Get Out: Just Fishing
Does anything say lazy summer day more than sitting on a riverbank with a fishing rod? Fishing is a great opportunity to spend time with your children - as you help them hook the worm, cast the line, and reel in those big whoppers, you're making memories, having conversations, and investing in them. So, grab your fishing pole and tackle box and head over to the nearest lake or river with your kids for a lazy day of fishing and making memories. Don't forget to bring your camera so you have proof of catching those big fish you and your kids are going to brag about!
What if fishing isn't your thing? That's okay - the point about fishing with your kids is not so much the actual activity, but the opportunity to spend time with your child, to take a break from the busyness of life and just be together. Fishing is a great way to do that, but if it's not something you enjoy, find another way to get away from your normal routine and invest a few hours with your child. If your inexperience with fishing is what's stopping you, read on - the resources listed below provide some helpful guidelines to help you get started.
"Fishy" Character Lessons
Sitting on a dock or in a boat waiting for a bite on your fishing line provides a great opportunity to teach your children valuable character lessons. Make sure you take time to talk to your kids about what they're experiencing and learning as you fish together.
- Patience: Fishing, possibly more than many other activities, requires patience as you cast the line in and wait for what might seem like forever to get a bite. Talk to your kids about how good things in life are worth waiting for and how being hasty or impatient might cost you a "big catch."
- The value of time: As you practice the first character lesson mentioned above, you've got the time to sit and think. Encourage your kids to use the quiet and stillness of fishing to think about what's going on in their life, to meditate or pray if you're religious, or just enjoy the nature around them. With the hectic and busy lifestyles we all keep today, taking time to slow down and simply enjoy the present moment is valuable.
- Conservation: Talk to your kids about the valuable resource we have in nature and wildlife. Help them understand that their actions affect the world around them. Discuss ways that your family can help preserve wildlife. At the least, make sure you are leaving no marks of your fishing trip - take all your trash with and be careful not to cause too much damage as you're walking around your fishing spot.
Helpful Resources for Your Fishing Trip
Whether you're a fishing pro or feel a little squeamish about hooking a worm, the resources below offer some fun activities and resources that can help you get your fishing adventures started!
< Safety Tip! >
When you're out fishing, you'll probably be out in the sun for long periods of time. Make sure that you and your kids are protected by applying sun block regularly, wearing protective clothing like hats, and drinking plenty of water. Check out the sun safety guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics>>
Share your Memories with Us!
We would love to hear your fishing stories with your kids - including tales about "the big one that got away!" Post a picture on our Facebook and tell us about your fishing adventures with your family or your own dad!