Reason No. 31 to hike w/ kids: Stop bullying

Kids are less likely to bully one another when in a natural environment.

Tired of seeing your children being bullied at the playground? Or maybe you don't like the way your children are pushing around other kids at the playground? Then a hike may be a good part of the solution.

Studies of children in the United States, Canada, Australia and Sweden indicate that children who play in an environment dominated by physical, man-made structures tend to establish a social hierarchy based on physical abilities, which often means the bigger one wins and enforces his or her will.

In contrast, when in an open, natural area, such as on a hiking trail, fantasy play is more common. Establishment of the social hierarchy then centers on creativity and language skills.

The upshot? Natural playgrounds encourage egalitarianism better than man-made ones.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.