How far would you walk with your DCs

[Kriek]

We live next to a huge National Trust reserve. As a family we enjoy walking. On Sunday we went for a walk together, me, DH, DD aged 8 and DS aged 5. We didn't plan on walking for so long but we're out for the entire afternoon. In all it was about 7-8 miles. I can't be sure of the exact distance because the phone lost signal and didn't record part of the journey. I was talking to FIL afterwards who seemed very concerned that the distance was too much for the DCs, today he sent me a message asking if their legs ached. Is this too far for them?

Caveat, they did not moan at all and we had fun walking along eating blackberries, apples and identifying mushrooms and fungi etc.

[BlueChampagne]

Well done them (and you)! Can't think it can do them any harm, certainly on an occasional basis; the fact they didn't moan tells you a lot! Is FIL not a walker?

[BlueChampagne]

If it's any help, DS2 (5) cycled about 10 miles and did Junior Park Run on Sunday. No problems getting to sleep ...

[Kriek]

Thanks BlueChampagne FIL walks for golf do I'd assume he would have been OK with it. I'm feeling happier about it now. My gut was that they would soon moan if they weren't enjoying it!

[OldBeanbagz]

Well done to your DC and just ignore your FIL!

My DS's head teacher once told me that as a guide you could reasonably expect a child to walk their age + 1 in miles.

We've been taking our DC out on the hills since they were about 4 years old and they only ever complain about aching legs after a long steep downhill.

[Mrscog]

3 year old DS could do 3 miles without a break I'd have thought.

[chutneypig]

I think it's fine, especially if you do a lot of walking and entirely agree they'd soon have complained if they were achy. My DC are eight and would easily manage that now. They regularly run 5k then walk later in the day, and I'm sure we covered that sortof distance occasionally when they were five.