, and catch myself smiling to myself mesmerised by the landscape but there’s nothing like the connection when walking with family or friends.  

If you’ve been following me you will know I was working towards my summer mountain leader award but a fall (on Valentines day of all days) left me unable to walk for several weeks and I am in fact still recovering and it may be a while until I’m on a summit again but I feel that this was the universe giving me the literal kick up the backside that I needed. This time out I was given has allowed me to really focus and work on my business and create a business that I can be unapologetically passionate about.

 Being the person I am, I want to be there for everyone but realistically I can’t do that so I have gone back to my three main passions – Walking, Water and Words and how these 3 things can support parent and infant mental health and infant development in the first 1001 days!

 I want to start with walking as although I’m struggling with that myself at the moment I’ve had 3 months of reflection on my injury and how important walking is to me and my reflections took me back to when my children were learning to walk…..

Those first steps were filled with anticipation, encouragement, and excitement.  Those first steps lay the foundations for every step that follows. Those first steps aren’t easy, they are a brave leap to independence and require a huge amount of effort, but they unlock the world from a new perspective for your child to explore. I share tips on how to support this in my guide to supporting baby’s first steps. Make sure you ask for your copy below! 

Walking isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. Even before those first steps, parents can encourage good habits through getting babies outside in the comfort of their strollers or baby wearing. The rhythmic motion moves and settles them promoting better sleep and laying the groundwork for cognitive and emotional growth. This fresh air, exercise, and time for bonding forms great early memories.

Now those first steps have been conquered though, you can walk hand in hand and cherish those moments of connection. I remember those first walks with my children, and I did feel sometimes like I was talking to myself, or they weren’t interested in anything I was saying. It’s only now that I know the huge benefits that seemingly idol chat had for them and how although they were listening on one level, they were busy being present in the moment and taking in all the wonder around them. I often found myself mesmerised watching a child being fascinated by a flower or an insect they had found. This walk has suddenly become a crash course in natures wonders. I can join my child in their world and chat about bugs, flowers, the changing seasons…. Walking is an interactive lesson if you can tune into your toddler’s curiosity. By creating these early moments, you can set the pace for a family that values walking, that time together where you can share stories, laugh, dance, joke or even cry.

Life as a parent can sometimes feel like a bit of a whirlwind. It is important to find those moments of peace and a walk can be the remedy that you need. A daily walk, even 10 minutes with your baby can help you find a moment to breath, reflect and find gratitude in the everyday things. This small act of kindness to yourself benefits both you and your child as you model the importance of self-love by prioritising your wellbeing and nurturing a positive mindset within your child.  

I remember the first time I went out of the house with my baby in a buggy and I couldn’t have imagined how that first stroll evolved into first steps and first walks and the many, many memories created along the way. Our family walks have evolved into shared laughter kicking around fallen leaves, snow angels, lavender fields and spring blossoms and river walks with the obligatory cold-water dip, we have even ventured out and up hills at night chasing the elusive auroras. These walks are not just memories, they are not just a form of exercise, they are nurturing family bonds through all seasons, and they all started with each of their first brave steps.

So, lets keep walking, exploring, discovering, and connecting, for every step is a celebration of your journey together!

Happy Walking and embrace the magic of each moment!

With love,

Leanne X