Toughness training for boys should begin as soon as they can walk

Toughness training for boys should begin as soon as they can walk.

Take them on progressively longer walks. Talk to them as you go. Make it a bonding experience.

They should love and crave the walks, even if they end up exhausted, hungry and with blistered feet at the end.

Keep the quickest pace the child can handle. Avoid picking them up. If you gradually increase the distance they will make it back without help.

Once they can walk briskly for 1 hour uninterrupted its time to start giving them things to carry. Buy a backpack and a water bottle.

Encourage them to drink as little as possible from the water bottle. They should have hydrated before the walk.

Teach them to:

• ration the water.
• plaster their blisters.
• not complain about fatigue or discomfort.
• carry their own weight.
• enjoy nature (even rain).