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I'm planning a backpacking trip for May with my daughter. She's spent time during the day in my hammock and is familiar with it, but this will be her first hammock overnight. She's 10, and I'm concerned that it might be scary for her to be in her own hammock, (and worrisome for me). We're both used to sleeping in the same tent together. Any tips on easing those fears?
Do an overnight somewhere that you have easy access to the car first. My kids were 8 and 7 when we first went over from tents to hammocks. As long as she doesnt get cold she should be fine, good luck!
Set her up close enough to be able to talk easily. Perhapse even under the same tarp either side by side or bunk bed style. That way you are close if she needs you. Each kid is different and some take right to it some will need to build some confidence in the differences from tent to hammock.
Hang in your backyard first. Give her a headlamp. Rent a movie one your smartphone. Make it a game, make it fun. My 8, 12 and 13 year olds all hang and love it!
S
As a former 10 yr old, talking about the noises in the woods may be important, calm her fears and she'll enjoy future outings.
Good on you for bringing her!
Shnick
All good ideas. At 10, she will probably think it is extremely cool to be out in the woods...all alone...all independent and sneaky...as long as she can see and hear you :D If weather allows, look for a site where you can cross your tarps. She will be wanting her own hang site one ridge away soon enough.
Frogg
Thanks for the suggestions! I'm definitely going to try and find trees that allow for a close-hang of the 2 hammocks. She's been camping with me multiple times before, so I think she'll be ok with being in the woods, it's just that we are always in the same tent together where I tend to check on her throughout the night. I'm probably more worried about it than she is. :)
I always look for trees where we can hang the head end of the hammocks from the same tree and the feet from a different tree. This arrangement is easier to find than four trees close together.
A good long hike to tucker them out works good too.