In the heart of Slovenia’s mountainous regions, a growing number of families are finding new ways to connect with nature through family hikes, guided by experts who blend personal experience with practical advice. On July 19, 2026, Urška Petek, author of Mali koraki, veliki vrhovi, shared insights into how parents can navigate the challenges of taking children into the mountains. A mother of four and a teacher at Primary School Mengeš, she has spent her life immersed in the rhythms of the hills and valleys, passing down knowledge to both students and young adventurers. Petek, who grew up in a hillside family, continues to lead youth sections of the PD Kamnik hiking club while raising her own children. Her latest book, published by the Alpine Publishing House, offers a comprehensive guide to family hiking, covering everything from pregnancy and early childcare to adolescence. The work reflects her deep understanding of the unique needs of families exploring the outdoors. In one particularly vivid memory, she recalled a time when a sudden storm forced her group to descend quickly from the Kokrška Heights. Despite the chaos, she emphasized the importance of keeping calm and ensuring the safety of children, reminding readers that preparation and awareness are key to navigating unpredictable conditions. When asked about handling situations where children refuse to continue during nighttime hikes, Petek stressed the need for patience and emotional support. She advised parents to take short breaks, sit beside their child, and engage them with questions about their surroundings. “Even simple games can help them forget fatigue,” she explained, highlighting the role of play in making outdoor experiences enjoyable and memorable. She also recommended introducing backpacks gradually, starting with lightweight items and ergonomic designs, while advising against giving children hiking poles until they develop the necessary motor skills. For teenagers who sometimes resist going into the mountains, Petek suggested allowing more independence. “They will come back on their own if given space,” she noted, adding that encouraging self-reliance is essential for long-term engagement with the outdoors. However, she warned of the increasing environmental challenges facing mountain areas. With more hikers than ever before, she lamented the decline in respectful behavior and the rise in littering. “We must remember we are guests here,” she said, emphasizing the cultural responsibility to protect the natural environment. Petek also addressed the question of when children should begin formal training in mountaineering. While younger children benefit from informal exposure, she believed that joining a school-based hiking club or youth section could provide valuable social interaction and structured learning opportunities. These groups offer tailored excursions and camps, helping children develop confidence and competence in the field. Unlike other sports, she pointed out, hiking emphasizes cooperation and respect for nature over competition. As the popularity of alpine tourism grows, figures like Petek remain vital in shaping responsible, sustainable practices among families. Their efforts ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of Slovenia’s mountains while preserving its delicate ecosystems. For now, the focus remains on fostering joy, education, and connection, cornerstones of a meaningful outdoor experience.
3 reports
Gorenjski glasIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 857 days agoThe article discusses swimming lessons for children, emphasizing the importance of feeling safe during the learning process. Selector Tomaz Torkar of the Swimming Club Olimpija explains that parents can start introducing babies to water very early, even during bath time. He advises against dramatic reactions if a baby accidentally drinks water, suggesting it is part of the learning process. Torkar highlights that the optimal age for formal swimming lessons begins around four years old, when children can better understand tasks related to motor skills development. He stresses the need for parents to ensure safety in water, including proper breathing techniques and avoiding dangerous practices like forcing children into positions unsuitable for swimming. The article concludes by noting that while additional aids like wristbands may be used, they should not replace fundamental swimming skills.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on practical advice for teaching children to swim, based on expert guidance from a coach. It does not take a partisan stance or present conflicting viewpoints. The content is educational and objective, focusing on technique and safety rather than ideological or political issues.
Why factuality (90): The article provides expert advice from Tomaž Torkar, a swimming coach, on teaching children to swim. The information is presented as professional guidance, supported by his credentials and experience. The content is factual and aligns with standard pedagogical practices in swimming instruction.
Why objectivity (85): The tone is informative and objective, presenting advice without emotional bias. It focuses on practical tips and safety considerations, maintaining a neutral stance throughout. The language is clear and aimed at educating parents without promoting any particular ideology.
Gorenjski glasIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7513 days ago In the hills, there's still blood.The article features an interview with Urška Petek, an experienced mountain guide and mother of four, discussing practical tips for parents who take their children hiking. She shares personal experiences from growing up in a hill country family and highlights common challenges faced by families during hikes, such as unexpected weather conditions and children refusing to continue walking. Petek emphasizes the importance of maintaining calm, engaging children through play, and preparing adequately for hikes. She also addresses topics like when children should start carrying backpacks, the use of trekking poles, and how to handle teenage resistance to hiking. The piece focuses on educational and parenting advice rather than taking a political stance.
Bias read (Center): The article provides practical advice for parents and does not present any politically charged content. It discusses hiking with children, safety measures, and child development, which are non-political topics. The tone remains neutral and informative without favoring any ideological perspective.
Why factuality (85): The article discusses Urška Petek's experience as a mother and mountain guide, sharing personal anecdotes from her family's hiking experiences. While there is no primary source, the information aligns with the cross-source consensus that she has written a guidebook on hiking with children and is inv
Why objectivity (75): The tone is personal and reflective, focusing on the author's experiences and insights. It presents her views on parenting and hiking with children, which can be seen as subjective. However, it does not overtly promote any specific agenda beyond sharing practical advice.
Slovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 7011 days agoAna Roš, one of the world's top chefs, shares a heartfelt message about her children, Svit and Eva Klara, who were born into her marriage with former partner Walter Kramar. The article highlights how both children have been exposed to the culinary world since childhood, often helping out at her restaurant, Hiša Franko. However, Roš emphasizes that she does not intend to push them toward following in her footsteps. She shared a touching photo of her daughter Eva Klara in the kitchen on her birthday, accompanied by emotional words expressing pride and love for her children.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on personal life and family matters of a celebrity chef, with no direct political content or commentary. It discusses parenting choices and family values but does not engage with political issues, policies, or public figures in any capacity.
Why factuality (80): This article features Ana Roš, a renowned chef and mother, discussing her relationship with her children. There is no primary source, but the content is consistent with public knowledge of her career and family life. The article shares personal reflections and quotes from her social media posts, whi
Why objectivity (70): The article has a warm and sentimental tone, emphasizing the emotional bond between mother and child. While it highlights positive aspects of motherhood, it lacks balance by not addressing potential challenges or differing perspectives on parenting.
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