You may or may not have sleeping bags, depending on how you reached the situation you are in, but if not, feed the fire as often as you need to. In warm weather you may not even need a fire to survive, but I strongly recommend one for psychological reasons. Both you and the child will feel much better with a fire burning. There is some deep unexplained satisfaction about a fire at night. Perhaps it suggests safety from harmful animals or just having the light may make us feel as if we are in control of our situation. At any rate, always have a fire at night.
Perhaps, if the child is not ready to sleep, you can tell “good” stories, or share a piece of candy. Avoid the typical ghost or scary stories if you are in a survival situation. This will assist in keeping the child’s fears of uncertainty down. Most likely, I would even sing a few songs to convey that things aren’t that bad. If the child is scared or terrified, you may have a very difficult time of it. Try a few words of love and a maybe some hugs. I am sure some children, perhaps those that hike or camp a great deal, will adjust to your situation very quickly. They may even enjoy the great adventure!
Water may or may not be a problem. There are many variables involved with water procurement. You may have water with you, or you may have to find it. If you can, boil any untreated or unknown water. You must do this regardless of how clear and clean the water seems to be. Explain to the child that the water, if not treated or boiled, can harm them. Be sure and drink plenty of clean water. Dehydration can be a real problem in any survival situation. Instruct the child to tell you when they have dark or brown color urine, a sign of dehydration. Then, increase the child’s water intake.
If you backpack a lot, carry water purification tablets with you. A small bottle of 50 or more takes up very little space and weighs little. Have the child assist you in water procurement and treatment regardless of what procedure you have to use. They need to learn how to do it properly.
I think by the end of the first day of survival, your little helper will be worn out. It takes a lot of work to prepare a proper survival site. Keep the child active in assisting you. This helps wear them out and that helps them sleep better. But keep in mind; one of our goals is to also teach them. As a child, they may not think they should give suggestions or help an adult. Attempt to draw out what they are thinking and feeling as often as you can. Involve them in your survival plan and your actions. Help them to adjust to the trauma of survival as well as you can. You may not have the right words, or even know what you are doing at all times, but if you honestly listen to the child and try to do the right things, they will know. Honesty and a good hug will go a long way.
The thought of survival with a child is frightening to most people. Even the thought of survival with adults scares most of us. Survival is never easy and the added stresses of having a child along can be overwhelming for most people. You must face the psychological and physical aspects of your situation.
Remember to make the child a part of your team. You should strive to build teamwork. Involve the child, listen to the child, and most importantly, be yourself and do the best you can. The stark reality of all of this is, you have no choice. You must do whatever needs to be done so you and the child can survive. Finally, keep in mind that most survival situations in the United States will last less than 48 hours. This is hardly long enough to starve to death, or die of thirst. Your only goal is for you, and the child, to stay safe and survive until found. You can do it.
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