Listen or watch on your favorite platforms
Episode Show Notes
Ben Crawford is the author of '2,000 Miles Together,' which documents his family of eight's journey hiking the entire Appalachian Trail with their youngest child being just two years old. His family became one of the largest families to complete the Appalachian Trail together, and Ben now shares insights on parenting, adventure, and getting families into the outdoors through his YouTube channel 'Fight for Together' and social media. In this episode, Ben reveals the surprising decision he gave his 15-year-old son in the middle of their record-breaking hike, how a book about ultra marathons transformed his family's entire relationship with the outdoors, and why the traditional parenting tactics of threats and bribes actually backfire in the long run. This isn't just another outdoor adventure story—it's a masterclass in getting resistant kids to choose adventure themselves.
How do you get kids into the outdoors when they don't want to go?
Ben Crawford learned to inspire rather than force his children by first learning to love activities himself, then inviting his kids to join him. He started running marathons after reading 'Born to Run' and invited his eight-year-old son to train with him. After they crossed the finish line together at 22 miles, his other children asked to run marathons too, proving that modeling genuine enthusiasm works better than threats or bribes.
Who is Ben Crawford?
Ben Crawford is the author of '2,000 Miles Together,' documenting his family of eight's complete hike of the Appalachian Trail. His family became one of the largest to finish the trail together, with their youngest being only two years old. He shares parenting and outdoor adventure insights through his YouTube channel 'Fight for Together' and Instagram.
This episode is brought to you by Star brite, the trusted marine care brand that keeps your boat and outdoor gear protected and ready for your next family adventure. From boat care essentials to Salt Off for post-trip rinsing, Star brite has the solutions outdoor families rely on. Visit starbrite.com
How a Book About Ultra Marathons Changed Everything
Eight years before the Appalachian Trail, Ben Crawford wasn't a runner. In fact, the last time he'd run was in high school for cross country, and he describes that experience as miserable. Then he bought a book called 'Born to Run' about people who run ultra marathons, and something shifted. He was inspired—enough to attempt a marathon in his thirties despite having no recent running experience. But here's where it gets interesting: he asked his eight-year-old son if he wanted to train with him. What happened next set off a chain reaction that would eventually lead to their entire family hiking 2,000 miles together. Ben reveals the exact moment his other children decided they wanted to run marathons too, and why it had nothing to do with him forcing them. The story of how his whole family became marathon runners starts at 3:42.
The Question That Changes Everything About Outdoor Activities
When Ben started running, he didn't force his kids to stop playing video games. He didn't take away privileges or use restrictions. Instead, he asked himself one critical question that transformed his entire approach to parenting and outdoor activities. This question shifted his focus from external control to internal motivation, from making running about losing weight and burning calories—which he admits are all miserable reasons—to actually finding genuine pleasure in the activity. Ben explains why kids can sense when parents are doing something miserably, and why that makes them resist joining in. The insight here goes deeper than just outdoor activities; it's about how we model behavior and create genuine inspiration rather than forced compliance. Ben reveals the exact question he asked himself at 5:03.
Hear how Ben's approach to parenting transformed his family's relationship with the outdoors
The Ultimatum Ben Gave His Son in the Middle of the Trail
Two or three months into the Appalachian Trail, somewhere in New York, Ben's 15-year-old son was complaining a lot. He hated the trail. He didn't want to be there anymore. By this point, the Crawford family knew they were on track to become the largest family to complete the trail together—a record that would be significant. But Ben and his wife made a decision that most parents chasing a goal like this wouldn't make. They gave their son a real option to quit. Not a bluff, not a pretend option where they secretly hoped he'd stay. They told him about a train in New York and said they'd put him on it if he wanted to go. But there was one condition if he stayed. What happened after that conversation completely changed his son's attitude and experience for the rest of the journey, and it reveals something profound about autonomy versus control. The full story of what Ben told his son and what happened next starts at 6:40.
Get the Best Fishing & Outdoor Content
Weekly insights on fishing strategy, conservation, and the disciplines that transfer across pursuits.
SubscribeWhy Tips and Tricks for Getting Kids to Comply Actually Backfire
Every parent knows the standard toolkit: threats, bribes, pulling privileges. Ben admits he's used them all, and he acknowledges they have their place. But as he's progressed in his parenting journey, he's observed something crucial about these tactics—they have significant downsides that most parents don't recognize until it's too late. These short-term compliance tools tend to run out of effectiveness, and worse, they can actually backfire in ways that damage the very outcome you're trying to create. Ben contrasts this approach with what he calls inspiring and inviting children, allowing them to make and own decisions themselves. He shares a specific example of what happens when kids are outside but thinking about video games, wishing they were inside—versus when they genuinely choose to be outdoors. The difference isn't in the activity; it's in who owns the decision. Ben's full breakdown of why control-based parenting fails long-term starts at 3:00.
This conversation goes deeper than hiking—it's about raising kids who choose adventure.
The insights apply to fishing, hunting, or any outdoor pursuit you want to share with your family.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Crawford's family of eight, with their youngest being two years old, became one of the largest families to complete the entire Appalachian Trail together
- After Ben read 'Born to Run' and ran his first marathon with his eight-year-old son, his other children watched them cross the finish line and immediately asked to run marathons themselves—no forcing required
- In the middle of their Appalachian Trail journey, Ben gave his complaining 15-year-old son a real option to quit and take a train home from New York, but the condition if he stayed would completely transform the rest of his experience
- The key question Ben asks himself isn't how to force his kids outdoors, but how he can learn to genuinely love the activity himself—because kids sense when parents are doing something miserably
- Traditional parenting tactics like threats, bribes, and removing privileges may work short-term but tend to run out of effectiveness and can backfire, creating resentment instead of inspiration
- When kids feel controlled rather than empowered to choose, they end up outside thinking about video games instead of genuinely enjoying the outdoors
- Ben's approach of modeling genuine enthusiasm, inviting kids to participate, and allowing them to own their decisions creates lasting change that works whether you're fishing, hiking, hunting, or pursuing any outdoor activity as a family
Final Thoughts from Tom
This episode hit me hard because I think every parent who loves the outdoors faces this challenge. You want your kids to experience what you love—whether that's fishing, hunting, hiking, or just being outside—but you can't force genuine enthusiasm. Ben's approach is so different from what most of us default to when we get frustrated.
What really stuck with me was the story about his son in New York. Two or three months into this massive journey, tracking to break a record, and Ben gives him a real option to quit. That takes guts. But what happened after that decision shows why autonomy matters so much more than compliance. Same trail, same weather, same miles to cover—but completely different experience once the kid owned the choice.
If you've got kids and you want them in the outdoors with you—not just physically present but actually engaged—this conversation is essential. Ben's insights about modeling genuine love for what you do, about asking yourself the right questions before trying to control your kids' behavior, this stuff applies whether you're trying to get a teenager on a fishing boat or a young kid excited about camping. Listen to the whole thing. It's worth your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ben Crawford get his kids to hike the Appalachian Trail?
Ben Crawford focused on inspiring and inviting his children rather than forcing them. He first learned to genuinely love outdoor activities himself, then invited his kids to join him. When challenges arose, like his 15-year-old son wanting to quit in New York, Ben gave him a real option to leave but required him to own the decision if he stayed, which transformed his son's attitude for the rest of the journey.
What is the book '2,000 Miles Together' about?
'2,000 Miles Together' by Ben Crawford documents his family of eight's journey hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. Their youngest child was just two years old during the hike, and they became one of the largest families to complete the trail together.
How do you get resistant kids interested in outdoor activities?
Ben Crawford suggests asking yourself how you can learn to genuinely love the activity first, rather than doing it miserably for external reasons like weight loss or obligation. Kids sense when parents are miserable and don't want to join. By modeling authentic enthusiasm and inviting rather than forcing participation, children are more likely to choose outdoor activities themselves.
What happened when Ben Crawford's eight-year-old son ran a marathon?
After reading 'Born to Run,' Ben Crawford invited his eight-year-old son to train for a marathon with him. They crossed the finish line together at 22 miles. His other four children watched them finish, saw the shiny medal and free perks, and immediately asked if they could run marathons too, demonstrating the power of modeling rather than forcing.
Why do parenting tricks like threats and bribes backfire?
Ben Crawford explains that tactics like threats, bribes, and pulling privileges have pros and cons, but they don't work well long-term. They tend to run out of effectiveness and can backfire because they create external control rather than internal motivation. Kids may comply physically but remain mentally resistant, like being outside while wishing they were inside playing video games.
Related Episodes
More strategies for getting your family engaged in outdoor pursuits without forcing it
Practical tips for keeping young anglers engaged and excited about fishing trips
How to create a family identity centered around outdoor adventure and shared experiences
Sponsors
Keep your boat and outdoor gear protected with Star brite's complete line of marine care products. From Boat Care in a Bucket to Salt Off, Star brite supports your family adventures on the water.
Shop Star briteTrusted by Tom Rowland from The Seychelles to the Keys, Danco pliers are built for serious anglers who demand reliability in every situation.
Build Your Danco KitFuel your outdoor pursuits with premium supplements trusted by athletes and anglers who demand peak performance.
Shop 1st PhormOutdoor nutrition designed for hunters, anglers, and adventurers who push their limits in the field.
Explore MTN OPSMilitary-grade gear built for the toughest conditions, from urban rucking to backcountry adventures.
Shop GORUCKFrom The Seychelles to The Keys, Tom trusts Nikon binoculars to find fish fast and upgrade his line of sight.
Visit NikonSpecialized marine insurance that actually covers your adventures. Jake and Landon know charter policies better than anyone.
Get a Quote - (727) 498-5551Ben Crawford - Author of '2,000 Miles Together,' creator of Fight for Together YouTube channel
Download the Tom Rowland Podcast Knot Guide and master the essential fishing knots every angler needs to know.
Ben Crawford
Ben Crawford is the author of '2,000 Miles Together,' which documents his family of eight's journey hiking the entire Appalachian Trail with their youngest child being just two years old. His family became one of the largest families to complete the Appalachian Trail together. Ben now shares insights on parenting, adventure, and getting families into the outdoors through his YouTube channel 'Fight for Together' and Instagram @fightfortogether. Before the Appalachian Trail, Ben and his family started running marathons together, beginning when his oldest son was eight years old and completing 22 miles together.
Follow Ben:
YouTube: Fight for Together
Instagram: @fightfortogether
Listen or watch on your favorite platform:
About this Guest