Quote Originally Posted by Skully View Post
but with theme of this thread with family / kids under 10 would make it a risky task. Freezing temps etc I would worry then about dealing with sickness etc.
Exactly. This is why prepping with small kids is a little more difficult for families with small children.

My kid is not yet 3 but she has been exposed to camping, etc. because I think that is important. But have you ever heard a toddler have a meltdown in the forest? No? Well, let me tell you, there is no doubt it can be heard for MILES. And with the hardships that come with bugging out and/or living in the woods as some have suggested, you can count on a few meltdowns.

Do you want every bad guy for miles hearing your location?

Having a working vehicle would make bugging out with kids easier. But what if you don't? Your supplies will likely go on your back in your pack. So no room to carry your kid in a kid backpack. So where do your kids go? Think your 2 year old can walk very far in a day? No way, no how. Expect to move VERY slowly. Do you put them in a wagon? A bike trailer? Do you even have a wagon or a bike w/ trailer? And again, can they be quiet if you have to hide to avoid danger as you're moving through town? Something to think about...

Is your kid a picky eater? Well he eat MRE's? Freezed dried lasagna? Better find out now.

Do you have any little toys or games you can pack for them? Moral is a big deal with kids. Perhaps a small little $1 magna doodle is all you need to help keep the kids somewhat happy. Maybe store/pack some little treats as well.

Can you carry clothes for your little one for all seasons? If they are a toddler, do you have anything in the next size up? Kids grow out of their clothes quickly. Shoes?

Above are all things I think about constantly now that I have a toddler. Do I have a solid answer for all of them? Nope. Some I still need to figure out.

We have plans for both bugging out and in. Bugging in is our main strategy. But I do realize that if things get bad quickly or last more than a week or so, we will be moving out. We have solid bug out plans and routes to reach family that is well established in remote areas. However, they are not currently the prepping type. We need to store more supplies at their location but currently we are focusing on building our stores at home. Once that's complete, we'll start on building our remote supplies. Priorities and one thing at a time...but all my plans must consider the toddler's perspective to even have a chance at being viable.