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Isn’t it fascinating what we, as parents, deem important? The things we individually hold dear, whether it’s eating dinner together as a family every evening or hugging our kids daily, reflect our values in different ways.
A Special Activity: Forest Walks
For me, one cherished activity is taking walks in the forest. It doesn’t happen often, but I can usually count on Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving to get both kids in the car to join me.
On Mother’s Day, we typically stay close to home and hike in a local gem with rocks, lakes, streams, and tons of trees. In the fall, we make a 40-minute drive to the Gatineau Hills to experience the beauty of the ‘Fall Rhapsody’—and it never disappoints.
Side Note: Gatineau Park is the National Capital Region’s conservation park, and it’s the largest green space in the area, covering more than 361 square kilometres.
A Challenging Transition
While Summer enjoys walks in the forest and loves collecting the colourful leaves scattered across the pathways, the transition before and after our trips can be stressful and requires plenty of deep breathing.
Last weekend, for instance, I had to pack the car, place Summer’s shoes and jacket in the back seat, then go back to the house to physically guide her to the vehicle, all while she yelled, “No Mommy. Summer stay home,” loud enough for the whole neighbourhood to hear.
Settling In for the Ride
Once in the car, I gave her my iPhone, and she settled in while watching *Go Diego Go* videos. But when we arrived at the park, she didn’t want to get out.
After some coaxing, I managed to get her out and lock the doors. Her brother helped lead her to the path, while I momentarily distracted her fussing by showing her leaves and putting a few in the bag she brought for collecting them. Summer LOVES gathering leaves, and we turned it into a game as she tried to collect all the different colours—even the brown ones.
The Joy of Perseverance
After waiting about five minutes while she stood in one spot, my son was about ready to give up. I gently guided her by the elbow, and, at last, our visit and exploration began.
It’s a lot of effort, but to me, it’s worth it.
Why It’s Worth It
The alternative would be taking the easy route and never leaving the house. But she loves the forest. She loves collecting leaves.
In moments like these, I remind myself that sometimes the most meaningful family memories are the ones that don’t come easily. For many parent caregivers, outings, traditions, and simple activities often take extra patience, planning, and flexibility. Yet, it’s these efforts that add depth to our shared experiences, and even if things don’t go perfectly, the joy and connection make it all worthwhile.
So, here’s to us—the parent caregivers who embrace the adventure, find beauty in the little things, and keep showing up, one leaf at a time.
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