Raising boys in Alaska

Would I have been a different parent had we lived somewhere else?

Sitting outside on the beach while my kids climb free...while my kids roam free I have wondered how different I might have been as a parent living in another setting say...a suburban town, a city, farm etc.



Alaska factors greatly into my parenting style. Since my children were old enough to walk I have used the outdoors as a way for them to release energy, calm them, and provide social lessons like sharing, cooperation and self reliance. Instead of Stranger Danger talks..they receive..what to do if you see a bear or porcupine awareness. We talk a lot about trail safety and environmental stewardship. Other kids might learn that they cannot wander away in a store..but we talk at great length about not wandering off the trail..of being aware of your surroundings.



Our typical summer day looks like this. Wake up look out the window for a weather report...(weather doesn't usually prohibit or activities but definitely guides what I will need to pack). My kids have learned to adapt..they watch the weather too..they've become great at figuring out layers. Drilled into them at a young age they know better than to try and leave the house without multiple layers and appropriate socks. They are adept at packing boots, shoes and crocs.



Breakfast and then....I wait. About 10:00 AM the activity level in my house reaches a fever pitch and it is then I know it's time to bail. I am ready. My house is filled with traveling snacks, water bottles and backpacks. I can pack a healthy lunch, snacks, binoculars, bug spray, sunscreen and extra clothes in an instant. The back of my car is already filled with most of what I would need for any scenario...shovels, kites, towels, extra rain gear, a random gold pan, scooters, helmets and array of sticks -never know when you are going to need sticks.


Then we go. I feel we are exceptionally lucky in Juneau to have access to trails, beaches, glaciers and just plain open space. When we're outside my boys have the opportunity to rule the land. They run, they play they climb rocks..they throw rocks. They argue about who gets the most pinecones, they watch the world and they grow. Working off all their boy energy and learning to cooperate, appreciate their world and realize that they are capable...capable of climbing to the next peak, capable of finding fire wood, capable of working together to solve problems.

I think it's a great way to grow up....I hope they realize it too...but I think they do.