Hike it Baby has taught me patience. The patience needed to let my kids explore and learn on their own. I've learned to wait for them to jump in every puddle, pick up every stick or rock, and search for lots of bugs. I’ve learned to let them have fun outside on their own terms. – Jessica Sekula, Harpers Ferry [Hike it Baby] taught me that dirt and germs are okay. It’s alright if your kid wants to sit in a puddle or see what a pine cone tastes like. I now let my child explore nature how he likes, rather than me dictate what he should experience. – Adrienne Brand, South King County, WA
Photo credit: Ali Chandra
Hike it Baby has pushed me to get myself and my kids outside way more than we did before and has shown me just how much happier my kids and I are because of it. It's also helped me rediscover my love for camping and the discovery that my kids LOVE it just as much as I did as a kid. – Alex Wong, Salt Lake City, UT Before becoming a mother and finding HiB, I was a hermit during our long cold winters. Now, I see the value and importance of nature therapy, socializing with other parents and teaching patience and persistence. – Michelle Robinson, Brockville, Ontario, Canada
Through HiB and time spent outdoors with my children, I have really found my way as a mother and it has brought me and my kids so much peace and balance. It has also really helped me with anxiety, and it turns out I'm reasonably sociable when meandering on trails with other parents. – Vanessa Duthie, Raleigh, NCHike it Baby recognizes the importance of self-care and firmly believes that parents can do their jobs better if their cup is full, and we make it possible for you to find that balance.
HiB has helped me prioritize my time with my family over everything else, gain the realization that outside time – “me” time, friend time and family time – doesn't have to all be mutually exclusive and to remember the value of fresh air and dirt. – Erin Pennings, Green Bay, WI
Photo credit: Jennifer Campbell
Nature grounds my daughter. It is where she belongs. Hike it Baby honors that need, helps her connect with other children who love the great outdoors and, honestly, it’s redefined my idea of community when it comes to parenting. It truly takes a village, and our village likes to hike. – Laura Miller, La Crosse, WI I was desperate to meet new friends after moving from Denver, CO, to La Crosse, WI. There was no HiB branch in my area, so I started our branch in hopes of meeting other hiking families and learning the trails in our area. HiB helps me meet new friends, gets me out of my introverted nature and gives my kids a chance to be wild with other kids. I also have a 6-week-old baby and HiB has helped me in my postpartum period to get out for walks and enjoy the company of others who “get” how crazy life with a newborn can be. – Christina Rogel, La Crosse, WI
Photo credit: Deanna Curry
Hike it Baby has helped me tremendously with social anxiety, which was never something I expected to change in my mid-30s. I think it helps me be a better role model for my daughter since I can more openly chat with people and be a strong woman who is not too shy to say something. It's also taught me that if I am struggling with something, it is very likely many other parents have also struggled with it, and there is no reason for me to keep quiet or be ashamed about it. It had helped me open up about postpartum anxiety and breastfeeding difficulties, for example. I've found that being open about my struggles actually helps myself and others realize these are not stigmas. These are common. – Colette Clarke, Harrisburg, PA
Hike it Baby has taught me that having children did not weaken me, but gave me greater strength than ever before. It has given me the motivation and means to make it through literal and figurative mountains and valleys. – Molly Porzel, Atlanta, GA My mother passed away when I was 17 and before that, she struggled with a lot of personal issues, so I didn’t really understand the role of "mom." I struggled with parenthood until I discovered HiB when my oldest was 3. Watching mothers "in real life" gave me the ability to learn how to be a mom/parent. The supportive network of families I have thanks to HiB gave me the confidence as I became a mother of two. There is something really special about welcoming in a new baby hiker to this community. They have instant friends, "aunts" and "uncles." HiB saved my relationship with my oldest kiddo. I don't think I would be the mom that I am for him without HiB being a part of our lives.” – Annie Maxine, Ann Arbor, MI
Photo credit: Jessica Human
[Hike it Baby has] taught me I can make a difference for other families. Providing a judgment-free, supportive environment is really something unique in society today. I have had a few parents tell me how much it meant to them to find HiB, which makes it all worth it. I’m happy to have the opportunity to help others and doing something I love.” – Kristie Huffman, Galveston, TX HiB has reinforced the idea that everyone parents differently and that is totally OK. We can all still come together as a judgement-free community to enjoy each other's company and the amaziness of the world around us.” – Ashley Putzier, Eugene, OR
Comments