Raising Wildlings: Recent Episodes

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Can a name shape the way we connect with nature through education? On this episode of Raising Wildlings, we are joined by the insightful (and soon-to-be Dr) Amanda England, as we unpack the nuances behind terms such "Forest School," "Nature Play," and "Bush Kinder," and discuss how these names reflect the unique environments and philosophies they represent.

Amanda shares her rich experiences from Europe, offering a global perspective on how these programs are practiced differently. We also delve into the importance of place-responsiveness, especially within the diverse landscapes of Australia, and debate the necessity of a unified term for nature-based education.

We also explore the essential elements of a shared Nature Play philosophy and the strides made towards unifying various nature play bodies in Australia, and touch on the challenges of maintaining a genuine commitment to child-directed play, beyond just marketing allure.

We encourage our listeners to join us in this lively debate over terminology and contribute your thoughts and innovative ideas. Get ready to rethink how we name and perceive Nature Play!

Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

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If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.

2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Are you grappling with the fear of cease and desist letters or the anxiety of operating your nature play business in legal grey zones? Get ready to arm yourself with essential insights and practical advice that can help you stay compliant and successful in this challenging landscape. We'll help you understand where your business fits within outdoor recreation, education, and environmental education and clarify how these definitions impact your regulatory obligations. By focusing on the purpose, age group, and structure of your programs, you’ll learn how to navigate the often complex regulatory landscape effectively and ensure your nature play business thrives without legal hurdles.

Discover the intricacies of legalities and regulatory challenges that nature play and outdoor education programs face today. We discuss the importance of adhering to legal requirements and the necessity of understanding those murky "grey zones" to keep your programs operational and safe. Direct communication with regulatory bodies is crucial, and we provide tips on how to approach these agencies to clarify legalities and avoid future shutdowns. Finally, we underscore the importance of aligning your intentions with the impact of your programs, particularly in forest schooling, to achieve the positive outcomes you aim for. Tune in and equip yourself with the knowledge to ensure your nature play business not only survives but thrives.

Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

www.r

Hey it’s Nicki here interrupting this episode to quickly say, if you’re like us and feeling torn between your career as an educator vs. your beliefs for child development,

We’ve created a 5 step e-guide to unlock your purpose without compromising your values.

This Treasure Map is completely free, takes ten minutes, and is available from our Raising Wildlings website. So dive in and s

If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey. 2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values. 3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Have you ever felt crushed by criticism from a parent, especially when you're pouring your heart into your business? We've been there. This week, we share our emotional journey as nature play program facilitators, discussing how initially taking negative feedback to heart evolved into seeing it as a critical avenue for growth. By reframing criticism and using it to reaffirm our beliefs and improve communication, we’ve developed a more resilient mindset that empowers us to turn critiques into valuable learning experiences.

We also dive into the significance of clearly articulating the value and philosophy behind our nature programs to parents. Discover how emphasizing the intangible benefits—like fostering deep flow states and promoting non-traditional learning—can help parents appreciate the true impact on their children. Balancing feedback while staying true to our mission is key, and we explain why being explicit about our program’s offerings attracts the right participants. Join us for an insightful conversation on navigating feedback, maintaining authenticity, and ensuring that those who genuinely align with our goals thrive within our program.

Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

www.r

If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Send us a Text Message.

What happens when educators step out of their comfort zones and embrace diverse perspectives? Get ready for an insightful and playful conversation with Lewis Ames and Gemma Southerden of the Forest School Podcast as we explore the journey of lifelong learning in education. We dive into the benefits and challenges of continuous professional development and reveal the importance of breaking free from our echo chambers. By engaging with diverse cultures and finding forest schools led by people of color, we uncover how these experiences enrich our understanding and teaching practices. And for a whimsical twist, we even delve into the fascinating world of cat purrs!

Navigating discomfort and fostering meaningful conversations is a crucial part of professional growth. Together, we address the complexities of Australia's history and the fear of making mistakes due to white fragility. By promoting transparency and the willingness to ask questions, we discuss how educators and business owners can support those with less capacity for continual learning. Creating accessible content like podcasts and handouts is just one way to facilitate these challenging yet necessary conversations, paving the way for significant change and understanding.

Balancing business partnerships with personal values can be a tightrope walk, but it doesn't have to be daunting. Inspired by principles from Marshall Rosenberg's "Nonviolent Communication," we delve into the art of navigating difficult conversations and the concept of shadow values. Reflecting on the dual nature of personal strengths, we discuss how seEver wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

www.r

Hey it’s Nicki here interrupting this episode to quickly say, if you’re like us and feeling torn between your career as an educator vs. your beliefs for child development,

We’ve created a 5 step e-guide to unlock your purpose without compromising your values.

This Treasure Map is completely free, takes ten minutes, and is available from our Raising Wildlings website. So dive in and s

If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey. 2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values. 3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Send us a Text Message.

Discover the transformative journey of Jane McFadden, a former psychologist and founder of ADHD Mums, as she shares her late ADHD and autism diagnoses. Jane's candid recollection of the challenges she faced as a mother of three, and the realization of her neurodivergence when her eldest child started school, provides crucial insights into the intersection of neurodiversity and parenting. This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating similar paths, especially those in alternative education settings like forest schools, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting neurodivergent traits in both children and adults.

In this episode, we uncover the chaos and revelations of adult ADHD diagnoses, illustrated by Jane's impulsive decision to embark on a year-long caravan trip around Australia, which brought her ADHD symptoms to the forefront. Her story underscores the unique way ADHD manifests in women and girls, challenging common misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis and support. From managing a busy lifestyle to persistent psychological consultations, we delve into the real-life impact of living with undiagnosed ADHD and the eventual clarity that comes with understanding one's condition.

Finally, we explore the profound benefits of adult diagnoses and medication. Jane shares her personal experiences with ADHD medication, detailing how it improved her ability to manage daily tasks and be more present with her family. We discuss the significance of early intervention and medication for children, the plethora of resources available for ADHD

Ever wondered how to bring the magic of 'Nature Play' into your child's education? Or how to say goodbye to your worries about snakes and ticks? With Nature Play Now, crafting an epic outdoor program is easier than you think. You’ll boost your confidence, skill sets, and have parents eager to enrol. Join the adventure for just $57, exclusively for Raising Wildlings listeners. Visit our Raising Wildlings website for more details today!"

www.r

Hey it’s Nicki here interrupting this episode to quickly say, if you’re like us and feeling torn between your career as an educator vs. your beliefs for child development,

We’ve created a 5 step e-guide to unlock your purpose without compromising your values.

This Treasure Map is completely free, takes ten minutes, and is available from our Raising Wildlings website. So dive in and s

If you enjoyed this episode of Raising Wildlings. We invite you to check out Your Wild Business, our signature business course for education change-makers who are ready to create or refine their own nature play businesses.

Your Wild Business is the only program that focuses on the business side of nature play, with sustainable practices, processes, and systems that will cut down your administration work, giving you more time to focus on building a business that is centered around your e

Other ways we can help you:

1. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey. 2. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values. 3. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Ever reminisced about the simple joys of childhood when a stick wasn't just a stick but a sword, a wand, or a companion on countless adventures?

In today's episode, Nicki and Vicci will unravel the hidden developmental treasures found in stick play and how adults can prioritise safety without dampening the spirit of creativity.

Listen in as Nicki and Vicci share their extensive knowledge of:

🌱 The benefits of stick play
🌱 How to find 'the perfect stick'
🌱What's a 'blood bubble' and how does it create safety
🌱 Antedotes and insights on guiding children to play responsibly
🌱How and why children must be a part of shaping the safety rules
🌱Adults roles in recognising children's emotional cues

Bringing the outdoors in can be daunting, especially in childcare settings, but it's not impossible and this episode will renew your appreciation for stick play with practical approaches to make it an enriching part of outdoor learning.

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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It's time to gain the confidence to flex your 'uncomfortable muscles' and become an agent of positive change in your family's life – because when it comes to sex education, silence is not an option.

This week we're chatting with Cath Hakanson, mother, sex educator, and founder of Sex Ed Rescue. Cath is all about helping kids and parents have better relationships through empowering conversations. With the right tools, self-confidence, and strategies, sex education can be less threatening, more natural, and much easier.

Cath is a firm believer that if kids can talk to their parents about sex, they can talk to their parents about anything!

In this episode Cath shares:

0:00 Empowering Parent-Child Conversations on Sex
11:38 Talking About Families, Relationships, and Pleasure
19:34 Open Conversations About Sex Education
30:36 Resourceful Parenting and Sex Education
41:34 Importance of Open Communication About Sex

From conversation starters to tackling sensitive subjects like pornography and consent, Cath's knowledge will help you feel supported and ready to make these crucial conversations a natural and normal part of your child's upbringing.

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Rosie Ricketson is a mother and award-winning creative producer passionate about maternal well-being. With a background in the arts, Rosie curates community-led experiences and projects with a vision for a more connected world.

In this episode, Rosie shares:

🌱Her Thoughts Investing in Community During Uncertain Times
🌱Creativity's Role in Building Community
🌱Modern Motherhood Challenges and Needs
🌱Balancing Parenting, Education, and Work Support

This conversation served as a tapestry woven with personal anecdotes, the wisdom of voices like Maggie Dent, and the transformative ripples that stem from intentional community engagement, reminding us how vital our bonds are for growth and survival.

Grab a cuppa, listen in, and let us know your thoughts x

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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As we close the chapter on an incredible year of growth and connection, our latest podcast episode takes you through a heartfelt journey of our key milestones, mistakes and goals for the new year.

Somehow during this time, we have hit an astonishing 420,000 downloads and cultivated conversations that have deeply resonated within the realms of parenting, alternative education, forest schooling and child development. Our little project, birthed in our humble home office, has since spread its wings, touching lives and igniting a global dialogue on the transformative power of playing and learning in nature.

The hustle of running a small business is nothing short of a rollercoaster, and trust us, we've had our fair share of stomach-dropping moments! From the anticipation of launching our Forest School Skills online course to navigating the choppy waters of economic uncertainty, we share our trials and triumphs. Yet, amidst the challenges, we've seen our programs soar to new heights, with over 5,600 children stepping through the doors of our Forest School sites this year alone to the simple joys of bringing on our first full-time team member. It's these victories, large and small, that chart the course for future growth and sustainability.

Fasten your seatbelts as we map out the adventures and aspirations that await us in the coming year. Our heart is set on deepening the roots of our existing projects and empowering educators through our forest school skills course. We're also gearing up for personal travel escapades, including a five-week caravan journey through Tasmania!

Stay wild and join us on the journey—there's so much more to explore together.

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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We're back, baby! Kicking off the 2024 season of the Raising Wildlings Podcast with our friend and fellow business owner Gill Howarth from Born Wise Education.

Gill always brings her wisdom to the table and it's great to have her back for an in-depth discussion on what raising "wild and free" children truly means.

Listen in as Gill shares:

🌱Her experience on the delicate balance of granting our children the space to navigate their fears and the world at large.

🌱The spectrum of childhood "wildness" from mentorship to fostering autonomy.

🌱And we confront the crucial question: Are ideas of wildness and freedom more reflective of our aspirations as adults than the experiences of our children?

Listen in and come away with a deepened understanding of nature play, child-centered learning, and the broader movements towards decolonising forest school education.

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Have you ever questioned the traditional education system and its one-size-fits-all approach? If so, this episode is a must-listen as clinical psychologist and education advocate Dr. Naomi Fisher embarks on a deep discussion about alternative pathways to learning.

Dr Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist who specialises in autism, trauma and alternative ways to learn. She is the author of two books, both about self-directed education, and she is the mother of two children.

For full show notes head to 👉https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/breaking-educational-boundaries-with-dr-naomi-fisher

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Are you curious about how to reconnect with your inner wisdom and that of the land, seasons, and cycles?

Today we are in conversation with the wonderful Tiffany Gesler, a proud Gunggari woman passionate about connecting people to their own nature.

Tiffany is a seasoned early years and outdoor learning educator with expertise in Aboriginal health, midwifery, and women's business.

In this last year, she launched her wild business Sowed and Nurtured, Toowoomba's first private bush school.

Join us as we delve into the process of decolonizing outdoor education, promoting First Nation perspectives, and the impact of nature play businesses on families and communities.

Don't miss out on this enriching conversation that is sure to challenge, educate, and inspire!

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Stepping out of the mainstream education system and into the business world is equal parts daunting and exhilarating.

In today's episode, we are talking with one of our founding Your Wild Business students Leanne Webster who has created a community and connection in Bundaberg QLD with her wonderful business Wild Gully.

In this episode Leanne shares:

🌱Her personal journey from the four walls of a classroom into the limitless expanse of the wilderness
🌱The realities of running an early learning business
🌱The power of personal connection when growing a customer base
🌱 The importance of community collaboration when it comes to Nature Play
🌱 How our signature Your Wild Business Course influenced her journey

If you want a behind-the-scenes view into what it's like to start a Nature Play business or simply love a good story, this episode will leave you inspired and full of inspiration.

Full Show Notes Can Be Found Here

https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/stepping-out-of-the-classroom-with-leanne-webster-from-wild-gully

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Ever thought you couldn't run a Nature Play program because your site isn't postcard-worthy?

Newsflash: Picturesque beaches, a bubbling creek, or a lush rainforest are pretty but they are not essential for your Nature Play program.

We repeat they are not essential.

Today we are discussing place-based learning and how it's actually really important that children connect with their own local environment in a deep and meaningful way.

Nicki and Vicci will share:

🌱The benefits of running programs in dry locations
🌱The three absolute 'must have' facilities for your site
🌱Why picturesque locations could attract 'the wrong crowd' for your programs
🌱Practical ways you can foster deep connections at your nature play site

Join us as we explore why a picture-perfect environment might look great in photos, but can often come with challenges that make long-term engagement difficult. Whether you're a parent, an educator, or simply interested in alternative education and parenting, tune in and we promise to shift your perspective on nature play programs.

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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"If nature is free and play is free... Then why would I need to pay $ to insure my Nature Play session? "

😱 - Us

Yes, that was our actual faces when we heard someone was running a Nature Play session WITHOUT insurance.

Not only does this kind of dodgy practice risk people's livelihoods and homes... it also has the potential to completely destroy a whole industry that is supposed to protect childhood and children's right to play in nature.

In this episode, Nicki Farrell & Vicci Oliver (co-founders of The Wildlings Forest School) talk about the elephant in the room when it comes to the potential consequences of neglecting insurance and why it will actually bring you freedom and peace once you have it all sorted.

Nicki & Vicci share their experience on:

💥Why not all insurance coverage is created equal
💥 The importance of aligning your insurance with the unique risks
💥The need to double-check that your insurer covers activities like working with unpredictable outdoor environments.
💥Cutting through the complexity and confusion surrounding insurance coverage

Tune in for this practical episode on the "Business Side" of nature play and how you can best protect your interests and those of the children in your care.

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you're screaming internally, "Not this!"? You're not alone. Inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's empowering post, this episode delves into Nicki's process of courageously saying ,'Not this,' and stepping away from situations that no longer served her and opting for a path of uncertainty over a life of discontent.

Tune in and unleash the courage within you to say, "Not this."

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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How do you define success as a mother and business owner? What does it mean to find your threshold of "enoughness"?

We are back this week with Gill Howarth, owner of Bornwise Education, as she uncovers her journey through the peaks and valleys of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

For Full Show Notes Head To 👉https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/Balancing-Entrepreneurship-and-Motherhood

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Do you ever wonder what it takes to start a business while wrestling with the complexities of parenting young children?

Join us as we delve deep into the journey of Gill Howarth, the founder of Born Wise Education, who remarkably embarked on her entrepreneurial expedition during her maternity leave - just like we did with Wildlings Forest School!

Gill invites us into her world, sharing her story with honesty, courage, and inspiration.

For Full Show Notes Head To 👉 https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/trusting-instincts-in-teaching-and-business-a-conversation-with-gill-howarth

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Ever wondered how to package your passion for nature into a profitable venture?

This week we're uncovering the untapped potentials in the Nature Play industry and translating your unique gifts into a viable business.

We'll walk you through the diverse niches in the industry, from age-based businesses to corporate events, and even delve into the advantageous role of location in attracting success to your venture.

It's tempting to mirror what others are doing, but we reveal why this could be a dangerous path and why harnessing your unique skills and passions is crucial.

Full Show Notes Can Be Found At
https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/carving-your-niche-untapped-potentials-in-the-nature-play-industry

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Get ready to be inspired as we journey into the heart of an exceptional early childhood education center with Narelle Dawson, the esteemed Director of Bribe Island Community Kindy.

Narelle offers rare insights into leading a team that's been rated excellent four times in a row, a testament to their commitment, dedication, and unwavering focus on building meaningful relationships. She reveals the secrets behind their success and the transformative power of fostering a nurturing environment and maintaining a balanced focus on learning and growth.

For Full Show Notes Head to👉 https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/mastering-the-art-of-education-and-community-involvement-with-narelle-dawson

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Buckle up! We are spilling our secrets on how collaborations have been a game-changer in our Wild Play business and how they can be for you too!

Ever wondered what makes a partnership thrive?

Let us share our experience in business partnerships and what we'd do differently if we were starting a new business today.

Full Show notes can be found here:
https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/unlocking-the-power-of-wild-business-partnerships-with-nicki-farrell-and-vicci-oliver

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Have you ever wondered how an educational institution could place well-being at the heart of its ethos and practice?

Join us for an eye-opening talk with Claire Bartlett, the founding Principal of Woodline Primary, as we discuss its journey from ideation to a growing community of students and families.

Claire opens the door to Woodline's unique perspective on education. She highlights how the school's emphasis on connection, language, and individual attention fosters an environment that nurtures emotional intelligence. We also gain insight into the school's restorative practice and the role of families in the education process. Hear firsthand the challenges faced in setting up a school and the crucial part the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority played in ensuring Woodline met the approval requirements.

For Full Show Notes Head To: https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/building-community-through-education-woodline-primary-s-success-story

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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While playtime might seem straightforward, it's fraught with challenges and nuances that parents often overlook.

In this podcast, we are joined again by researcher, author, and Professor Dr Peter Gray and today we are unraveling the intricacies of play and its influence on a child's growth.

We discuss why simply taking your child to the park isn't the same as neighborhood play and the difference between 'play' and a 'playful approach to learning'.

Join us for this enlightening conversation that promises insights that are sure to change how you perceive children's playtime.

Other ways we can help you:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Prepare to be captivated by this deep dive into the world of childhood play. In our latest episode, we have the esteemed pleasure of welcoming back Dr Peter Gray, a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College. With an impressive track record of studying play's importance, Dr Gray’s insights are sure to fascinate you as he unveils how play shapes children into responsible, creative, and socially adept individuals.

Full Show Notes 👉 https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/Play-Learn-Grow-With-Dr-Peter-Gray

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help You:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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The transformative power of parenthood gives many of us a renewed passion for the importance of advocating for our children's play needs.

Today’s guest is no different, Dr. Carla Gull is an academic researcher, speaker, and environmental education program facilitator at Goshen College.

In this episode we will be deep-diving into Dr. Carla’s research work around loose parts play and the importance of unexpected curiosity.

For full show notes head to: https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/power-of-loose-parts-play-with-dr-carla

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help You:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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Today, we are delighted to have Dr Arne Rubenstein back to answer your questions about the role of father figures and how to maintain meaningful connections during a boy's journey toward adulthood.

Dr Arne is the CEO and Founder of the Rites of Passage Institute. He has over 30 years of experience as a medical doctor, counselor, speaker, workshop facilitator, and the proud father of two wonderful young men and a mentor to many others.

For full show notes head to: https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/From-Boys-To-Men-With-Dr-Arne-Rubenstein

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help You:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

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**Dr Kate Grarock is an Ecologist, Hiker, YouTube Creator, passionate storyteller, Mum and most recently, a participant on the incredibly popular SBS TV show, Alone Australia.

Today, we’ll be talking all about her time on the survival show, the best and hardest parts, and her current ecology work and her tips and tricks for solo hiking – including her favourite hiking treat!**

For Full Show Notes Head To https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/Alone-With-Dr-Kate-Grarock

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help You:

1. Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program
2. Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey.
3. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
4. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying that this is a steal!)

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At forest school, we often talk about how nature play is so important for our sensory development, but did you know that many of the developmental and behavioural challenges we see in children stem from our nervous system? In today's episode we scratch the surface of sensory integration, sensory processing and retained reflexes with Occupational Therapists, Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill.

👉 Rachel and Jess share

• About primitive reflexes
• About retaining reflexes
• What we can do at home to help this
• Why we need sensory integration and the integration of primitive reflexes
• The kinds of things would you notice in your child if they had retained primitive reflexes
• The retained reflexes that are seen commonly in a classroom
• About sensory processing disorders
• Exercises, Strategies, and Tips to Help with SPD
• Some of the myths around sensory processing
• About diagnosis and how to identify them
• How nature helps in integrating the senses
• About sensory diets
• That parents may notice their own bodies, behaviours or patterns and find out that they too have a sensory processing disorder
• About working with families that have children with opposing sensory processing disorders

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👉 Links and Resources

Personal Website

Instagram:
@harkla_family
@allthingssensorypodcast

Youtube Videos
Become a Primitive Reflex Expert

USE CODE: SENSORY for 10% first purchase at harkla.co

👉 Guest Details

Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC, CPRCS and Jessica Hill, COTA/L, CPRCS are passionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and Certified Primitive Reflex Clinic Specialists who host of the popular podcast, All Things Sensory by Harkla. Their podcast, digital courses, YouTube, and blog on Harkla.co covers topics related to sensory processing disorder, special needs, parenting, and topics related to child development and health.
With over 9 years of clinical experience, Rachel and Jessica are on a mission to help parents, educators, and therapists raise strong and confident children, no matter their abilities. They get excited about taking clinical topics (such as Sensory Processing Disorder, primitive reflexes, and sensory diets) and helping us to reframe the way that we see children, how we can help them get their needs met and spreading the word about the importance of sensory integration.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts

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Today we’re chatting to Sarah Aiono, international speaker, coach, teacher, researcher, CEO of Longworth Education and one of Aotearoa New Zealand's leading play pedagogy experts all about the biological need for all humans to play, the need for us as parents and educators to slow down childhood, how the early academic pushdown is harming children and how Sarah and her passionate team help teachers implement evidence-based play pedagogy in their everyday classroom practices.

👉 Sarah shares

• Her journey to starting Longworth Education
• About play advocacy
• If teenagers do still biologically need play
• About the Play Pedagogy Philosophy
• That childhood needs to slow down
• That childhood is not preparation for adulthood
• Why we must challenge the rhetoric about meeting certain milestones
• About the biological imperative that play is for children
• Why play outside is so critical for children's development
• How we can advocate for our children's strengths and passions, ensuring educators and schools recognise the diversity of children's knowledge and skills.

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👉 Links and Resources
Connect with SarahWebsiteLinked In
Twitter @sarahaiono
Facebook
Instagram: longworth_education

👉 Guest Details

Sarah is an international speaker, coach, teacher, researcher, CEO and one of Aotearoa New Zealand's leading play pedagogy experts. She has extensive experience as a classroom teacher, having taught students from all year levels, with a particular focus on those with challenging behaviour and learning needs. She is passionate about helping teachers implement evidence-based play pedagogy with fidelity in their everyday classroom practices. She is a postgraduate course advisor, Neuro fellow and HundrED Academy member and hosts the popular podcast series Play Conversations. She is also 8 years into her journey as a part of a worldschooling family, alongside her husband and two teenage children.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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Google Podcasts

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If you’re anything like us, the title of today’s episode, “Low Demand Parenting”, made you take a hopeful gasp and wonder if low-demand parenting could actually work for your family and take some of the weight and pressure of parenting off of your chest.

Well, after chatting with Amanda Diekman, author and leading voice in the neurodiversity parenting movement, I can honestly say I felt some of that weight lift as she gave me and all our listeners permission to say, ‘It’s too hard right now” and let some things go.

Amanda's wisdom and insight into the realities of parenting uniquely wired children hit a chord for me and I hope you too find the permission you may be seeking today to radically accept your child and family where you and they are at.

For Full Show Notes Head To
https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/low-demand-parenting

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help You:

1. Want to learn the "on the ground" skills you NEED to run children's activities with fire, water and hand tools? Bush Kindy Skills is for play workers, educators and aspiring forest school leaders. Apply now to get an invitation to our FREE training.
2. Are you ready to create your own Wildly Successful Nature Play Business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to start your own Wild Business.
3. Want to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

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What do you feel when you walk into a perfectly instagrammable Early Years setting, or when you see an education space wrapped in artificial turf?

Today we’re chatting with husband and wife duo, architects and owners of Landings Studio, Emma Healy and David Pratt all about biophilic design, the benefits of it, what we can do instead of laying astro turf and immovable playgrounds, and how we can implement some of these ideas in our homes and early years settings.

For Full Show Notes Head To
https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/How-Biophilic-Design-Connects-Us-All

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help You:

1. Ready to learn tried and tested group management skills for children's activities in risky playscapes? Click here to access our recent masterclass and level up with Forest School Skills.
2. Want to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.
3. Wondering how to navigate your outdoor learning environment with complete confidence? You need our $27 Nature Play Now Workshop and Bundle series (people constantly tell us they love this program and it's an absolute bargain! )

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If you’ve ever been to one of our Brisbane Forest School sessions, you may have been lucky enough to meet today’s guest, Amanda England.

Amanda is our Brisbane manager, friend, and business partner.

On today’s podcast, Amanda is sharing her journey from preschool teacher to kickstarting our Wildlings Forest Kindy Program in Brisbane, Australia.

Amanda will also share how investing her time and energy into building stakeholder relationships helped her successfully advocate for children and play in South East Queensland.

In this podcast Amanda shares:

• How she started her career as a teacher
• What led her to meeting Nicki & Vicci
• The hardest part of starting the Brisbane branch of Wildlings
• The greatest learnings she has had in the world of small business
• How building networks and relationships has been the game changer when it comes to instigating change for children
• Her work as a phD candidate in the forest school space

For Full Show Notes Head To
https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/it-takes-a-village-to-run-a-forest-school

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help You:

1. Want to learn the "on the ground" skills you NEED to run children's activities with fire, water and hand tools? Bush Kindy Skills is for play workers, educators and aspiring forest school leaders. Apply now to get an invitation to our FREE training.
2. Are you ready to create your own Wildly Successful Nature Play Business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to start your own Wild Business.
3. Want to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

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One of the biggest reasons for starting our own business was to be able to jump at opportunities when adventure called. It’s a great privilege to be able to do this and it’s not something we take for granted.

This week on the podcast we are diving into Nicki’s recent unplanned 5-week road trip into the outback with her two homeschooled boys and dog in tow.

The road schooling trip back to Nicki’s own childhood roots in South Australia.

Were they new places to visit? No.

Was it going to have the same awe and wonder that it had 30 years ago?

Surprisingly, yes!

For Full Show Notes Head To https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/the-journey-home-with-nicki-farrell

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help You:

1. Want to learn the "on the ground" skills you NEED to run children's activities with fire, water and hand tools? Forest School Skills is for play workers, educators and aspiring forest school leaders. Apply now to get an invitation to our FREE training.
2. Are you ready to create your own Wildly Successful Nature Play Business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to start your own Wild Business.
3. Want to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

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Imagine being labeled America’s worst mother just because you made the conscious decision to allow your child to experience some independence. If you haven’t heard Lenore Skenazy’s story or read her book Free Range Kids, today’s episode is a great introduction to the Free Range Children and Grow Wild movements.

👉 Lenore shares

• The incredible story that catapulted her into this movement.
• Some of the most rewarding outcomes she has seen in her own life and in the families she has worked with
• What free-range parenting really is
• The biggest myths about it
• How people can start incorporating its principles into their own parenting style
• Her response to the critics of free-range parenting arguing that it is irresponsible or even dangerous
• The biggest challenges that parents face when trying to give their kids more independence
• How parents can overcome those obstacles
• How you can incorporate safety into free-range parenting
• About the "Let Grow" initiative
• What she hopes to see from parents and families adopting this style in the years to come

Learn More about Range Kids
Website
Book
Learn more about Let Grow

👉 Guest Details

Lenore Skenazy is “America’s Worst Mom.” (Google it!)

The New York City columnist-turned-reality TV show host got that title after letting her 9-year-old son take the subway, alone. In response to the enormous media blowback, she founded the book and blog, “Free-Range Kids,” which launched the anti-helicopter parenting movement.

Her feisty belief that our kids are safer and smarter than our culture gives them credit for has landed her on many talk shows.

She has lectured internationally, from Microsoft Headquarters to DreamWorks to the Bulgarian Happiness Festival (a real thing!), and she has written for everyone from The Wall Street Journal to Mad Magazine. And she’s a graduate of Yale.

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help You:

1. Want to learn the "on the ground" skills you NEED to run children's activities with fire, water and hand tools? Wild School Skills is for play workers, educators and aspiring forest school leaders. Apply now to get an invitation to our FREE training in May
2. Are you ready to create your own Wildly Successful Nature Play Business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to start your own Wild Business.
3. Want to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

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Issac Newton once said “What goes up must come down”, but what on Earth are we supposed to do when children climb up too high and call out for help?

Recently, we’ve witnessed several occurrences where tiny climbers reach great heights only to get stuck when it comes to getting back down to the ground.

In today’s podcast episode, we are deep diving into the physiology behind this and what adults can do to coach children down from great heights.

In this episode, we discuss:

✔️ Fear Of Heights vs. Height Vertigo

✔️The physiology behind “Height Vertigo” and its impact on the senses

✔️Our 4 top tips to respectfully coach children down from heights

Full show notes for this episode can be found at:

https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/dizzy-heights-and-how-to-get-down

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help You:

Playworkers, educators and aspiring forest school leaders. Apply now to get an invitation to our FREE training "The First Steps You Must Take Before Leading A Nature Immersion Program" and steal our signature Gather, Guide & Grow framework for starting your own Nature Immersion or Forest School Program https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/register

Are you ready to create your own Wildly Successful Nature Play Business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to start your own Wild Business.

Want to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/Opt-In

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Tree climbing has always been a rite of passage. Whether it was the mango tree in the backyard or the massive jacaranda at the local park.

Where there were trees…. there were children hanging from the branches.

At least, that’s what is why like in our own childhood.

But did you know that 1 in 4 Australian children have never climbed a tree?

That’s a quarter of Australian children!

Missing out on the pure joy, freedom, and learning experiences that come from being able to scale, swing and hang from nature's original jungle gym… the tree!

Where did it all go wrong?

In today's episode, we are sharing our tips on how you can help children climb trees safely and we are asking some tough questions about whether the presence of adults is actually hindering children’s ability to risk assess.

In this episode, we discuss:

✔️ The shocking decline of tree climbing

✔️Our own experiences with being chastised for our children’s tree climbing

✔️Why you should not lift children into trees

✔️How to coach children’s climbing and what NOT to do

✔️Our game-changing tree-climbing advice for young children

Full show notes for this episode can be found at:

https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/tree-climbing-the-forgotten-playground

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help You: Want to learn the "on the ground" skills you NEED to run children's activities with fire, water and hand tools?

Wild School Skills is for playworkers, educators and aspiring forest school leaders. Apply now to get an invitation to our FREE training https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/waitlist

Are you ready to create your own Wildly Successful Nature Play Business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to start your own Wild Business.

Want to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/Opt-In

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❌Newsflash: Risky Play isn’t as simple as giving children the old hammer from the rusty toolbox in the garage.

In fact, doing that will probably cause more accidents and set everyone up for a negative experience.

We used to think that ‘any’ hand tool was better than none.... until we saw some were too heavy, too bulky, and hindering the learning process for children.

It was a bit like trying to eat soup with a fork. Rather frustrating for all involved.

So today we will share with you the TOP THREE hand tools we believe every child and educator should be using to extend learning with loose parts and adventurous play.

In this episode, we discuss:

✔️ Why less is more when it comes to resources and loose parts

✔️The benefits of child-size hand tools

✔️How learning injuries are a part of the process

✔️Top Three Hand Tools for young children (3-12 years)

✔️Additional Hand Tools for advanced learning (7-12 years)

_____________________________________________________

Full show notes for this episode can be found at:
https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/right-tools-for-the-job

_____________________________________________________

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help You: Want to learn the "on the ground" skills you NEED to run children's activities with fire, water and hand tools? Wild School Skills is for playworkers, educators and aspiring forest school leaders.

Apply now to get an invitation to our FREE training https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/waitlist

Are you ready to create your own Wildly Successful Nature Play Business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to start your own Wild Business.

Want to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/Opt-In

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"Look, it has pockets!" said the child as they emptied the rocks, shells, and leaves from the pockets of their new skirt.

And we have to admit, as grown women, we too have twirled in excitement when FINALLY finding a dress or skirt that can fit our wallets, phones, and car keys but it makes us ask the question...

Are we letting "looks" get in the way of "life" and what kind of message is that sending to our children especially when that comes to nature play?

In this episode, we discuss:

✔️Our experiences with children wearing inappropriate clothing in a nature play session and what are the best clothes and shoes to wear

✔️The adulteration of children's clothing

✔️Our thoughts on the gender discussion when it comes to clothing for boys and girls

✔️Why children need to feel free to move in their clothing and how this impacts their sensory experiences

✔️How dressing children in “hi-vis” vests sends the message that children are separate from nature

Full show notes for this episode can be found at:

https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/is-fashion-stifling-childhood

When You're Ready, Here's How We Can Help You:

1. Want to learn the "on the ground" skills you NEED to run children's activities with fire, water and hand tools? Wild School Skills is for play workers, educators and aspiring forest school leaders. Apply now to get an invitation to our FREE training in May
2. Are you ready to create your own Wildly Successful Nature Play Business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to start your own Wild Business.
3. Want to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values.

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Sometimes in life you meet people who’s experience and inspiration mirrors your own and that is what I feel about my guest today. Celia Hogan is the founder of Little Kiwis in Aeoteroa (New Zealand) and we shared such a rich and inspiring chat today which I think you are going to love.

👉 Celia Shares

• Her journey that brought her to where she is today
• About Little Kiwis Nature Play
• Her inspiration to start her Wild Business
• The nature play landscape in New Zealand?
• How she embeds Maori culture in her programs
• Why it is important to for children to have adventure in their lives
• Why risk is essential in child development
• The largest hurdles she has had to overcome in her nature play journey
• The benefits of starting a nature play business in your community

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**👉 Links and Resources

Connect with Celia and Little Kiwis on:**Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram

Learn more about Celia
Read more here
Listen to Celia here

Book Recs:
Disobedient Teaching: Surviving and Creating Change in Education by Welby Ings

Wild Skills Course
Wild Business

👉 Guest DetailsCelia Hogan, Founder of Little Kiwis Nature Play is a Nature Education Specialist, Consultant, Speaker and Parenting Coach. She is passionate about connecting children to nature and is a strong advocate for nature play, risky play and improving mental health and well-being through nature. For the past 24 years, she has worked for a variety of outdoor education organisations internationally, setting up, developing and running outdoor programmes, wilderness expeditions, leadership development programmes and establishing risk management and safety systems. She splits her time with professional development training for teachers, coaching parents, running her Bush Kindy and taking her own tamariki on lots of adventures. She is chair of Nature Education Aotearoa, co-chair of Education Outdoors New Zealand and is an advisor for ECE Reform.

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You’ve all heard the saying, ‘If you play with fire, you’re going to get burnt,' well we have another saying at Wildlings, and that’s, ‘If you don't play with fire you WILL get burnt.’ Today’s episode is all about why we must teach children fire safety.

👉 Nicki and Vicci Share:

• Some striking facts about fire danger in Australia and around the world
• Why it is important to teach children about fire safety
• The importance and power of fire and how to teach responsibility in children around fires
• The harms of misusing fire in front of our children
• Flow on effects of generations that don’t understand fire safety
• About acknowledging First Nations uses of fire from an ecological perspective
• That knowledge is power and how to equip yourself and your children to be fire savvy.

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Join the waitlist for our new course Wild Skills

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👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

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Imagine making play your life’s work. In today’s podcast, I talk with professional playworker and child advocate, Marc Armitage, who has done just that. We are chatting all about the role of adults and he asks us what is our agenda when it comes to providing play opportunities for children.

👉 Marc Shares:

• How his journey got started
• How playwork differs from other approaches to working with children
• That playwork is a unique way of connecting with children
• How playworkers balance the need for children to have autonomy with the need to ensure their safety
• The role of playworkers in play in developing and maintaining play environments
• How playworkers can create play spaces that are open-ended and allow for a wide range of play opportunities
• His definition of risky play
• About the risky play diet.
• Strategies to help children develop a sense of risk assessment and decision making when it comes to risky play
• The new types of risky play
• Why is it critical that we allow children the opportunity to play on their own terms
• His favourite type of adventurous play

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Marc at Play on TOUR

👉 Guest Details

Marc Armitage is an consultant, researcher and writer in children’s play, playing and Playwork. He began his professional career as a playworker in the early 1980s with a local organisation in the UK, Hull Community Playschemes Association, and since then has worked as a field playworker, an adventure playground worker, a double decker playbus worker, a local authority play development officer, a university lecturer, research associate and a company director.

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Nature schools are on the rise here in Australia and around the world and I am not just talking about Forest Schools like Wildlings. These schools have to follow Australian Curriculum, but are prioritising getting kids outside! Today I want to introduce Joanna Griffith from Kwoorabup Nature School in Western Australia.

👉 Joanna Shares:

• Her philosophy and the inspiration behind Kwoorabup Nature School
• The significance of the land on which they learn and play
• About the meaning of the school name, indigenous connection and what they are actively doing to embed indigenous perspectives at Kwoorabup
• The importance of connecting with other changemakers in education
• About her staff including what kind of teachers or mentors work with the children at Kwoorabup and the kind of training they have
• The biggest challenges they face
• Her favourite moments working with and observing the children and how she balances the administration side of her job and her involvement with the students

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👉 Links and Resources

https://www.kwoorabup.wa.edu.au/
https://www.facebook.com/KwoorabupNatureSchool

Book Recc:
Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature

Head here if you are interested in starting your own Nature School!

👉 Guest Details

Joanna Griffith is the principal of a new nature school in WA called Kwoorabup. She has a passion for nature based learning, inquiry teaching and has a compassionate and collaborative leadership style.

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Honestly, our kids get a rough go. What we often expect of them at a young age can far outweigh what their brain can actually manage — and we don’t even realise we’re doing it! Today we’re finishing our chat with Allison Davies.
Today we’re chatting about the importance of predictability for children, Hyperactivity and her family’s journey from homeschooling to schooling.
You can catch the first part of our conversation in last week’s episode.

👉 Alli Shares

• About Brain = Behavior
• Why predictability in a child’s life is so important
• What happens in the brain when it can predict
• How to create more predictability in even the most chaotic environments
• About Hyperactivity: why it happens and how to support your child’s hyperactivity without ever having to focus on its’ related behaviours
• Her journey from homeschooling to schooling

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Connect with Alli

Your Wild Business is a business kickstarter program like no other.
Specifically designed for Teachers, Forest School Leaders, Outdoor Reccies and Early Years Educators who are are ready to leap into the big, wide world of business.

If you want to take the guesswork out of starting from scratch and more importantly if you want to AVOID the three most common mistakes others have made when they started their nature play business - Head to hwww.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness and check out our exclusive training to get you started on the right path towards your wild business journey.

👉 Guest Details

Allison holds a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Teaching, a Master of Music Therapy and Neurologic Music Therapy training. A former Registered Music Therapist of 16 years, Alli left the Allied Health industry in 2021 in order to align her work more deeply with culturally responsive practices and to switch her focus from individual change to socio cultural change. She is an independent liberatory scholar currently exploring the gatekeeping and classism of the social construct ‘musical vs non musical’.

Alli is an autistic person with attention, sensory processing and executive functioning difficulties. She works within a neurodiversity framework that favours deep acceptance and regulation over assimilation and intervention, and shares her lived experience of autism openly within her seminars, workshops and conferences as part of her ‘emotive storytelling mixed with science’ approach to education.

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In this episode, we chat to former Neurologic Music Therapist Allison who stepped out of the allied health system after 16 years, and now focuses on enacting societal change by dismantling harmful musical myths. To get a sense of what Alli is all about, I thought I’d read one of her quotes which I love.

‘As a woman I was suppressed by the systems that told me to ‘be seen and not heard’, to ‘stop being hysterical’ and to ‘not give up my day job’ in response to my musical expression.
Others were led to believe that not being able to play an instrument, sing in tune or access lessons meant they were ‘not musical’. Some were told to mime in the school choir. Many were punished for using their voice to speak up.
These systems are coming to an end.
AND WE ARE THE ONES DISMANTLING THEM.”

Oof. Did you feel that? Yes? Then let’s chat to Alli about music and the brain, how to use music to help children regulate and how we are all musical. This is episode one of two of our chat together.

👉 Alli Shares

• About the connection between music and the brain
• That music is a tool for healing
• How we as parents and educators use music in different ways to help children regulate
• Her work to dismantle the myth that people aren’t “musical”
• Why we listen to music on repeat

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Connect with Alli on her website

Book Reccs:Kissing the Hag: The Dark Goddess and the Unacceptable Nature of Women by Emma Restall Orr

👉 Guest Details

Allison holds a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Teaching (University of New England, 2003), a Master of Music Therapy (University of Queensland, 2005) and Neurologic Music Therapy training (Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy, 2016). A former Registered Music Therapist of 16 years, Alli left the Allied Health industry in 2021 in order to align her work more deeply with culturally responsive practices and to switch her focus from individual change to socio cultural change. She is an independent liberatory scholar currently exploring the gatekeeping and classism of the social construct ‘musical vs non musical’.

Alli is an autistic person with attention, sensory processing and executive functioning difficulties. She works within a neurodiversity framework that favours deep acceptance and regulation over assimilation and intervention, and shares her lived experience of autism openly within her seminars, workshops and conferences as part of her ‘emotive storytelling mixed with science’ approach to education.

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Did you know that 1 in 14 children experience an anxiety disorder in Australia and that anxiety is becoming more and more prevalent in our youth? In this episode, we’re chatting with social worker and author, Jessica Sanders, about how to help our children wrangle their worries. We talk about what anxiety might feel like in children’s bodies, simple strategies for parents wanting to help their children manage anxiety and why it's important to start these conversations with children from a young age.

👉 Jess Shares
* What worry might feel like in a child’s body * Simple strategies for parents wanting to help their children manage anxiety * Why it's important to start these conversations with children from a young age * About her Guided Questions to help continue the conversation about children’s worries * What else she has in the pipeline

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👉 Links and Resources
www.jesssanders.com

You can purchase Jess’ book from most book stores or Booktopia. She and we would love it if you could support your local indie bookstore! ____________
Your Wild Business is a business kickstarter program like no other specifically designed for Teachers, Forest School Leaders, Outdoor Reccies and Early Years Educators who are are ready to leap into the big, wide world of business.

If you want to take the guesswork out of starting from scratch and more importantly if you want to AVOID the three most common mistakes others have made when they started their nature play business - Head here and check out our exclusive training to get you started on the right path towards your wild business journey.

We will also share with you our proven seed, sprout, blossom framework that will help YOU create a nature play business deeply rooted in community, values and purpose.

👉 Guest Details
Jess Sanders is a social worker, podcast host and best-selling, award-winning author. Jess has a passion for creating resources that nurture positive mental health and promote gender equality. Every project she pursues is born from the question, ‘Why does it have to be this way?’.

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Today, we’re chatting with Meg Berryman about remedial vs regenerative business, stewardship vs leadership, the new and calmer questions to ask ourselves about obtaining the elusive work life balance and how the sensitive ones are leading the way in finding our way back to regenerative culture. This one is for those who feel like listening to an episode where you will leave with a feeling of being settled.

👉 Meg shares

• What inspired her to write Wilder
• Her unique perspective on “Healing”
• The difference between working remedially versus working regeneratively
• What powerful leadership demonstrates
• About true balance
• About reframing the things we fear
• Why we are all over-working
• That things take as long as they take
• About the beauty of sensitivity
• Why we need to connect to nature

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Connect with MegOn Facebook
On her website
Or on instagram:@megjberryman

Learn more about Wild Business

👉 Guest Details

Meg Berryman is a trauma-informed coach, yoga teacher, author and consultant seeding and teaching regenerative ways to live, lead, learn and do business. Centering embodiment, connection and sustainability in family, relationships and offerings - Meg celebrates the small, the simple and the slow in everything she does and teaches others to do the same.

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We all know that getting children outside is good for them, but that doesn't mean that everybody that works with/for children does. That is where organisations like Nature Play WA come in and why I have invited CEO and researcher, Dr. Kelsie Prabawa-Sear onto the podcast today to share why children really do need a childhood with play and nature and the challenges that we face trying to achieve our mission.

👉 Kelsie Shares

• How she found herself in this position including her influential mentours
• The role of nature play in mental and physical health,
• The benefits of nature play for physical, emotional and social development,
• About learning through nature play
• How nature play fosters growing connection to nature and community
• Why we need to change the approach of design to appeal to a diverse population
• That nature play has no age limit for developmental benefits
• The value of unstructured play time in nature
• The importance of of conservation

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Contact Dr. Kelsie:kelsie@natureplaywa.org.au
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Dr Kelsie in the Press: Nature Play WA
The West Australian
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Guest Details

Kelsie has had the joy of a varied and rich working and academic experience in both Australia and Indonesia prior to joining Nature Play WA, having worked in State government, consulting roles and conservation work with not-for-profit organisations. Along the way she has entwined her work with post graduate research degrees, completed a Master’s in Environmental Education for Sustainability and a PhD on The Impact of Culture in Environmental Education in Java, Indonesia. When reflecting on this work, Kelsie's focus and passion has always been for nature, kids, and communities.

As a parent of three wonderful growing humans, Kelsie also understands the challenges of parenthood and the important role that we have as advocates for our kids’ childhoods. She personally adds “advocate for nature” to her list of responsibilities, as it is her view that we all have a responsibility to ensure that our kids not only get time in nature as little ones, but also get a future with nature. The health of the environment cannot be separated from our own health.

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If there is one thing I know that brings us all together when we are outside with our families and children, its music. I was so excited to find our guest today who has created the most beautiful songs that are loved by children and adults! Today we will be speaking with Sara Ernst, all about her music and children’s books in nature!

👉 Sara shares

• How she has come to master the written word through stories and songs
• About the importance of learning about nature through song
• How her creativity was fostered as a child that has allowed her to explore this and make this a huge part of her adult life
• About facilitating a nature playgroup
• That music is a learning tool
• Her favourite moments while sharing a song or stories
• About her book, “Where is Wild?”
• What inspired her to write about tricky people
• The most challenging parts of pursuing her creativity into a business
• Her advice she would give to people who host groups with children who may be hesitant or self conscious about singing in front of parents

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Connect with Sara:
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Pintrest
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She will be offering all of her albums for just $5 each ON HER WEBSITE ONLY until the February 28th 2023

"Where is Wild?" by Sara Ernst

Learn more about Your Wild Business

👉 Guest Details

Sara Ernst, award-winning children's author, illustrator & Kindie musician from the United States. Sara uses her original songs to encourage a deeper love and curiosity of nature, inspire imagination, empower emotions and teach valuable lessons. Sara's work has been featured in the news, on podcasts, and her music has been heard by families all over the world.

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In this episode, we’re chatting with Psychotherapist, Arsho Kalloghlian, about all things teenage relationships: what Red flags to look out for in potential partners, the the difference between selfless giving and martyrdomand how to ask for what you need in a relationship respectfully. Come and join us for the info I wish I had as a lovestruck teen!

👉 Arsho shares

• Her backstory and how and why she ended up in Psychotherapy
• Why she is called to help teenagers
• How we can repair relationships with our teens
• How teens can can create healthy relationships
• Red flags teen need to be aware of in potential partners
• About givers and takers
• About how to ask for what we need
• The impact of social media and reality TV on teens
• About building relationships between parents and young teens
• The importance of communication, modeling and intrinsic motivation
• About her offerings for teens, parents and schools

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👉 Links and Resourceswww.grassrootsapproach.com.au
Book Reccs:
How to Love Your Marriage by Eve Eschner Hogan

Learn more about our flagship course Your Wild Business HERE

👉 Guest Details

Enter Arsho Kalloghilian, Psychotherapist, Counselor, Program Designer who’s unlocked the secret of how to confidently connect with teenagers, Arsho is a practicing psychotherapist with twelve years experience in restoring relationships that could otherwise end or remain dysfunctional. Arsho has travelled around Australia, providing workshops to leaders and senior school students, who are the grassroots of our society.

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In this episode, we’re talking with Tracy Gillett , founder, writer and advocate behind the award-winning blog, Raised Good - a guide to natural parenting in the modern world. And today we’re chatting about punishments, time outs and rewards and why conditional parenting doesn’t work.

👉 Tracy shares

• Her journey to starting Raised Good.
• The best and worst parts of owning her own business
• The problem with time outs, spanking, consequences, threats, rewards and bribes.
• What we can do to build our relationship with our children and nurture that connection so that we don’t lose the power to parent
• How this kind of relationship helps children become problem solvers
• How being a problem solver builds resilience, helps them develop a moral conscience, and encourages taking responsibility for their actions
• How this kind of positive parenting encourages healthy brain development
• That parents are not here to make other adults feel better about themselves
• That the only parenting critic that matters is your child
• Her favourite speakers from the Raised Good Summit

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**👉 Links and Resources

Connect with Tracyhttps://raisedgood.com/
@raisedgoodLearn from Tracey**

Learn more about Wild Business HERE!

Guest Details

Tracy is a nature-loving, adventure-seeking wife & mum. Raised Good began as a way to answer her own questions and share her own experiences. Today, she is joined by millions of readers and parents worldwide who wish to reclaim the wonder of motherhood and the joy of childhood, one parenting decision at a time. Together they are forging their own paths, leaning on one another through the grit, and strengthening their intuition and sense of resolve.

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In today's episode, I’m joined by the beautiful Psychologist, Dr Martha Deiros Collado. If you don’t already follow her on instagram, now is the time to start. Her mission is to make the science of psychology accessible to all and support parents to see their child behind the behaviour. She distills big topics into simple ideas and actionable strategies to support you every day, with your family.

👉 Dr. Martha shares

• About compliance vs speaking up
• That if we want children to stand up to peer pressure, we need to allow them to question our authority and listen/validate their emotions
• Why children can't self-regulate and how they process emotions
• About children showing respect and saying please and thank you
• Why we should try to avoid watching our children in distress
• What to say instead of 'don’t'
• About transitioning children to school
• After school routines and rituals
• About parenting as a unique relationship

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👉 Links and ResourcesConnect with Dr. Martha Deiros Collado
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The Confident Parent Course

Interested in starting your own nature play business?

👉 Guest Details

Dr Martha is a clinical psychologist and HCPC registered practitioner with over 20 years of clinical and academic experience. She is also a mother of one, a yogi, a runner, and an adventure sports enthusiast.

Striving to make the science of psychology accessible to everyone, her growing Instagram community has come to trust the calm, and empathetic way she tackles big subjects - from how to talk about current affairs, death, consent, gender, and sex, as well as the small but critical day to day challenges such as getting children to eat their vegetables and brush their teeth! Martha focuses on our common humanity and the topics that are relevant in the here and now to support parents in building confidence and feel less alone. Martha strongly believes that focusing on the parent-child relationship is the key to effective change, rather than trying to modify children’s behaviour. She hopes that putting her knowledge into the mainstream will get people curious about themselves and their position in the world, help them grow aware of their unconscious biases, and ultimately become more compassionate humans.

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In this episode, it’s all about the Dad’s as we chat to Sam Patterson of All Time Dads who tells us how Dads can flick the switch between work and life so they can be present with their family for the moments that count. If you’re a father or have a partner or co-partner who wants some tips on how to be more present with your family, then this is the episode for you.

👉 Sam shares

• His story that led him to where he is today
• His motivation for this work
• The dynamics of the provider role
• The biggest regret of a dying man
• The importance of a great routine in showing up at your best for your family
• How to set effective work-life boundaries
• The tactics we can use to switch off when we need to

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www.wildlingsforestschool.com/wild-business

👉 Guest Details

Sam helps family conscious dads to flick the switch between work and life so they can be present for the moments that count.

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Happy New Year and Welcome back to season 4 of the Raising Wildlings Podcast!

In this episode, I get to chat with Alfie Kohn, the author of my all-time favourite parenting book, Unconditional Parenting.

👉 Alfie shares

• What he means by ‘unconditional parenting’
• What unconditional parenting looks like
• Why we need to ask ourselves hard questions about our motives for wanting our children to behave a certain way
• The downfalls of punishment and what to do instead
• The counter productive impacts of rewards
• The different harmful methods of control used on children
• Three alternatives to praising your children
• The importance of ethical development

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👉 Links and ResourcesAlfie Kohn's Website
Book Reccs: Unconditional Parenting

Interested in starting your own nature play business? Check out our legacy course, Your Wild Business!

Guest Details

Alfie Kohn writes and speaks widely on human behavior, education, and parenting. The author of fourteen books and hundreds of articles, he lectures at education conferences and universities as well as to parent groups and corporations. Kohn’s criticisms of competition and rewards have been widely discussed and debated, and he has been described in Time magazine as “perhaps the country’s most outspoken critic of education’s fixation on grades [and] test scores.”

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It’s the end of the year here at Wildlings, so come and join us for our wrap up of 2022. Our highest highs, our lowest lows and some big news about next year.

👉 Nicki and Vicci Share:

• Some epic podcast stats! Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!
• Their big business wins for 2022
• How their roles have changed shape over this year
• The importance of listening to your body
• Their proudest achievements
• What they are looking forward to!

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👉 Links and ResourcesCheck out WILD BUSINESS

👉 Episodes Referred ToFree To Learn with Peter Gray

Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Linked In

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A little while ago, Nicki and I attended a three day Non-Violent Communication workshop which started us on a journey to better understand ourselves, our needs and to get curious when it comes to conflict and uncomfortable conversations. Today I invited our NVC facilitator Kate Raffin to the podcast to chat about the power of Non-Violent Communication.

👉 Kate shares

• How she learned about Marshall Rosenberg's work with NVC
• The benefits from learning the skills behind NVC
• NVC basics
• Being specific about our language is a big part of NVC.
• The difference between thinking and feeling
• When NVC can turn tough conversations into a chance for connection
• The benefits of doing a workshop as opposed to just reading about it
• How NVC helps our family relationships
• How NVC has changed her life

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👉 Links and Resources

www.hearttalkmatters.com

https://www.3cr.org.a u/freedomofspecies/episode-201610021300/non-violent-communication-animal-advocates-catherine-cadden

https://babatree.org/

https://workthatreconnects.org/

👉 Guest Details

Whether we're walking in the beautiful pristine Kakadu National Park or canoeing down the embroider wild wild river, we seem to be able to engage with practices that include our whole selves… The big gift we have to bring to this planet in our time

I'm discovering that people enjoy the creativity and trust in the depths we can go through together as well as the celebration and lightness and even fun and sense of play that we can encounter that these two… Celebration and Mourning are not so far apart from each other.

I put my intention and attention here.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

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If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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Spotify
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In this episode, we’re chatting with Chloe Kilgus and Zea Helman, some of our Wild Business clients and now co-founders of their very own Nature Play Business, Wild Little Raven in Jindabyne.

👉 Chloe and Zea Share

• Their background and what led them to this path
• All about Wild Little Raven
• How their degrees have shaped their programs
• The role of Eco Sciences in their business
• How parents can foster eco friendly children
• What inspired them to take the leap
• The best and worst parts of owning a nature play business

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👉 Links and Resources

Connect with Wild Little Raven
Facebook
Instagram
Website
______
If you’ve curious about how to start your own Wild Business like Wildlings or Wild Little Raven, you can jump onto our website at any time and watch our free Masterclass all about The 3 Most Common Mistakes People Make When Starting A Nature Play Business & How To Avoid Them HERE

👉 Guest Details

Chloe passionately believes that allowing our children time to connect in nature is the best healing we can do for ourselves and the earth. She loves nothing more than spending time outdoors with her children as together they nurture a sense of identity that is entwined with country.

Growing up on a small property on Biripi Country (Mid North Coast), being active and outside was an integral part of Zea's childhood. Connecting with a variety of people and places has driven many of Zea's life choices: From travelling internationally to exploring Australia, from changing careers to sparking new interests. Zea values relationships and places importance in connecting with people and nature.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

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If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
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The scope of the Nature Play Industry is huge and in today’s episode we chat with Environeers founder, Tamieka Vasile.

👉 Tamieka shares

• Her story
• All about Little Environeers
• The kind of programs she runs
• Her inspiration to start her business
• About the importance of adventure in children's lives
• The role that sustainability takes at Little Environeers
• What makes her unique compared to others in the industry
• The hardest part of starting your business
• The best part about owning a nature play business
• The benefits of starting a nature play business in your community

👉 Opt In for FREE Downloadables

👉 Resources & References

Environeer's Website
Instagram @Littleenvironeers

Take 3 for the Sea
Know Your Country

Raising Wildlings Listener Perks:
Mention Wildlings on enquiry at Environeers and get 50% off a casual Playgroup Session!
___________

Your Wild Business is a business kickstarter program like no other.

Specifically designed for Teachers, Forest School Leaders, Outdoor Reccies and Early Years Educators who are are ready to leap into the big, wide world of business.

If you want to take the guesswork out of starting from scratch and more importantly if you want to AVOID the three most common mistakes others have made when they started their nature play business - Head to www.wildlingsforestschool.com/wild-business and check out our exclusive training to get you started on the right path towards your wild business journey.

We will also share with you our proven seed, sprout, blossom framework that will help YOU create a nature play business deeply rooted in community, values and purpose.

👉 Guest Details

Little Environeers provide a safe space for children to connect with Country, themselves and their community whilst embedding sustainable practises into their everyday activities. Families are drawn to my brand because we focus on nature play in an authentic child-led manner whilst educating children for a sustainable future, taking only what we need and caring for our motherland.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website
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Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we are talking about red flags for teachers that shouldn’t be the norm. Now, if you aren’t 100% sold on your career in education, then this episode might just be for you.

👉 Nicki shares

• Her story and why she felt so frustrated
• The realities of teaching
• The role bribery and coercion play in traditional schools
• How her teaching career impacted her relationships with her own children
• The true discrepancy between the cost of childcare and the privilege of working
• The different modalities that she explored when doing her research
• Why ‘Unschooling’ makes sense to her
• About the pleasure of helping people move out of the system and into their passion
• Why you should embark on your own adventure and start a nature play business today!

👉 Opt In for FREE Downloadables

👉 Links and ResourcesYour Wild Business is a business kickstarter program like no other.

Specifically designed for Teachers, Forest School Leaders, Outdoor Reccies and Early Years Educators who are are ready to leap into the big, wide world of business.

If you want to take the guesswork out of starting from scratch and more importantly if you want to AVOID the three most common mistakes others have made when they started their nature play business - Head here and check out our exclusive training to get you started on the right path towards your wild business journey.

We will also share with you our proven seed, sprout, blossom framework that will help YOU create a nature play business deeply rooted in community, values and purpose. Head to www.wildlingsforestschool.com/wild-business to check it out.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts

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In this episode, we’re talking about why we don’t use risk assessments and what we use instead. Controversial, I know!! But don’t worry, we promise we’re not just reckless cowgirls!

👉 Nicki Shares

• How the system works
• Why educators dislike writing risk assessments
• About the fear of litigation
• Why children need risk
• Lifelong benefits of a risky childhood
• Why the benefits need to be considered in a risk assessment
• Values of a balanced assessment
• The power of children’s voices

👉 Opt In for FREE Downloadables

👉 Links and ResourcesIf you are looking to begin your own nature play business, then you will definitely want to check out our signature online course Your Wild Business, where we go into our Risk Benefit Assessment in immense detail. Yes, we give you a blank template but even better, we also give you a fully completed Risk Benefit Assessment that covers all things Nature Play. It’s just one of 36 different lessons across 3 separate modules and covers everything from getting insurance, over 30 completed policy and procedures, we give you every software program we use to automate our business to give us more time to spend outdoors ourselves, essentially, everything we’ve learnt the hard way over the past 5.5 years. It’s a Nature Play business kickstarter program like no other specifically designed for Teachers, Forest School Leaders, Outdoor Reccies and Early Years Educators who are are ready to leap into the big, wide world of business.

We’ll be opening the next round of our course at the end of November and we will be offering some free training in the lead up. If you’re keen to join our growing group of changemakers or just curious at what this entails, you can head to www.wildlingsforestschool.com/wild-business to join the waitlist to be on your way creating a nature play business deeply rooted in community, values and purpose. Together, we can get more children outdoors reaping the benefits of being outdoors, deeply connected to nature and community.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
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We have a controversial one for you today, especially if you work in education, because today we’re talking about the ways in which prisons and schools are similar and how in at least one way, prisons are better. Buckle in friends, we’re in for an emotional ride!

👉 Nicki Shares

• Her experience of enlightenment when her students helped her see the similarities in the prison and school system
• Examples of how the two compare
• Peter Gray’s take on this topic
• How schools “enclose”
• The origins of school and how it failed to embrace different approaches
• `How schools harm culture
• Times are changing, school are not
• Management and control practices in schools and questions if this is the best model
• Why learning at home was so hard and what it revealed about the school system
• Myths about learning
• The difference between school and education
• Startling stats about time outdoors in schools compared to prisons
• How the shift will happen

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👉 Links and ResourcesIntro to Unschooling Course

Studies Cited
Children are bored and tired
Screen Time vs Outdoor Time
* Please let us know if you want any other cites/sources for any of the information you heard about today.

Book Reccs!
Free to Learn by Peter Gray
Raising Free People by Akilah S. Richards
Changing Minds by Naomi Fisher and Jay Griffiths, Kith

Future Schools

Wild Business will help YOU create a nature play business deeply rooted in community, values and purpose.

Wildlings Forest School Contact DetailsWebsite
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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There are so many women out there who are taking the lesser worn path that combines purpose, the needs of our families and the needs of our community through the creation of a heart centered business, and today I am joined by Steph Fleeton, founder of Spirited Hearts, who is one such change maker.

👉 Steph shares

• Her journey that took her to this place in life
• About Aware Parenting
• A surprising way that our body detoxes stress hormones
• The importance of letting children work through big emotions
• There are no “bad” emotions
• What inspired her to homeschool
• How Spirited Hearts came to be
• About Non-Violent Communication and how it can transform your relationships
• The role of nature in her programs
• Strategies for handling triggering behavior

👉 Opt In for Free Downloadables

👉 Links and ResourcesConnect with Spirited Hearts
Website
Instagram
Spirited Hearts: the Podcast with Steph Fleeton

Steph has been a guest on:
The Aware Parenting Podcast
Mind Body Parenting PodcastHolding Space for Big Feelings in Early Childhood Online Course

Book Rec:
Playful Parenting by Lawrence Cohen
_____
Your Wild Business is a business kickstarter program like no other.
Head here and check out our free exclusive training to get you started on the right path towards your own wild business that is deeply rooted in community, values and purpose.

👉 Guest DetailsSteph Fleeton is a Holistic Childhood Mentor, Aware Parenting Instructor, Circle Facilitator and Mum to 2 boys. She is the founder of Spirited Hearts Natural Learning Haven and Mamas Sacred Circle. She commenced her journey in early childcare as an Early Childhood Educator running her own Family Day Care, alongside her husband, build on the foundations of Aware Parenting. Now she has her own independent Natural Learning Haven where is at its core, is a home away from home. It is a safe, nurturing and joyful space where each child is accepted and nurtured for the beautiful, unique individual they are.

Wildlings Forest School Contact DetailsWebsite
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube 👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we’re chatting Brooke Davis owner and author of Your Wild Books about her journey from owning her own nature play business, Your Wild Imagination, to author of seven books.

👉 Brooke shares

• About her business, Your Wild Imagination
• About Your Wild Books
• Her journey to finding this work
• The importance of the ‘best kind of play’ - child led and intrinsically motivated
• The beauty of Nature Crafting and how it is for EVERYONE
• The power of Kickstarter
• About nature play and mental health
• How nature play and craft can help us learn about perseverance and 'failure'

👉 Opt In for Free Downloadables

👉 Links and ResourcesYour Wild Books Website
Connect with Your Wild Books
Facebook
InstagramConnect with her Photographer, Megan, on Instagram

Subscribe to her newsletter for free resources including nature craft activities, mindful colouring, mazes and crosswords from our Activity Books, as well as Christmas crafts.

GET YOUR WILD BOOKS HERE!
Code for 10% off - RAISINGWILDLINGS10
_____

Your Wild Business is specifically designed for Teachers, Forest School Leaders, Outdoor Reccies and Early Years Educators who are ready to leap into the big, wide world of business.
If you want to take the guesswork out of starting from scratch and more importantly if you want to AVOID the three most common mistakes others have made when they started their nature play business - Head here and check out our free exclusive training to get you started on the right path towards your own wild business that is deeply rooted in community, values and purpose.

👉 Guest DetailsBrooke has a passion for nature connection and caring for the environment. In 2016, she established a nature play program for kids to help them get outside and be wild and free in nature. Then in 2019, she started Your Wild Books to help parents and kids feel inspired to spend more time in nature through affordable, plastic-free craft and play ideas. The question driving it all is 'how are children going to care for the environment if they spend a decreasing amount of time in nature?' Brooke's first book was published in 2019, and she now has 7 books and 2 card games, which have sold tens of thousands of copies all around the world.

Wildlings Forest School Contact DetailsWebsite
Facebook
Instagram

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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When children form a close connection with nature, they become the next stewards of the earth. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Jodi Salmond from Reef Check, an organisation using citizen science to inspire positive action for our reefs and oceans.

👉 Jodi Shares

• Her background and how she became the person she is today, a champion for our oceans
• How a childhood in nature sets kids up for stewardship
• About Reef Check and their mission
• The importance of a global standard to monitor reef health
• The impact of citizen science
• How we can get involved
• About our local reefs and why they are so unique
• Memorable diving moments
• About microplastics and what we can do at home to help

👉 Opt In for Free Downloadables

👉 Links and Resources

Connect with Jodi and Reef Check
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram

Reef Check Website

Hear more from Jodi on theOcean Protect Podcast
______
Your Wild Business is a business kickstarter program like no other specifically designed for Teachers, Forest School Leaders, Outdoor Reccies and Early Years Educators who are are ready to leap into the big, wide world of business.

If you want to take the guesswork out of starting from scratch and more importantly if you want to AVOID the three most common mistakes others have made when they started their nature play business - Head here and check out our exclusive training to get you started on the right path towards your wild business journey. We will share our proven seed, sprout, blossom framework that will help YOU create a nature play business deeply rooted in community, values and purpose.

👉 Guest Details

Jodi Salmond is a marine researcher specializing in citizen science, conservation biology and reef ecology. Under water, she trains divers in global reef health monitoring protocols; above it, she engages and inspires through hands on research, education, and personal development to encourage everyone to become the best versions of themselves and to look after the planet. Today we talk all about how science isn’t just something that happens in a lab, and how we can get involved to help our reefs and oceans to thrive.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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PART 1In this two part episode, we’re chatting with Nikita Fitzpatrick, owner and creator of New Dreaming Art, about her journey to becoming a First Nations artist and business owner, cultural awareness, appropriation and how to connect with your own First Nations community.

👉 Nikita Shares

• Her background and heritage
• How New Dreaming Art came to be
• How creating art helps her in her everyday life
• About the creative space of teaching
• The vision of New Dreaming Art
• How her art makes her feel
• Where she draws her inspiration for teaching from
• The most important part of her lessons
• How she feels about non-first nations teaching indigenous art and education
• The best ways to connect and help local First Nations communities
• The hardest and best parts of running a business as a mother
• About the balance of business and motherhood

👉 Opt In for FREE Downloadables

👉 Links and ResourcesConnect with Nikita:
New Dreaming Art Website
New Dreaming Art Facebook
Insta @new_dreaming_art

Sign up your school for local First Nations cultural educators
Please sign this petition to raise the age of juvenile detention from 10 to 14 years
Donate hygiene/beauty products to First Nations communities HERE

______________
Check out our Signature Online Course - WILD BUSINESS
Take the leap and start your own nature play business!

👉 Guest Details

Nikita Newley is a self-taught, second generation artist and proud First Nations woman from all parts of Queensland. Currently living on Gubbi Gubbi Country, Nikita was born on Gurang Gurang Country, with heritage connected to Wuthati tribe and Darumbal people. She found her passion creating art through her emotions and cultural connection. New Dreaming Art is about connecting old with new in a respectful way. Bringing new stories to life and sharing acknowledgement to the First Nations people.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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PART 2In this two part episode, we’re chatting with Nikita Fitzpatrick, owner and creator of New Dreaming Art, about her journey to becoming a First Nations artist and business owner, cultural awareness, appropriation and how to connect with your own First Nations community.

👉 Nikita Shares

• Her background and heritage
• How New Dreaming Art came to be
• How creating art helps her in her everyday life
• About the creative space of teaching
• The vision of New Dreaming Art
• How her art makes her feel
• Where she draws her inspiration for teaching from
• The most important part of her lessons
• How she feels about non-first nations teaching indigenous art and education
• The best ways to connect and help local First Nations communities
• The hardest and best parts of running a business as a mother
• About the balance of business and motherhood

👉 Opt In for FREE Downloadables

👉 Links and ResourcesConnect with Nikita:
New Dreaming Art Website
New Dreaming Art Facebook
Insta @new_dreaming_art

Sign up your school for local First Nations cultural educators
Please sign this petition to raise the age of juvenile detention from 10 to 14 years
Donate hygiene/beauty products to First Nations communities HERE

______________
Check out our Signature Online Course - WILD BUSINESS
Take the leap and start your own nature play business!

👉 Guest Details

Nikita Newley is a self-taught, second generation artist and proud First Nations woman from all parts of Queensland. Currently living on Gubbi Gubbi Country, Nikita was born on Gurang Gurang Country, with heritage connected to Wuthati tribe and Darumbal people. She found her passion creating art through her emotions and cultural connection. New Dreaming Art is about connecting old with new in a respectful way. Bringing new stories to life and sharing acknowledgement to the First Nations people.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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Today I’m joined by clinical psychologist, Carla Anderson, who understands the importance of supporting parents during the perinatal period and has some helpful tips for both new parents and our wider village.

👉 Carla Shares:

• Her background and what brought her to this work
• The vision of Perinatial Child and Family Hub
• The biggest barriers parents face while seeking out help
• The causes of stress and anxiety in parents today
• How Social Media impacts parenting in this modern age
• About maternal separation anxiety
• About attachment theory
• How do we communicate effectively to our partners
• How to navigate through all the different information on parenting
• Trigger Warning About parental grief and how we can best support our friends or get support for ourselves

👉 Opt In For FREE Downloadables

👉 Links and Resources

Perinatal Hub Website

Connect with Carla:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram

____________

Your Wild Business is a business kickstarter program like no other.
Specifically designed for Teachers, Forest School Leaders, Outdoor Reccies and Early Years Educators who are are ready to leap into the big, wide world of business.
If you want to take the guesswork out of starting from scratch and more importantly if you want to AVOID the three most common mistakes others have made when they started their nature play business - Head HERE and check out our exclusive training to get you started on the right path towards your wild business journey.

We will also share with you our proven seed, sprout, blossom framework that will help YOU create a nature play business deeply rooted in community, values and purpose. Head to www.wildlingsforestschool.com/wild-business to check it out.

Guest Details

Carla is a clinical psychologist and director of the Perinatal Child and Family Hub, with 20 years of experience providing psychological services for individuals and families during the perinatal period, parenthood and supports for children and youth. Carla is also a mother to three young adults.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we’re chatting with our dear friend, Cat Green, all about how to introduce your kids to herbs and basic herbal skills, her top 3 herbal remedies to always have on hand in family homes, how to get kids involved in wildcrafting, including basic safety rules, and how to create a family culture of holistic herbal healing.

👉 Cat Shares

• About fostering nature connection through herbal remedies
• How to introduce kids to herbs and basic herbal skills
• The top 3 remedies to always have on hand in family homes
• Simple herbal recipes and how to make them
• How to get your kids involved in wildcrafting, including basic safety rules
• About ethical foraging
• How to create a family culture of holistic herbal healing
• How to get started using natural remedies as a mom - even when you're totally new

👉 Opt In for FREE Downloadables

👉 Links and Resources

Everyday Empowered Website
Check out her Herbal Starter KitCome check outSunny Coast HerbFestJoinHerb Folk or Seasonal Self-Care SeriesDive into herHerbal Medicine BooksGet involved in her Seasonal Living Project

Find out more aboutWild Business!

👉 Guest DetailsCat Green, homeschooling mum and owner of Everyday Empowered specialises in herbal medicine, seasonal living. From herbal kits, to online herbal courses, non violent communication to screen smart family workshops, Cat is all about prioritising holistic health and breaking it down in to a range of simple skills and habits you can use every day to understand and respond to your body’s mind-body-soul messages. By collaborating with a range of skilled practitioners and educators she aims to equip you with skills to help you build your holistic tool-kit for understanding and looking after your own health and life.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we’re chatting with artist, creative producer and co-creator of Ngamumu (For Mothers) Lia Pa’apa’a about how to support mothers and their babies through Arts & Cultural practice during the first 1000 days.

👉 Lia shares

• What her work in arts and cultural practice looks like
• Her journey to this work
• How Ngamumu came to be
• The importance of creative and cultural connections and practice, especially in young people
• About her ancestral diet
• About food as a frontier war tactic
• How post-colonial places have lost ancient wisdom about the birthing process and in turn, created birth trauma
• About bringing culture to the forefront of your child's development through food, play and values.
• How motherhood has impacted her projects
• The importance of the intergenerational aspect of Ngamumu
• About Ngamumu’s ability to curate their babies and their own experiences during this sacred time of the first 1000 days by tapping into their ancestral and creative practices.
• Where her work is headed in the future

👉 Opt In for FREE Downloadables

👉 Links and Resources

Ngamumu's Website

Connect with Lia on Facebook
Connect with Lia on Instagram

Check out her website here!
www.onepagelink.com/liapaapaa

Book Recommendation:Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
The Relationship is the Project

👉 Guest Details

Lia is an artist, creative producer and mama who has cultural connections to Samoa and the Luiseño nation in Southern California. She is the co-creator of Ngamumu (For Mothers) alongside Kuku Yalanji artist Merindi Schrieber and is deeply passionate about supporting mothers to curate their babies and their own experiences during the sacred time of the first 1000 days by tapping into their ancestral and creative practices.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website
Facebook
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Linked In

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In todays episode, we are going to be talking all about the sex education. So just a little prewarning, if you have yet to start this conversation with your family, it may be the time to pop in those earphones to put this podcast on privacy mode. It’s an important topic, so join me as we reframe the way sex education needs to look for our modern times.

👉 Natalie Shares

• Her own sexual education experience
• How “Tell your Daughters” got started
• Pleasure anatomy vs reproductive anatomy
• Feeling based sex education vs fear based sex education
• The nuances of consent
• About her parent survey and the results so far
• Where our children are getting their sex education
• About the terms privacy and secrecy
• How we can approach the porn conversation
• If sex education in schools encourages grooming
• When we should have ‘the talk’
• How the understanding of anatomy diversity has been censored

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👉 Links and Resources

Find her website here

Connect with NatalieFacebook
Instagram

She invites you to check out her parent's survey
Find her Parents’ Glossary here
Interested in starting a Nature Play Business? Check out our course, WILD BUSINESS!

👉 Guest Details

Natalie Stokall is the founder of Tell your Daughters. Originally from New Zealand, Natalie has called the Sunshine Coast home for 12 years now. She has two daughters, a tween and a teen, and she has always cared deeply about raising empowered children. She has a Masters in Psychology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Gender and Women’s Studies and training with the Institute of Sexuality Education. She knows body positive and pleasure based sex education is the way of the future.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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When little people are overwhelmed, it is our job to share our calm, not join in the chaos.
- L.R. Knost.Well, how do we actually do that in today’s modern world? That is what Helen Boniface from Calmer Kids is talking about on today’s episode.

👉 Helen shares

• How a stress response impacts the body
• The beauty of breath
• Why learning and wellbeing cannot be separated
• What happens to us internally when we experience anxiety
• About the tolerance window
• About co-regulation and how can it help our children
• How we can make meditation with children work
• Her observations from working with children and teaching mindfulness and yogi practices.
• Key micro actions and questions we can ask ourselves before reacting to the situation when we are having a moment with our children
• How we can create a habit of mindfulness with our children and ourselves when we overwhelmingly feel pressed to find time for anything
• Why wellbeing is important for everyday - managing emotions, meltdowns and anxiety

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👉 Links and Resources

Calmer Kids Website
Connect on LinkedIn

Find out more from their blog!

Guest Details

We have invited one half of the amazing Calmer Kids duo, Helen Boniface, to help us shift our approach to wellness through the support and maintenance of healthy minds in Australia. Sisters and co-founders of Calmer Kids, Helen and Michelle share a collective 28 years teaching experience in the fields of Education, Yoga and Mindfulness. They created Calmer Kids to help make simple and effective wellbeing tools accessible for every child and family.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

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In this episode, we find out what it takes to make a great learner with the help of the very well known education expert and researcher, John Hattie.

👉 John Shares

• About his book, 10 Steps to Develop Great Learners and where the research has been drawn from and the aim of writing the book
• How he narrowed it down to 10
• What works BEST to increase learning (in schools).
• About the 10 mind frames
• Why it is so important to let kids be kids and fully experience their childhood in the present moment
• What a Listening Parent is
• The three main components of executive functioning
• The power of feedback
• How to frame struggle and failure
• About the Matthew Effect
• About the presence of dignity of risk
• How to trust our children
• What to do when you don’t know what to do
• Why children lose the excitement in learning
• How to improve wellbeing in schools
• Why we still have homework
• Why you must choose a teacher, not a school
• The Goldilocks principle of Expectation and Encouragement
• How to promote a ‘language of learning’ in the home

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👉 Links and ResourcesFind his book here!

Guest Details

John Hattie is Emeritus Laureate Professor at the Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne. H is on of the world’s best know and most widely read education experts and his Visible learning series of books have been translated into 29 different languages and have sold over 1 million copies.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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In this episode, we’re chatting with Laura Matthews from Wildhood Bush Kindy in Wooloongong, NSW about the hurdles and perks of starting your own Wild Business.

👉 Laura shares

• Her journey from nannying, to event management to owning her own Wild Business.
• All about Wildhood Bush Kindy programs
• What makes Wildhood unique
• Why she decide to take the leap to purchase our Intro to Bush Kindy course and start her own Wildhood Bush Kindy
• The benefits she has seen in the children in her programs
• The hardest part of starting Wildhood
• The best parts of owning a Wild business

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👉 Links and Resources

Wildhood Website
Connect on Instagram @wildhoodbushkindy

Intro to Bush Kindy Online Course
Wild Business Course

Books:Your Wild Child and Your Wild Imagination by Brooke Davis

Laura's Details

I help children and families to fully immerse themselves in nature so they can build a life-long love of the outdoors. People are attracted to my brand because I provide experiences and activities that are almost completely nature based. They have a mix of risk, mess, sensory and challenge. I strive to create opportunities for children to think outside of the box, show resilience, build persistence and grow in independence.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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In this episode, we’re talking with women's circle facilitator, doula and small business mentor for mums, the fabulous Rachael Rose.

👉 Rachael Rose Shares:

• About her story and how she helps women
• About women's circles, pregnancy & mothers circles and their impact on modern day revillaging
• How we can create community and heal through storytelling and sharing.
• Her creative expansion through Motherhood
• How the education system is similar to the maternity system.
• The scariest and hardest things about starting her own business
• Why she has chosen to be so open about money and why she feels it important to do so
• How she cycles money to mums
• About homebirth and homeschooling stereotypes and how you don't need to be a certain kind of person to want to do either
• Her family’s approach to homeschooling

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👉 Links and Resources

Connect with Rachael Rose
Website
Instagram @the_rachael_rose
Together - Women's Circle Facilitator Training

Rachel Rose has an amazing offer for Raising Wildlings listeners!
Use Code WILDLINGS for $50 AUD off Together - Women's Circle Facilitator Training
*Only valid for the first 20 participants.

Search 'Rachael Rose' on your favourite podcast player to find her other insightful interviews!

👉 Guest Details

Rachael Rose is a mother of 2, a women's circle facilitator, a doula and small business mentor for mums. Her facilitation style is nurturing, mother-centred and full of love and humour. Rachael is utterly obsessed with being a connector and community builder. She is about to start travelling the East Coast of Australia in a caravan with her partner and two kids, spending the next 12 months unschooling and running women's circles on the road. Together, her Women's Circle Facilitator Training, has over 130 women learning about the art of holding circles in their communities.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

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In this episode, we’re talking to Dr Arne Rubinstein about Rites of Passage and why they’re so important, how to create them and when to know your children or yourself might be ready for one.

👉 Dr. Arne Rubenstein shares

• About his journey and how he ended up here, creating the business of Rites of Passage
• The five main issues most men are dealing with
• The true meaning of a Rite of Passage
• How Rites of Passage are regenerative
• What Rites of Passage used to look like and how and why has that changed
• Why our children, here in Australia, and across a western world, need Rites of Passages
• The types of Rites of Passage he offers
• How everyone can bring these Rites of Passage in at home
• About the need for these Rites of Passage to be gendered, approximately aged based, milestone based, ect.

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👉 Links and Resources

The Rites of Passage Institute
The Making of Men by Dr. Arne Rubinstein

Book Recommendations:
Archtypes of Initiation – Robert Moore
King Warrior Magician Lover - Robert Moore
A Fortunate Life – AB Facey
Soulcraft – Bill Plotkin

Check out our newly restocked shop!

Guest Details

Dr Arne is the CEO and Founder of the Rites of Passage Institute. He has over 30 years experience as a medical doctor, counsellor, mentor, speaker and workshop facilitator. The programs, seminars and camps he’s helped to develop have been attended by more than 350,000 people globally, while some of the largest schools in Australia have implemented the framework effectively. The programs are designed to support boys and girls successfully make a safe, healthy transition into adulthood. His goal is to make Rites of Passage mainstream once again. Dr Arne is the proud father of two wonderful young men and a mentor to many others.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

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Do you get confused with the messages around food and nutrition when it comes to feeding your Wildlings? In todays episode we are joined by Nutritionist, Adelle Rutch, who open the conversation up about nutrition for kids, family foods, what to pack for a wildlings session, how to cope with “fussiness.”

👉 Adelle Shares

• Her background and how she came to focus on active families and their individual needs
• Her inspiration for becoming a Nutritionist
• Where the gaps and misinformation are in our understanding of food nutrition
• How to fuel our growing families
• Her take on supplements
• Some signs to look out for in our children that indicate certain deficiencies
• Nutrition tips for active outdoor children
• Snack ideas for children on the go or on an outdoor adventure
• Sustainable food ideas and tips
• About the barriers or negative emotions around eating and our language around food and nutrition
• Tips for ‘fussy eaters’
• About greenwashing

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👉 Links and Resources

Eat For You Website
Eat For You - Vision
Eat For You - Gives Back 50% of Profit
Eat For You Team Profiles

Connect on:
LinkedIn
Facebook @eatforyou.au
Instagram @_eatforyou

Bliss Ball Recipe E-Book SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE FOR RAISING WILDLINGS LISTENERS!EATFORYOU10 (10% off)

Guest Details

As a nutritionist, Adelle helps people to find the dietary pattern that works for them. At Eat for You, their team believes that each individual creates their own unique journey with food. Because of this, they provide whole foods you can trust, with the data to back that trust up.

"The current food landscape doesn’t make it easy to achieve health through food. The problem isn't you, it’s the system. It doesn’t have to be difficult when we peel it back, trust your intuition and get back to basics."

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

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In this episode, we’re chatting to Aotearoa’s renowned neuroscience educator, Nathan Wallis all about how to engage the brain, the problem with early literacy and numeracy, the importance of the first 1000 years and homeschool vs schooling.

👉 Nathan Shares

• The role of disposition
• About the structure of the brain and the four brains
• How numeracy and literacy in the early years alters limbic (emotional) brain development
• Where the gap is between what educators and researchers know about learning and the academic pushdown in the early years
• The importance of helping the mainstream school system trust the child, not the data
• What the research says about the discrepancy of the ages of children learning to read
• Why parents shouldn't fear their children will be left behind if we don’t focus heavily on academics.
• How the mental health crisis has resulted from misunderstanding a child's development
• The difference in the outcomes of schooling vs homeschooling

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👉 Links and Resources

Check out Nathan's Website HERE
Find him on You Tube

Seen on TV:Documentary “All in the Mind”
Co-host of the TV Series “The Secret life of Girls”

Book Recommendations:

The Boy who was Raised as a Dog - Bruce D Perry
Whole Brained Child - Daniel Segal
The Anxious Child - Daniel Segal
Brainstorm: The power and purpose of the teenage brain - Daniel Segal
Author Gabor Mate

👉 Guest Details

Nathan Wallis is the host of the documentary “All in the Mind”, and co-host of the TV Series “The Secret life of Girls”. Nathan is Aotearoa’s renowned neuroscience educator and has been captivating audiences over 250 times per year to sell out events in New Zealand, Australia, & China.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we’re chatting to Amanda Rootsey about teenagers and how to help them Shine from Within.

👉 Amanda shares

• Her story and how she got involved in helping teen girls
• Tips on how to help guide our children through their teenage years
• Tips on how to help validate our teens big feelings
• How Shine From Within Online Academy has really helped many teens through the pandemic
• The importance of mentoring

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👉 Links and Resources

Shine From Within - Book

About the Shine From Within Team

Follow on Insta:
@shinefromwithinhq
@shinefromwithin.academy

Connect on Facebook

Book Recommendation:

My Body is Not an Apology

Check out Shine From Within Online Academy!
Three months free for Raising Wildlings Listeners with this link!!

Check out our Homeschool Webinars
Please consider supporting us on Patreon 👉 Guest Details

Amanda Rootsey (she/her) is a Hay House author (Shine From Within; a teen’s guide to life), qualified life coach and youth mentor, cancer-survivor, former international model, business coach/consultant and gentle guide. She has been teaching and presenting to teens since she was a teen herself and has supported thousands of youth since launching her holistic training school, Shine From Within, on the Sunshine Coast QLD Australia in 2012.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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In this episode, Vicci and Nicki chat about all their 11 day camping adventure to the remote North West Island with a group of 45 people, their adventures, misadventures and what they took away from the trip.

We talk about:

• What filled our cup
• The logistics of getting there and communal cooking
• The adventures on the Great Barrier Reef
• The misadventures (including a chopper ride for one family, a coastguard ride for Nicki and an emergency visit) and what we learnt from them
• How we knew our business would be fine with us both away because we encourage: Knowledge sharing and building people's confidence - which is like incorporating forest schooling philosophies into our business

With the main tips of:

• Don't keep all the knowledge. Skill share and build up the people around you
• Don't hold off on doing the things that bring you joy! Make time for your priorities in life
• Don't let a lack of 'experience' be a barrier. Expand on people's deep passions and watch them fly!

If you’re a regular around here at Raising Wildlings then you’ll know that we are all about taking the road less traveled but… sometimes you also need a map to know where you’re going!

So, if you’re someone who works with children, believe us when we say that starting your own Nature Play Business will lead you to some of your GREATEST teaching moments.

But to get to those moments, you’ll need to pull up your bootstraps and get to work. So let us guide you on those first important steps on your journey!

Join our FREE 4 Day Challenge to start your own wildly successful Nature Play Business here: www.wildlingsforestschool.com/wild-business. And let’s get you on your way to where you want to go!

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In this episode, we are talking about how to turn workplace red flags into business green lights.

👉 Vicci and Nicki Share

• The importance of living within our values
• The story that highlighted the importance of this in their lives
• The strong values that flow in every aspect of their business
• The importance of authenticity
• Their perspective on “the system”
• Why we need to trust children and let them be individuals
• How they learned to say no
• How they turned their red flags into their ideal business
• What they focused on when starting Wildlings Forest School
• How you can do the same!

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👉 Links and Resources

YOU CAN DO IT TOO!
Join our FREE 4 Day Challenge to start your own wildly successful Nature Play Business! And let’s get you on your way to where you want to go! You’ve got the GREEN LIGHT!

Head to www.wildlingsforestschool.com/wild-business to register!

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

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In this episode, we are talking about how to feel supported when you’re an education trailblazer.

👉 Nicki and Vicci Discuss

• Why it is hard to be a trailblazer
• How they became trail blazers
• The challenges of this niche industry
• Qualities that help trailblazers succeed
• The role of gratitude
• Why it is important to push the boundaries of the nature play industry

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👉 Links and Resources

Resources & References

Please consider supporting us on Patreon
Learn more about our flagship course Wild Business

Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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Ok, so hate is a strong word, but in this episode we talk about the connotations the word Teacher has in our minds, why we prefer other terms and what they are.

We talk about:

• Our favourite mentors
• How the term mentor is more informal and relational in nature. A mentor acts as an advisor, sharing knowledge based on their lived experience. There’s more sharing between, as mentors strive to help their mentees grow into peers.
• How mentors learn alongside their students
• How there is a mutual respect of each other
• How this dynamic leads to shared responsibility and looking out for each other
• How this dynamic is what creates the village that raises a child
• Meeting the child where they are at

Quotes:
“These are the moments that shape a student. We don’t remember classrooms - we remember people and the way they made us feel. "

"Every mentor has the ability to leave a legacy with the children in your community. Authentic connection is the key.”

Free Resources:
If you’re a regular around here at Raising Wildlings then you’ll know that we are all about taking the road less traveled but… sometimes you also need a map to know where you’re going!

So, if you’re someone who works with children, believe us when we say that starting your own Nature Play Business will lead you to some of your GREATEST teaching moments.

But to get to those moments, you’ll need to pull up your bootstraps and get to work. So let us guide you on those first important steps on your journey!

Join our FREE 4 Day Challenge to start your own wildly successful Nature Play Business! And let’s get you on your way to where you want to go!

Head to www.wildlingsforestschool.com/wild-business to register!

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In this episode, we discuss how we talk to people who are hesitant of Risky Play.

We know there are soooo many incredible benefits of Risky Play - but how do you get through to people who are skeptical, concerned or even fearful of children learning naturally in nature or through Risky Play?

We do what the kids do when they play……. and we L.E.A.P!

L is for LISTEN. We listen to the person’s concerns.

E is for EXPLORE. We explore this further with some questions about, “What is it that they are particularly concerned about?”

A is for ACKNOWLEDGE. We acknowledge the person’s concerns.

P is for PROPOSE a way forward.If you’ve been listening to us for a while, you’ll know that we are all about taking the road less traveled. We believe everyone should live an extraordinary life, full of challenge, passion and purpose.

If you’re someone who works with children, believe us when we say that starting your own Nature Play Business will lead you to some of your greatest teaching moments.

But to get to those moments, you’ll need to do the work. And we’re here to guide you and cheer you on. Because if we can do it - so can you!

Join the Wait List for Wild Business | A business course for Education Change Makers like you!” at www.wildlingsforestschool.com/wild-business.

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For many of us, Playgroup is where our journeys start. For me, playgroup was my weekly anchor for the first five years in my new role as a mother and, I guess, is the reason that Wildlings Forest School and our Raising Wildlings Podcast came into being! Come with me as I share my Nature Playgroup Journey.

👉 Vicci Shares

• Her inspiration for creating this episode
• How she got started running a playgroup
• How her nature playgroup was born
• Her experience meeting Nicki
• The behind the scenes effort in bringing her playgroup under the Wildlings business banner
• The true cost of running a playgroup and the importance of women being paid properly
• The value in a roving locations
• The different activities she provided
• The importance of giving children time and space
• What children actually need
• How highly she recommends attending playgroup

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👉 Links and Resources

Check out our seasonal song sheets on our online shop!Book on and join us at our nature playgroup!Please support us on Patreon

Our online course, Wild Business, will be opening up mid year. Wild Business is for early childhood change makers ready to take the leap and create a nature play business that is deeply rooted in community and purpose. By using our proven roadmap to success we will save you time, money and stress by helping you navigate the muddy waters of regulation, ratios, insurance and permits. At the end of this course you will have everything you need to hit the ground running with your own flourishing Nature Play Business. You can find out more or join our waitlist here.

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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The ‘Leave No Trace’ philosophy is one of the cornerstones in minimizing our impact when we are in the great outdoors, but I have some issues with some of the principles, especially when it comes to children. So here me out, let’s take a deep dive into ‘Leave No Trace’ and its place in nature immersion programs.

👉 Vicci Shares

• The 7 principles of ‘Leave No Trace’
• How we incorporate this philosophy into our programs
• How the philosophy relates to our sites
• Her take on why some are not realistic for children
• Which principles are important to follow in any circumstance
• The importance of experiential learning
• Her experience with this philosophy while exploring the tide pools
• Why we focus on “Tread Lightly”
• Why we need to raise children who have had a childhood in nature

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👉 Links and Resources

Leave No Trace Philosophy

Our online course, Wild business will be opening up mid year. Wild Business is for early childhood change makers ready to take the leap and create a nature play business that is deeply rooted in community and purpose. By using our proven roadmap to success we will save you time, money and stress by helping you navigate the muddy waters of regulation, ratios, insurance and permits. At the end of this course you will have everything you need to hit the ground running with your own flourishing Nature Play Business. You can find out more or join our waitlist here

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

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If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, Nicki’s children are talking about homeschooling and unschooling and their next big adventure. We get to hear the perspectives of our young Wildlings living the philosophy.

👉 Ra and Sol Share

• How they would describe what unschooling and homeschooling is
• What they love about unschooling
• Their favourite parts of their weeks being unschooled
• Why they keep coming back to Forest School when they don’t have to
• The activities that they participate in so they don’t feel like they are missing out on any school experiences
• Why they don’t think school would be a great fit for them
• Their favourite adventure day activities and where they love to go
• Other homeschooling activities and programs that they are interested in and participating in this term
• Their perspective on the socialisation myth of homeschooling
• What they do with their free time
• The best parts of this philosophy
• The worst parts - spoiler alert - super cute
• What they are looking forward to on their next big adventure

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👉 Links and Resources

Mini Intro to Homeschooling Webinar

Guest Details

Master7 Sol is Nicki’s youngest child who loves to play soccer, mountain bike, surf, play with lego and hang out with his family and friends.

Master9 Ra is Nicki’s eldest who loves mountain biking, reading, climbing trees, playing soccer and playing with his friends and family.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Pinterest

Linked In

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In this episode, we are chatting with our dear friend, homeschooling mum and organiser of the Sunshine Coast branch of a homeschool co-op called Free 2 Learn. We are chatting to her about why she started the branch, what we do at the co-op, benefits of being in a co-op and tips and tricks for those wanting to start their own! We can’t wait for you to hear Amalia Smith.

👉 Amalia shares

• Her homeschooling journey and how she got out of the system
• How she would describe her homeschooling experience
• About ‘Lifeschooling’
• What made her choose Free2Learn
• What makes Free2Learn different
• A day in the life at Free2Learn
• Why multi age groups are so important
• The activities that may take place in the co-op
• Why she decided to bring it to the coast
• How homeschool co-ops are different from school
• The benefits of a homeschool co-op

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👉 Links and Resources

Free to Learn Website
Connect with Free 2 Learn on Facebook

Book Recommendations:

The White Book by Ramtha
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Love, Learn, Life by Czilla Alberts

Please consider supporting us on Patreon
Check out our Homeschool Resources

👉 Guest Details

Amalia Smith is a dear friend and former teacher. She now works as a University sessional tutor in the education field and is also a past-age clearing and healing practitioner.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

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In this episode, we’re talking about how and why we try and do adventure days with our children as part of our Unschooling and Wildschooling journeys.

👉 Nicki and Vicci Share

• What an adventure day looks like
• Why it is important to commit to an adventure day
• What their children learn on adventure days
• The benefits of adventure days
• Why it helps to dedicate days for adventure
• Their fave Sunshine Coast adventure day locations
• What they bring along to the adventure
• Packing and gear recommendations
• How to stock your car kit
• How it looks with younger children
• Why it is important to be gentle with themselves when they miss weeks!

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👉 Links and Resources

Please consider supporting us on Patreon so we can keep bringing you the content you love!

Check out our newly stocked online shop filled with our favourite mum-approved nature play resources!

Taking the leap to homeschool? Get support on your journey here!

Book recommendations:Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World
By Tyson Yunkaporta

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience
By Brené Brown

The Infinite Game
By Simon Sinek

Take Risks
By John Marsden

Know Your Why
By Ken Costa

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

Wildlings Forest School Contact DetailsWebsite
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

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If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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We love a child advocate here at Wildlings and on today's episode, I’m chatting with early years childhood advocate Leah from Leah and the first years.

👉 Leah Shares

• About Leah and The First Years
• About the brain and brain development in the early years
• Why the relationship between teachers and the children and their family is so crucial to building a sense of belonging
• How exploration is the key is learning and empowerment
• That independent play is often the goal and what our expectations should be around this
• About schemas and how understanding them helps you to remain connected with your child
• Why free play and connection to nature through a bi-cultural lens in Te Whāriki is so important
• What 3- 7 year olds need to learn
• Tips for parents when they are looking for an early childhood centre

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👉 Links and Resources

Her website is coming soon!
Leahandthefirstyears.com
Connect with Leah on SocialsFacebook
Instagram

Book Reccs
The Sacred Urge to Play by Pennie Brownlee and Kimberley Crisp

Please consider supporting us on Patreon
Check out our online shop!
Book in for an adventure with us!

👉 Guest Details

Leah is a passionate qualified early childhood teacher/kaiako from New Zealand advocating for the first years of life. She has built a community for parents and teachers to go to where they will leave feeling inspired and empowered. She is all about using the developing brain and current research to promote the importance of play and attachment.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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In this episode, we’re talking with Pennie Brownlee, from Dance with Me in the Heart about heavy world content in the context of children’s perspective, a child’s true nature and how the classroom is stifling, the beauty of bare feet and the three most important bonds in a child’s life.

👉 Pennie Shares

• How to help shield children from the news
• Why developmentally appropriate content is so important for children
• The meaning behind Dance with Me in the Heart
• That children are earthlings and therefore expect to play outdoors
• Why classrooms hold children captive
• Why being barefoot is so important for children (and all humans)
• About our culture of dynamic domination vs dynamic partnership
• Of the three most important bonds in a child’s life: Womb, Mother, Mother Earth.

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👉 Links and Resources

Connect with Pennie:Personal Website
Facebook
Instagram

Find Pennie's books here!

Book Recs-
Odd Bird Out by Helga Bansch
The Little Stowaway by Vicki Bennett

Check out our online shop!
Please support us on Patreon!

👉 Guest Details

When I grow up, I want to be just like Pennie. Mother, grandmother, photographer, artist, teacher, facilitator, author, book publisher, advocate for parents, and a big kid at heart. She is a fierce, and to use a Kiwi term, staunch advocate for children and has for a long time been one of my inspirations as an educator from whom I have learnt so much over the past decade.

Pennie I got stuck straight into our conversation and I didn’t want to miss a second so hit record without doing an official intro. So you’ll hear us jump straight into conversation. It felt like I was sitting in Pennie’s living room today and we were just trying to solve all the world’s problems. I hope you enjoy our conversation today as much as I did.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much!

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In this episode, we’re chatting to the passionate Angus Gorrie, from The Outsiders: Play Advocates all about the evolutionary perspective of loose parts and the problematic nature of titling it "risky” and/or “nature play.”

👉 Angus Shares

• How the floods have affected the camp
• The story of Outsiders
• The qualities he has seen develop in the children at Camp Hill
• How he would describe what Camp Hill looks like to an outsider
• The problem with social media values in depicting children's play
• An evolutionary perspective on loose parts in the framework of free play
• The importance of time in facilitating change in educator's perspectives
• Insight into the documented decline in Free Play for children
• The fundamental holistic importance of play
• How lived experience connects to learning
• How the minimisation of play spaces has impacted children
• Why we shouldn't call it nature play and risky play
• Favourite loose parts memories from Camp Hill

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👉 Links and ResourcesConnect with Angus and Camp HillWebsite
LinkedIn
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Camp Hill OSHC

Check out our newly restocked shop
Learn more about our Wild Business Course
Please consider supporting us on Patreon

Book Recs:
Evolutional Perspectives of Play – Bob Hughes
Memoirs of a Uneducated Woman – Lady Margorie Allan
Adventure Playgrounds – Jack Lambert

👉 Guest Details

As a playworker and play advocate, Angus Gorrie is passionate about providing authentic play opportunities for children, wherever they may be, and pushing back against increased play deprivation and play bias. Angus has qualifications in Behavioural and Social Sciences, and Playwork. Angus and the team at the Outsiders spend their days championing authentic free play experiences for children in a large Adventure Playground at Camp Hill OSHC, here in South East QLD, a service known for its cutting edge application of genuine free play and playwork principles into the daily practice. By appointment, The Outsiders offer information and practical stories that delve deeper into the realms of play, play theory and the many developmental benefits that surround it. Our team provides real-life stories married with theory to inspire more play journeys.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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If you are listening to this podcast, my assumption is that you have a love of nature. In this episode, I chat to Sandi Schwartz, author of Finding Ecohappiness, all about the healing power of mother nature and the ways in which we can develop a nature habit for our families.

👉 Sandi Shares:

• About her journey and how she got started in this niche
• About the Ecohappiness Project
• How she communicates environmental science to empower people
• Why nature is so healing
• What a nature habit is and how to incorporate that in your families
• How to challenge ‘nature’ families to take it to the next level
• About ' Tree-Hugging' and 'Cow-Cuddling'
• Unique nature activities
• The connection between mental health and nature
• How to encourage people to protect the planet

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👉 Links and ResourcesConnect with Sandi
Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Pintrest

Book Sandi for Guest Speaking
Buy 'Finding EcoHappiness'
Buy Sky's Search for Ecohappiness
Free Nature Habit Quiz

Book Recs:
The 4 Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Richard Louv's Collection

Please consider supporting us on Patreon!

👉 Guest Details

Sandi Schwartz is the founder and director of the Ecohappiness Project and author of the parenting book Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer. She is also the co-author of the children’s book Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness, and a journalist specializing in parenting, environmental, and wellness topics. Her mission is to inspire and educate families to build a nature habit to feel happier and calmer.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Youtube

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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It is unsurprising that the COVID 19 Pandemic has been the catalyst for change in education. Today I’ll introduce you to another educational changemaker, Peter Phillips, who has taken a vision shared by his co-founders and started a learning revolution in Bali, Indonesia – Open Flow Learning Centre.

👉 Peter Shares

• His journey that led to starting a progressive educational facility overseas
• How teaching in Bali differs to Australia
• About Open Flow
• How the community and Open Flow communicate and coexist
• His vision of the future for this education model
• How a model like Open Flow might look in Australia
• The 7 cycle structure of learning
• How Bali has come together in the wake of the pandemic

👉 Links and Resources

Connect with Peter and Open FlowWebsite
LinkedInInstagram @openflowbaliOpen Flow on YouTube

Check out Peter’s self produced short films 'Relentless Flow'
'Educated'

UNITED NATIONS SDG Podcast Interview

www.consciousplanet.org

Book Rec:
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

👉 Guest Details

Peter Phillips is on a joint venture to reimagine education as the co-founder of a niche international learning centre in Bali Indonesia. Open Flow Learning Centre co-curates education for children and adults, celebrating curiosity on a planet filled with wonder and awe, a philosophy that is deeply rooted in place-based approach to learning, drawing on many different educational approaches and centering self-directed learning for children.

Peter feels fortunate to lead others into possibility through opportunity. With experience across various forms of education and within collectives of deep thinkers and dynamically creative people, he shares with others in a manner that moves beyond societal norms, based in the truth of our ability to respond and how we have the individual and collective capacities to become better beings.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Facebook
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Youtube

👉 Nicki & Vicci's Homeschooling Webinar Series

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode we are talking to Gill Howarth from Born Wise, who ultimately aims to inspire families to revolutionise education from their own backyards and embrace conscious education!

👉 Gill Shares

• About Born Wise and The Conscious Education Movement
• How to see education as learning beyond the boundaries of 'school'
• How to communicate this movement to those who might have a more constructed view
• What children are learning about the world in their education
• How we can take some of the pressure off school
• About wellbeing in connection to learning
• What education might look like in the future
• Some light on the larger education system
• About storytelling in connection to nature based education
• How we can unlearn as adults
• About Lightweavers

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👉 Links and Resources

Connect with Gill and Born Wise
Website
Facebook
Conscious Education Facebook Group
Instagram

Hear more from Gill:
Podcast on the role of storytelling
Podcast on HomeschoolingPodcast on Natural Learning

Book Recs-
IQ EQ DQ by Dr. Yuhyun Park

👉 Guest Details

Gill Howarth is an Early Childhood teacher, Educational Changemaker, Storyteller and Mother to 3 bright, beautiful and wild boys. Having worked in alternative, Reggio-inspired and nature-based schools in Perth Australia, Gill began to explore ways to practice Conscious Education - an approach to learning that requires getting curious with what we are doing in our educational settings - and always asking WHY. Gill created Born Wise in 2017 as a grassroots education space, a place to explore learning beyond the classroom. Since then Born Wise has grown to offer classes, courses and consults to people of all ages and ultimately aims to inspire families to revolutionise education from their own backyards.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Pinterest

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Imagine a place that recognises children’s need for personal autonomy and emotional safety so that children are re-empowered in the learning process and learn to trust their wild instincts. Well, such a place exists and today I chat with the founder of Wild Song, Britt Laidlaw about the business and Importance of mentoring in our culture & bringing back the village model.

👉 Britt shares

• How she discovered her niche passion
• About her business and what she offers
• Why the village model is so important
• About coyote-style mentoring and rapport based relating to unearth our child's genius
• Why stories and storytelling matters
• What makes Wild Song special
• About what she struggled with when she was starting her business
• The best part about owning a nature play business

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👉 Resources & References

Connect with Wild Song:
Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube

Other podcasts featuring Britt:
Merging Academia, Wild Sovereignty & Somatic Dance with Brittany JaneThe custodianship of Dancing up Country with Brittany Jane Laidlaw

Please support us on Patreon

Book Recs:
Cathedral of the Wild by Boyd Varty
Dr. Martin Shaw-
Courting the Wild Twin
Looking to the Wild in the Time of the Spyglass

👉 Guest Details

Brittany has dedicated her life to helping people around the world transform their lives and local ecologies by reconnecting to the natural world and the wild parts of themselves. She is a rewilding mentor, somatic ecologist, and accredited Wayapa practitioner with over 10 years of experience leading programs.
Britt is the Co-Founder of Wildsong, a social enterprise that offers nature-based programs for kids, adults, and families that serve as a catalyst for holistic wellbeing and cultural transformation. Alongside her business, she is also completing a pioneering PhD in eco-somatics that explores the practice and paradigm of dance and other embodied nature connection experiences as an ecological necessity.

Wildlings Forest School Contact DetailsWebsite
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

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It’s our 2021 End of Year Wrap Up! This episode is all about the year that was and what a year it was!

👉 Nicki shares

• Shocking stats and a summary of why we are doing what we are doing!
• Some successes of this year
• Our 2022 goals
• Her plea for help finding a new space to run our our business
• The good that get us out of bed in the morning
• How our vision is spreading through the networks
• How we’ve managed to grow and pandemic proof our business
• How we connect with the community
• What sets us apart
• What we are most proud of
• Her immense gratitude

👉 Opt In For Free Downloadables

👉 Resources & References

Book our holiday programs here!

Please support us on Patreon

Learn more about Wild Business

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Pinterest

Linked In

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In this episode, we’re talking with the founder of The Kindness Couch, Candice Fraser about nurturing ourselves with holistic self-care and self-compassion so that our children can grow to do the same. Wondering what holistic self-care is and what that can look like in your full life? This is the episode for you.

👉 Candice Shares

• About the Kindness Couch
• What inspired her to set off on her own dream of being a coach
• Her profound view on true self- compassion
• Her tips for a peaceful holiday season
• Of the Human Experience and how we can cope when life is out of balance
• How to mindfully navigate hard emotions
• About the connection between nature and mindfulness
• How holistic health starts with a self-care routine
• The importance of gratitude
• How to model mindfulness and gratitude to our children
• About the shift towards a constructive inner critic
• The RAIN process

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👉 Links and Resources

Email Candice: thekindnesscouch@gmail.com
Website
Special offer! Bonus Home Retreat Box when you subscribe this month!
Facebook
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Book: Power of Awakening, Wayne Dwyer

Guest Details

Candice Fraser is founder of The Kindness Couch, and is a Neural Linguistics Programming Practitioner, Ericksonian Hypnotherapist, Time Line Therapist, Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner, Meditation Teacher, Certified Coach Practitioner and Health and Nutrition Coach, and now in turn, she helps parents who find themselves on this same journey learn to practice holistic self-care so that our children can grow to do the same.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Youtube
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Battle sounds fill the forest, swords clatter and arrows whizz through the air, groans and victorious shouts ring out. Huzzah! It’s not a medieval war you’re witnessing – but children playing with weapons. In today’s episode we talk about this controversial type of rough and tumble play.

👉 Nicki and Vicci Share

• The six types of Risky Play
• What 'Rough and Tumble' play is
• The value of rough play
• How rough play relates to socialising
• How we can help communicate safe boundaries
• The evidence that shows there is no link between weapon play and real-life aggression
• About consensual play
• The big concepts weapon play highlights in children
• The importance of competition and collaboration
• The role weapon plays in child development
• The signs to look out for to signify everyone is still having fun
• Helpful phrases for supervising weapon play

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👉 Resources & References

Peter Gray “Free to Learn”

Homeschooling Webinars

Find all your weapons play resources on our online shop

*Order before December 10th to deliver before Christmas!

Please consider supporting us on Patreon!

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Pinterest

Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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We know that as a society we are living an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and children have never moved as little as they do today. That’s why people like Katy Bowman, author of Move your DNA and now her latest book Grow Wild, are so important in helping us to recognise why we need to move more. Katy joins us today from the US to chat to us about movement and to give us some simple actionable changes that aim to combat our super sedentary culture.

👉 Katy shares

• Her inspiration for writing a book focused on family movement
• What ‘stacking’ is
• Her background and why movement is so important to her
• The seven containers or environments we live in
• That not all nutrients come from food and that there are other ways to nourish our bodies
• How explicit and implicit rules for movement are sending messages to our children
• How we can move from a sedentary culture to a dynamic one
• The benefits of being barefoot
• About Elimination Communication
• Ideas for implement flexible seating in an educational environment
• Simple changes we can make at home to encourage a greater range of movement
• Why we need to move the upper part of our bodies

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👉 Links and Resources

Join in our MASTERCLASS
Support us on Patreon

Connect with Katy
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube Channel
"Grow Wild" Downloadable eBook
Audio Book

👉 Guest Details

Bestselling author, speaker, and a leader in the Movement movement, biomechanist Katy Bowman has been changing the way we move and think about our need for movement. She has authored nine books, including the groundbreaking “Move Your DNA” and her newest, “Grow Wild." Bowman teaches movement globally and speaks about sedentarism and movement ecology to academic and scientific audiences. One of Maria Shriver’s “Architects of Change” and an America Walks “Woman of the Walking Movement”, Katy has worked with companies like Patagonia, Nike and Google as well as a wide range of non-profits and other communities. Her movement education company, Nutritious Movement, is based in Washington State.

Wildlings Forest School Contact DetailsWebsite
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If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we’re talking about the fears people have about starting a nature play business and why we must overcome them.
*
This episode was created in the context of taking the leap to entrepreneurship, but the advice and lessons may resonate with anyone dealing with fear and insecurity in their life.

👉 Nicki shares

• Why educators make wonderful entrepreneurs
• Some secrets about FEAR
• The criticism and praise complex
• The two types of feedback
• How fear can hold us back
• The different types of fear
• About perceived risk
• About people pleasing
• About imposter syndrome
• How to get out of your own way
• Ideas for your first baby steps

👉 Opt In for Free Downloadables

👉 Links and Resources

Free Masterclass! STEAL OUR STEP-BY-STEP ROADMAP FOR GROWING YOUR OWN NATURE PLAY BUSINESS

Check out our Homeschooling, Wildschooling and Unschooling Webinars

Wild Business! Sign up to learn more here

Please Support us on Patreon

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Pinterest

Linked In

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If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we chat about why society makes it so hard to navigate the legislation and why we need to push through it so that we can get more children outdoors and we chat about our own journey in embracing the red tape as an essential part in advocating for children.

👉 Nicki and Vicci discuss

• The benefits of nature play
• Risks and resilience
• Why outdoor learning is essential for developing life skills
• The cost of keeping children “safe”
• Some horrible stats that might make you want to do something about it
• The importance of navigating the red tape
• Their Wild Business Course
• The value of mentors in this space

👉 Opt In for Free Downloadables

👉 Resources & ReferencesCheck out our Homeschooling, Wildschooling and Unschooling Webinars

Wild Business! Sign up to learn more here

Please Support us on Patreon

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Pinterest

Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we’re talking about the 4 biggest mistakes we made when we were starting our Forest School business. And some of them were biiiiiig!

👉 Wildlings Founder’s Share

• The profound initial mistake Nicki made in her transition to a more positive and fulfilling career and life
• What took them so long!
• How we can grow from our mistakes
• The importance of soft skills and interpersonal relationships
• How releasing the ego builds resilience
• How big risks (in business, not safety) pay off
• How to back yourself
• About growth mindset
• How important it is to invest in yourself

👉 Opt In for FREE Downloadables Here

👉 Resources & References

Learn more about Wild Business Here

Learn more about taking the leap to homeschooling here

We would love your support on Patreon! Sign up here!

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

Wildlings Forest School Contact DetailsWebsite
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Pinterest
Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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A couple of months ago a Facebook post caught my eye, the title of a book called Raising Girls Who Like Themselves. This title, whilst so simple, really tugged at a core want that I have for my children. I grabbed a copy, read it within a day, and thought, I need to get the authors Kasey and Chris on the show so that we can help raise more girls who like themselves.

👉 Kasey and Chris Share

• Why girls don’t like themselves
• The 7 pillars that every girl needs if she is to grow up liking herself
• The simple step a parent can take to start their children on the right path
• How we can teach our girls to deal with criticism and negative feedback with productive conversations and modeling
• About body shaming, body hating and the exploding industries that prey upon women's insecurities.
• Shocking stats about how our girls view themselves
• How our attempts to build girls body images could actually be making it worse
• The harm in cramming as much knowledge, skills and experience into our children as early as possible
• What our children will gain from parent’s valuing free play

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👉 Links and Resources

For a special Raising Wildling's offer please follow this link to learn how to teach your daughter to handle teasing and criticism like a boss with this FREE online mini-course by the authors of Raising Girls Who Like Themselves (valued at $97)

Raising Girls Who Like Themselves Website

Learn more about our flagship course Wild Business and join our mailing list!

Support us on Patreon!

Need some support to take the leap to homeschool?

👉 Guest Details

Kasey Edwards is a leading Australian columnist and bestselling author of eight books, with an audience of over 10 million worldwide. Christopher Scanlon is a writer, researcher and academic at Deakin University. Kasey and Christopher live in Melbourne with their two daughters.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we’re chatting about wild schooling and unschooling, or wild unschooling looks like for our families as part of an exciting upcoming project.

👉 Nicki and Vicci Share

• About Wildschooling and Forest School
• How they do it!
• What and how their children are learning
• How they assess learning and “standardise education” if at all
• A typical day-in-the-life
• How they school while working
• How they afford these lifestyles
• How they plan for trips
• How they take care of household duties
• When they knew they made the right choice to homeschool
• The benefits and drawbacks of schooling this way
• Their response to common criticism for this way of living
• The growth they have seen in their own children
• What their children have to say about Unschooling, Wildschooling and Roadschooling

👉 Opt In

https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables

👉 Links and Resources

Episodes Referred ToYou Just Got 'Unschooled' with Kerry McDonald
Wildschooling with the Wilder Child Creator Nicolette Sowder
Vicci's Leap to Homeschooling
Nicki's Journey to Wildschooling
Resources & References

Check out our Mini intro to Homeschooling course here
Support us on Patreon here

Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Pinterest

Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we’re chatting with the Kaponay family who have travelled to over 50 countries on 6 continents over 9 years and in doing so learned how to be at home with themselves, at home with their family and at home in the world.

👉 The Kaponay Family Shares

• The importance of learning together as a family
• How the freedom and empowerment of children in their family dynamic is critical to them becoming key contributors and full-stakeholders in the life and longevity of the family
• Why questions, not answers are what we are searching for in life
• About their Family Retreats
• Why there has never been a better time than right now to reinvest in family as your greatest asset
• How learning together, about ourselves, about our families, and unashamedly integrating this into the world in which we live, can create an unprecedented opportunity for all of us as humanity, but especially as families, to thrive
• About their personal experiences with homeschooling, unschooling and worldschooling, how we learnt together as a family and how we raised our children on the road
• About in-the-moment, inspiration-led-learning and utilising nature as a teacher
• How their experiences led to great success and fulfillment for their family

👉 Opt In For Free Downloadables Here

👉 Links and ResourcesAt Home in the World Retreats
Dreamtime Traveler
TwitterAt Home in the World Facebook
Dreamtime Traveler Facebook
At Home in the World Instagram
Dreamtime Traveler Insta
Lalika's Instagram
Dawn of the Guardian
Tedx Talk by Réka Kaponay

Worldschooling Resources

Wildlings Homeschooling Blog
Wild Business

Guest DetailsGeorge and Bobi Kaponay and their twins, Lalika and Réka are Worldschoolers and entrepreneurs. Réka wrote and published her debut novel DAWN OF THE GUARDIAN at 14 and Lalika started his online international travel concierge business, Destinator Travel at 16. Together, they created their family retreat business: At Home In The World.

Wildlings Forest School Contact DetailsWebsite
Facebook
Instagram

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we’re chatting with Melinda Bito, founder of Eco-Explorers in Melbourne about tips on creating a business around your family and dream life, the best and hardest parts of owning your own nature play business and how communities and nature can help mental health.

👉 Melinda Shares

• All about Eco-Explorers and what they offer
• The profound experience that inspired her to start her business?
• Her strengths and what makes her unique compared to others in the industry
• The hardest part of starting her business and what has been the hardest part of her business journey
• What she wished she had help with
• The best part about owning a nature play business
• The benefits of starting a nature play business in your community
• Her tips on creating a business around your family and dream life, on your lived experiences and knowledge.
• How stepping outside of her comfort zone has changed her life
• The benefits she has seen in creating a business that truly aligns with her values
• About homeschooling and traveling with her family
• About mental health and how communities and nature can help

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👉 Links and Resources

melinda@ecoexplorers.com.au
Personal Website
Facebook
Instagram

Join Raising Wildlings on Patreon
Learn more about Wild Business and join the waitlist here

👉 Guest Details

Melinda Bito is the Founder of Eco Explorers Australia. Melinda has a passion for connecting families and children to nature. She is a certified Forest School Leader, mental health worker and play work practitioner who has 30 years of experience working in community services with families, refugee women, children in foster care and in disability.
She also founded Australia’s first environmentally friendly toy store and has a deep passion for child-led natural learning. She home-schooled her own children and travelled around Australia with her family for nearly 3 years living the dream and her life to the fullest.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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Narelle and Jen are two passionate educators who bought the fun and expertise of their own separate businesses, that have been running many years before Bush Kindy and Forest Schools became a thing in Australia, to create Birdwings Forest School located in the magical wilds of the Gold Coast Hinterland. In this episode they share their story and their keen observations of the benefits of adventurous play in the outdoors.

👉 Birdwings' Founders Share
* About their business and what do they do * The inspiration to start their business * Their thoughts on the importance of adventure in children’s lives. * About ecological storytelling at Birdwings * Their strengths and what makes you unique compared to others in the industry or your area * The hardest part of starting their business and the business journey * The best part about owning a nature play business * The benefits of starting a nature play business in your community

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https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables

👉 Links and Resources
Birdwings Forest School
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram

Podcast with The Forest School Podcast
Birdwing's Blog Posts:
birdwingsforestschool.com/2021/02/13/confidence-flows-from-connection-helping-children-do-hard-things/
birdwingsforestschool.com/2019/02/13/what-does-risk-taking-really-look-like-in-early-childhood/

Book Recommendations:
Sand Talks
The Goodness of Rain

Wild Business

👉 Guest Details
Birdwings Forest School offer full day nature immersion programs on Kombumerri Country in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Children and families come to Birdwings to have playful adventures in wild nature and to rekindle an intuitive connection to nature. There’s plenty of time for children to explore their own learning, supported by experienced nature mentors who believe that children are capable learners. We understand that all children crave connection to community, to culture and to country, and this sense of belonging is at the heart of our business.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details
Website
Facebook
Instagram

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If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here or Spotify here.

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At Raising Wildlings, we have shared our homeschooling journeys along with countless others, but what does the research say about homeschooling in Australia. Well, homeschooling has more than doubled over the last several years. So what is it that is driving these trends, let’s find out in my discussion today with Dr. Rebecca English from QUT.

👉 Rebecca shares

• Her background and how she got involved in this movement
• What some of the main reasons people make the switch to alternative education
• About the binaries of ideologs, pedagogs and accidentals
• How the current climate is impacting people’s views on homeschooling
• Important statistics on homeschooling in Australia
• How to start home learning
• How to access support and help you through the process
• Some of the outstanding findings she has discovered in her research
• Profound outcomes from unschooling
• Her thoughts on credentialism and how the academic landscape is changing in regards to needing formal qualifications

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👉 Resources & References

Find more about Dr. Rebecca English's work here
Read her published findings and articles here

Check out our Unschooling and Wildschooling webinars
*Just a note apologising that our Homeschool Course has suffered technical difficulties. We hope to have rectified by Tues 21st September.

Our Homeschooling Blog

👉 Guest Details

Dr. Rebecca English is a researcher, teacher and mother whose work is concerned with parenting and education. She has an interest in the ways parents make choices for their children that align with their beliefs about family, parenting and other factors. Her particular interest is in the choice of non-mainstream education affects children’s experience of agency and autonomy.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Pinterest

Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we’re chatting with conservationist, budding ecologist and snake catcher, Gemma Smith, about all things snakes. How to keep yourself and your children safe around snakes, what to do on the very chance you get bitten by a snake, the importance of snakes to our environment and for those who are scared of snakes, some tips on how to work on your fear and not pass it onto your children.

👉 Gemma shares

• Her story of how she got into snake catching
• Some of the signs we can be aware and teach to our kids as we coming into snake season
• How knowledge conquers fear
• Tips to help keep children safe around snakes when exploring in the bush
• Her advice for parents who have phobias or deep fears around snakes and how to not pass this fear onto their children
• Basic snake first aid and what to do on the really rare chance that you’re bitten by a snake
• The essential role snakes play in our biodiversity
• The delicate balance of our ecosystem

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👉 Links and Resources

Gem's Website
Find her on Facebook
Follow her on Instagram

Book Recommendation: The Tangled Bank, Carl Zimmer

Check out our Wild Business Course

Become a Patreon

👉 Guest Details

Today we have the absolute privilege of chatting with Gemma Smith. Gemma is a conservationist, budding ecologist currently studying Animal Ecology at the USC, passionate reptile lover and Snake Catcher who offers Snake Removal & Relocation Services across the Sunshine Coast.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Youtube

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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Imagine a place where it is believed that kids are more capable than we know – so capable that they make rollercoasters and treehouses, from concept through to the full build, using real tools and the secret ingredient, time. What I am describing is the Tinkering School. Today I have the man behind the concept joining me all the way from the US, welcome Gever Tully.

👉 Gever shares

• What Tinkering School is
• Why it is so important to give children the opportunity to be trusted
• The theory behind making mistakes
• How you can figure things out by fooling around
• How to risk assess projects in a fun and safe way
• Why building is at the heart of your program
• The beauty of time
• The importance of failure
• The wonder and benefits of intrinsic motivation
• About his role as a “collaborator”
• The vision and foundations of Brightworks School

👉 Opt In

https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables

👉 Resources & References

Gever Tulley's TED Talk about Life Lessons Through Tinkering

Tinkering School Website
info@tinkeringschool.com

50 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Child Do by Gever Tulley

Connect on Instagram

👉 Guest DetailsGever Tulley is an American writer, speaker, computer scientist and founder of Tinkering School. He is also a founding member and chief collaborator of Brightworks School which centers around the concept of students learning through self-directed means and building projects. He is also the co-author of 50 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do. His TED Talk, Life Lessons Through Tinkering is an inspiration to us at Wildlings!

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website

Facebook

Instagram

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If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we’re talking with Kelly Roberts about her Wild Business, Wild Kindy, based in Sydney, New South Wales. This is the first episode in a series where we’re going to focus on Wild Businesses around Australia and the globe.

👉 Kelly shares

• About her business and what she offers
• What her inspiration was to start her business
• Inspiring stories from her programs
• Her strengths and what makes her unique compared to others in the industry
• The hardest part of starting a nature play business
• The best part about owning her business
• The benefits of starting your own nature play business

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👉 Links and Resources

Resources & ReferencesWild Kindy Website

Wild Kindy Socials
Instagram
Facebook

Click here to support us on Patreon! Thank you!

Guest Details

Kelly Roberts is the founder of Wild Kindy. Kelly is an experienced Early Childhood Educator but knew early on in her career that her passion lay in alternative education. With a passion for the outdoors, she was attracted to Nature Pedagogy Philosophy as a way to bring back childhood as she knew it, and reconnect children with the natural environment.

Wild Kindy promotes children to naturally learn in an outdoor environment, no matter the weather. With an evolving program of ‘risky’ and nature play, our children are growing into strong, confident, resilient and passionate learners.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we’re chatting with Mimsy Sadofsky from the democratic Sudbury Valley School in Massachusetts about what a self-directed learning school looks like, what children do after attending such a school, how they learn to read in a democratic school and, of course, how the school is run by its children.

👉 Mimsy shares

• All about Sudbury Valley School
• The beautiful, mind-blowing philosophy of their school
• What their teens do after finishing high school
• The benefits of self-directed learning for children
• How the students are involved in the day to day running of the school
• What she has seen over her past 50 years at the school and why she stayed
• How their judicial system operates
• How children respond to this learning environment
• Their admission process and how they work with parents
• How Sudbury Valley School's children learn to read
• Answers to commonly asked questions
• How the traditional school system can harm children

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👉 Links and Resources

https://www.sudburyvalleyschool.org/

Book Recommendations:

Astoria, Peter Stark

Deep River, Karl Marlantes

👉 Guest Details

Mimsy Sadofsky is a co-founder and staff member of Sudbury Valley School in Framingham, Massachusetts. She has been with SVC for 53 years. She is co-author of numerous books and articles about Sudbury Valley and the Sudbury approach to education. She is a self-directing learning advocate and pioneer in the free learning philosophy.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

E: hello@wildlingsforestschool.com

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If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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Screens are a part of all our lives, for many a little too much. So how do we create a healthy digital culture in our homes with our children? Today I talked to Cat Green, founder of Everyday Empowered, about why we need to be having a whole family approach to technology use in our homes.

👉 Cat Shares

• About Everyday Empowered
• Her inspiration to create the Screen Smart Families workshop
• Surprising insights from the research on children’s technology use
• The importance of shifting the narrative around technology
• The most important message to give our children around the use of technology
• Answers to common questions she gets asked about screen time and children
• Important skills we need to be teaching and role modeling in regards to interaction with others online
• How we can navigate issues online with our children in a honest and open way
• What led her to consider homeschooling for her children
• Her homeschooling philosophy
• What a week in the life of her family looks like
• How she manages time for her business and homeschooling

👉 Guest Details

Cat Green is a homeschooling mom intent on supporting families to love their family life by learning to live it skillfully. We all want more connection, vibrant health and joy in our homes, but without a foundation of simple, everyday skills, we run into problems putting this into action. Cat runs a wide range of workshops and sells her favourite books to help you in your journey to learn these simple skills and build a life-nourishing family culture.

👉 Resources & References

Everyday Empowered Website
Next workshop is August 29th in Yandina, QLD

Facebook

Instagram

Everyday Empowered Bookstore
Use code WILD10 for any of the digital parenting books in August

Book Recommendations:Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Home Grown by Ben Hewitt

👉 Opt Inhttps://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website

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Instagram

Youtube

Pinterest

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we’re chatting with Kerry McDonald, author of Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom, about different models of education around the world, the developmental bell curve of when children read, how Unschooling benefits teenagers and how the school system can harm children.

👉 Guest Details

Kerry McDonald is an education policy writer, self-directed learning expert and author of Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom. She is a board member at the Alliance of Self-Directed Education and mother of four never-been-schooled children.

👉 Kerry Shares

• What she has been up to
• Research coming out about how the pandemic affected opinions on homeschooling
• The difference between education and schooling
• The qualities we value in the ‘imagination age’ and how school stifles creativity
• How the industrial education system can make children’s lives worse
• That unschooling is treating children with basic human respect
• How the 19th century industrial model education system lacks the ability to build the skills required for the most in demand jobs
• That knowing yourself and what you want are largely neglected in conventional structured schooling
• About empowering parents
• The developmental bell curve for reading age in children
• Examples of different unschooling programs and self-directed learning models in the states
• Why bullying is nearly non-existent in these alternative models of education

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Free Downloadable

👉 Resources & References

Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom, Kerry McDonald

Foundation for Economic Education

BOOKS

Learning is Natural, School is Optional, Ken Danford

The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life, Grace Llewellyn

Fab: The Coming Revolution on Your Desktop, Neil Gershenfeld

Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World, Adam Grant

Outliers M,alcolm Gladwell

Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand Audiobook Read by Scott Brick

ALTERNATIVE UNSCHOOLING PROGRAMS

North Star, founded by Ken Danford

Not Back To School Camp

NFP’s

Liberated Learners

Alliance of Self-Directed Education Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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In this episode, we’re chatting with Natalia Krysiak, founder of Cities for Play, about making play a priority in the design of our urban spaces and how to make the changes we want to see for our children.

👉 Natalie Shares

• About Cities For Play, including what she does there and her vision for the future
• Some shocking statistics linked to the built environment
• What children have to say about designing cities and the beautiful consistencies between children of different cultures
• How a built environment can promote children's health and well-being with a focus on play and active mobility
• Which cities are implementing best practice
• How we as parents can encourage our local councils to make our cities more child-friendly
• Why there has been a reduction in free play and roaming areas over the past few generations
• What we have learnt so far about the pandemic's impact on children's play and mobility

👉 Opt In for Free Downloadables

👉 Resources & References

Cities for Play Website
Child Friendly Neighbourhoods

LinkedIn
Twitter: @NataliaK_au
Instagram: @citiesforplay

Book Recommendations:
Bush Toys by Claudia Haagen

👉 Guest Details

Natalia Krysiak, a practicing architect at Hayball Architects and founder of Cities for Play, Natalia specialises in the design of child-oriented environments. She is a passionate advocate for playful cities and spaces, engaging in placemaking and research initiatives around the world. In 2019 Natalia was awarded a Churchill Fellowship exploring best practice for designing child-friendly, high density neighbourhoods in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada and the UK. Her research explores how we can create more playful and child-friendly urban environments.

👉 Episodes Referred To

S2E25: Benign Neglect and the Impacts of Zero-Risk Culture with Tim Gill

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In this episode, we’re chatting with Philip Mott, reluctant learner, turned elementary teacher, turned homeschooling father, about how his family uses curiosity as their curriculum.

👉 Philip shares

• His story and how he came to lead the life he lives now
• Why he homeschools his children
• How his family manages the financial aspect of homeschooling
• His perspective on curiosity as the curriculum
• What his children are currently curious about
• How to intrinsically motivate your children
• About earning your child’s respect with authority and teamwork
• Of the disadvantages of education system
• The power of truly getting to know your child
• Advantages of homeschooling

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👉 Links and Resourceshttp://www.philipmott.com/
Recommendations:Class Dismissed Documentary
Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
Play and Development by Goncu and Gaskins

Guest Details

After graduating high school with a GPA of 2.2 and then shifting often between jobs, Philip Mott pursued higher education at the age of 26 and worked to earn a spot on the Dean’s List each semester. Five years of teaching led him to realize the timeline imposed on students was incongruent with the way learning most often happens. His experiences drove him to explore learning methods which honor the learner, the teacher, and learning itself. He now unschools his three children with his wife and writes parenting and education advice for families on his website.

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In this episode, we’re talking with one of the grandfather’s of Nature Play and Adventure Play, David Sobel, who gives us some great ideas on suggested outdoor activities for different developmental stages and also chats about some of his most recent research on the differences between children who attend indoor classrooms versus outdoor classrooms.

👉 David shares

• His story and what influenced his childhood and shaped who he is
• How he started his career and what he is working on now
• How to quantify vs qualify the difference between putting children in nature-based education vs indoor learning
• How the pandemic has affected perceptions about children learning in nature
• The relationship and correlation between childhood nature experiences and adult environmental attitudes and behaviors
• The scientifically proven benefits of nature immersion for children
• Advice on how to educate and communicate with parents and educators about risk
• The importance of teaching children to understand how to risk assess from a young age
• Practices for parents and educators that support childhood nature play and exploration
• Developmental parameters for how to think about engaging with nature at different stages

👉 Opt Inhttps://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables
https://kit.co/Wildlings

👉 Links and Resources

https://www.davidsobelauthor.com/
https://www.davidsobelauthor.com/davidsobelbooks
Book Recommendation: The Magus by John Fowles

👉 Guest Details

David’s writing has helped to shape the place-based education movement in the United States and around the world. He’s also a proponent of nature-based early childhood education. That means getting children outside, to play and learn in the natural world and in their communities.

David has worked with the National Park Service, the Children and Nature Network, numerous colleges and universities, a diversity of zoos and aquaria, nature centers near and far, independent and public schools in remote British Columbia and in inner city Boston.

He now lives in New Hampshire and is committed to cold water swimming, the exploration of landscape nooks and crannies and to joyfully embracing the gift of life on earth.

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much!

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Maths, it’s a dirty word isn’t it? Especially if you take the learning outside. In today’s episode, we are talking to a homeschooling mum who has created a whole curriculum in maths and reading and it is as wild as it gets!

👉 Rachel shares

• The story behind Wild Math and Wild Reading
• How bringing the learning outside helps break down the barriers around the subject of maths
• About Wild Math and why it is so special
• Her favourite activities in her curriculum
• How translating maths into real life experiences can increase understanding
• Some profound insights from the testimonials she receives
• The resources she recommends
• The magic of Wild Reading and the power of working with the brain instead of against it
• Her golden tips and advice for homeschooling parents regarding time and taking the pressure off

👉 Opt In

https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables

👉 Links and Resources

Wild Learning Website
For a special 10% discount on your order use code wildings10

wildmathcurriculum@gmail.com

Facebook

Instagram: @wildmathcurriculum

👉 Guest Details

Rachel Tidd is the author of the Wild Math® and Wild Reading™ Curriculums and a leading proponent of integrating the outdoors and the natural materials in math education. Rachel obtained extensive teaching experience as an elementary and special education teacher and as a homeschool parent. She holds a Master’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education and a B.S. in Environmental Science from SUNY- College of Environmental Science and Forestry. She became interested in teaching and learning outside after watching her two children thrive in an outdoor forest preschool. Wild Math® has been used by schools and homeschool parents throughout the U.S. and the world. Rachel has written and presented about Wild Math® and outdoor learning in conferences, podcasts, and magazines.

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What is the biggest risk to children in 2021? It could just be not allowing children to take any risks at all? In this episode we talk with Risk Play advocate, Tim Gill, all about risk and adventure play in childhood, child-friendly urban design and the tools we use to change the face of public policy in relation to play.

👉 Tim shares

• His story and why he wanted to share his ideas about risky play
• The evolution and impact of ‘Zero-Risk Culture’
• Some of the big misconceptions adults have about children
• About ‘Benign Neglect’ and the concerns of being judged as a parent
• The myths about risk
• True risks to children today
• What child friendly urban design looks like
• The power and benefit of ‘unobserved play’
• About Risk Benefits Assessment and why they are an integral part of childhood planning
• What cities have got it right
• How the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting children

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https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables

👉 Links and Resources

Email: tim@rethinkingchildhood.com

Website

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No Fear - Free PDF

Our dear friend Kelly George, creator of the Australian Homeschool Summit, has just launched a podcast and a big sale on previous summits! You can check in out here
Use code FEELSLIKEHOME

👉 Guest Details

Tim is a global advocate for children’s play and mobility, and an independent scholar and consultant. He is the author of No Fear: Growing up in a risk-averse society (“a handbook for the movement for freer, riskier play” - New York Times) and Urban Playground: How child-friendly planning and design can save cities.

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Secret spaces and hidden places – there is something magical about them. Cubbies, forts, dens, tree houses whatever you want to call them, children are absolutely hardwired to design and create these havens that shelter them from the ever watchful and ever present eye of the adults. In this episode we talk all things cubby building and why we should be creating more opportunities for children to engage in this adventurous play.

👉 Nicki and Vicci share

• Cubby building as a rite of passage
• The vast myriad of benefits of building cubbies
• Tips and tricks for cubby building materials
• Language adults can use around a cubby building activity

👉 Opt Inhttps://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadableshttps://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/sunshine-coast-holidays

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/professional-development-

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Ever dreamt about hitting the road with your kids and heading outback? Today, homeschooling Mum, Lisa Crompton, tells about what and how she did just that, whilst 'roadschooling' her kids.

👉 Lisa shares with Nicki

• The magic and mystery of how children learn without being explicitly taught
• How she records and documents learning to report to the department
• What an average day in her life looks like and how it has changed in the last year
• Tips on travelling alone with children
• The easiest way to keep the peace on a roadtrip
• The importance of trips without scheduled entertainment to allow for daydreaming and creativity
• Tips for parents looking to begin homeschooling
• What ignited her switch to homeschooling
• Her motivational words for parents wanting to take the leap

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You might like to check out our Wildschooling Car Checklist to help make it easier to get you and your Wildlings out on the road!

https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables

👉 Links & Resources

email: lisamichellecrompton@gmail.com

Instagram @Learning_on_the_road

Kidspot Article

Outschool.com

Book Recc:
Parenting for a Peaceful World by Robin Grille
(you can also listen to our episodes with Robin Grille here)

Guest DetailsLisa Crompton is a wife and mother to two gorgeous kids who are naturally learning without school. They are living on kaurna land in the Adelaide hills and travelling Australia by road at every opportunity they get!

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In this episode, we’re talking all about Periods and the powers we can tap into within the 4 phases of our cycle with singer, author, human biologist and Period Queen, Lucy Peach. Today’s episode is all about education, empowerment, and choice. Settle in, this is important.

👉 Lucy shares

• How she came to discover the beauty of her own cycle and how she got started on this journey
• The motivation behind her book
• How we can honour the very special first cycle
• The 4 phases of our cycle and what they entail
• What we can gain from understanding our bodies and our cycles
• The power of cycle mapping in a workplace
• The most beautiful piece of knowledge she has discovered about periods on her journey
• How we as parents and village mentors and educators, can have conversations about periods with our little Wildlings and from what age she suggests we start

👉 Opt InDon’t forget that teaching kids about consent starts at home and starts with Respectful Communication, so jump online to download our free Words of Empathy and Validation printable so you have some handy phrases stuck on the fridge during witching hour.
https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables

👉 Resources & ReferencesLucy's Website
Lucy's Courses - Coming Soon!
TedX Talk
Lucy's Music
Facebook
Insta @lucyspeaches
Talk Soon Talk Often

Book Reccomendations:People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

👉 Guest DetailsLucy is a period preacher, folk singer, theatre performer and TEDx Speaker who has worked as a human biology teacher and sexual health educator. She has a Bachelors of Science in Human Biology and Biomedicine. She currently performs her shows, ‘My Greatest Period Ever’ and ‘How to Period like a Unicorn’ all around Australia and the UK. Her brilliant book, Period Queen, has just celebrated it's first birthday and we are so thrilled this important conversation is still going.

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much!

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In this episode we are talking to Vanessa Hartmann, creator of the "Year In Nature Guide," about homeschooling, nature co-ops and her profound insights on nature based living.

👉 Vanessa describes

• Her “Year in Nature Guide” and why she created it
• What her guide includes
• Where you can access her guide
• Why she decided to homeschool and create her own co-op
• How she got her husband onboard
• What a nature co-op is
• The benefits she sees in the children participating
• The impacts of screen time and the news on children and adults
• Her intentions for her child’s education as he grows up
• Why many children are unnecessarily medicated
• The famous Raising Wildlings rapid fire questions

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👉 Links and Resources

Resources & References

A Year in Nature Guide
Marco Polo App
YouTube Channel
Facebook
Instagram
Women Who Run With Wolves

Guest Details

Vanessa is a homeschooling mum, military spouse and yogi that has found a passion for creating what doesn’t exist yet as her and her family move to the next adventure. She has gone into the Mojave desert and created a positive spotlight for mommas and their kiddos to create a healthy lifestyle. As her son has gotten older she’s transitioned to creating and leading homeschool co ops in nature. Community makes all the difference and Vanessa loves helping others create the community you are in need of.

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Life on the road with your family – it’s the dream isn’t it? Well at least I know it is for me, but for now I get to live vicariously through amazing people like Naomi Mackie whom many of you may know as Boys Run Free on Instagram. In today’s episode, we dive into how this family chose homeschooling and the road less travelled.

👉 Naomi shares

• The story of how her family came to be travelling on the road
• What they are traveling around in
• Where their travels took them and her favorite parts of the journey
• How they got started homeschooling
• The dynamic of her family and how they have learned to coexist and conflict manage
• The financial approach they took to allow for this dream lifestyle
• Of the joys of play and how the freedom to learn through travel and life experience offers valuable “curriculum.”
• Her hacks and travel advice for a family who wants to travel around Australia
• What she does to fill her cup and get in touch with her inner self

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https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables

Celebrate Raising Wildling's 1st Birthday!!wildlingsforestschool.com/shop
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👉 Resources & References

Email Naomi
www.billybuttonphotography.com
Insta @boys_run_free

👉 Guest DetailsNaomi Mackie has a family of six. They homeschool their four boys and have been travelling for 18 months around Australia. Their boys have never gone to school. Their classroom has mostly been outside. Living outside with so much freedom has given them an opportunity to thrive in so many creative ways.

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TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast episode contains references to child sexual and physical abuse, grooming and predatory behaviour. If this episode triggers anything for you please reach out to a loved one who will listen or contact Lifeline 13 11 14 for support. We see you, we hear you, we believe you.
*
Wondering how to teach your children about consent? Want to know how to empower your kids to be the boss of their own body? In this episode, Lauren French from Body Safety Australia helps us answer these incredibly important questions.

👉 Lauren talks about

• Body Safety Australia, its mission and her role there
• Why it is important to start conversations around consent and being the boss of your body in the early years
• How to go about challenging generational expectations
• The myths to avoid in body safety conversations with our children
• Empowering tips on ways we can introduce these topics
• Stats parents need to know about child abuse
• The importance of teaching our children proper anatomical names
• How to help make sleepover’s a safe rite of passage

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👉 Links and ResourcesBody Safety Australia
Book Recommendations:
Beauty by Bri Lee
Love Your Body, Jessica Saunders
Be Your Own Man, Jessica Saunders

S1, E25: Be Your Own Man with Jess Saunders

👉 Guest DetailsLauren French is a proud Karajarri woman who grew up on Larrakia lands in the Northern Territory, and is now living and working on Wurundjeri land in Melbourne. She is a sexologist, educator and social change maker who works in many different capacities. She is a lead educator with Body Safety Australia and a clinical Sexologist at the Australian Institute of Sexology and Sexual medicine. She has a Bachelors in psychology and a Masters in Sexology with a specialisation in Sexuality Education. As an Aboriginal woman, she feel privileged to be able to support communities and families like her own in areas that are so often under supported.

Body Safety Australia is a not-for-profit organisation providing collaborative community solutions to foster robust, respectful relationships with children and young people. Their evidence-based strategies and programs empower and educate children and young people, their families, and professionals in the home and school environments, offline and online. They have a strong commitment to provide all communities with body safety education that celebrates children of all socio-economic status, religions, abilities, sexuality and/or family structure.

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you!

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In today's episode we travel to the other side of the country to chat with Daniel Burton, CEO and co-founder of Educated By Nature. I am really excited because these nature immersion programs inspired so much of what we do at Wildlings. Settle in for an enlightening show!

👉 Daniel shares

• The story of how Educated by Nature began
• What made him step away from formal education and start a business
• The importance of time as a resource for nature play
• Three key values to persuade educators to embrace nature pedagogy
• Why mentors are essential and how nature supports that framework
• About rites of passage for children
• Some of the challenges of running a play-based business
• The unseen benefits of nature play
• Risky play’s vital place in childhood
• His favourite aha moments

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https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/shop/autumn-song-sheet

👉 Resources & References

https://educatedbynature.com/

Linked In

Twitter

Facebook

Insta @educatedbynature

Campfire Conversations

Blog

👉 Guest Details

Daniel is the CEO of Educated by Nature, a qualified teacher and nature connection mentor. He considers himself an advocate for connecting children with the natural world, following children’s inbuilt sense of wonder and curiosity as the vehicle to inspire the process of inquiry-based learning. He is passionate about empowering children and providing authentic opportunities for them to grow mentally, physically, socially and emotionally.

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In this episode, we’re traveling to Chicago, Illinois to talk with business teacher, father and podcast host Peter Hostrawser about how and why he’s on a mission to disrupt education.

👉 Peter shares with Nicki

• About his learning journey, and his most memorable moments in school and out
• The importance of confidence and making connections
• His experience that led him on this path of disrupting education
• How he coped in a system that wasn’t going to change immediately
• The best advice he received in helping him connect with students from a different background
• Where he is currently working and what made him choose this school
• About the exciting changes he is seeing in education in the States
• About the funding disparities and inequity in the American school system
• What he is seeing in the Outdoor Learning space

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Free Downloadables
Autumn Song Sheets

👉 Resources & References

Website
Disrupting Education Podcast
Instagram
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Facebook

Book Recommendations

Creative Schools - Sir Ken Robinson
Indistractable - Nir Eyal

👉 Guest Details

Peter Hostrawser has been a business educator in the Chicago area for over 20 years and founded the OPRF School of Business at Oak Park and River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois. He is an entrepreneur and change agent for traditional educational systems as well as a business coach. Peter has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs start and continue their paths to success. Peter is the host of the Disrupt Education Podcast where creative and non-traditional learners share their stories and thoughts on how to change education. He currently teaches business at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills, Illinois, USA and is an eLearning Curriculum Developer for HallPass Education.

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Come with us on a virtual travel adventure all the way on the other side of the globe, where we find out about how Forest Schooling is done in Spain with Forest School Leader and fellow unschooling mother, Vicky Mateau.

👉 Vicky shares with Vicci

• What led her to make the choice to homeschool her two children
• About the homeschooling community in Spain
• About the program she created and how they name their groups
• About the dynamic wild space she uses
• The benefits of connecting children with a changing environment
• About running her program in a National Park in Spain and how the bureaucracy and red tape compares
• How her children discovered autonomy
• What unschooling life looks like for her and the beauty of the present moment
• Her advice for other families about the individual journey and flexibility of this lifestyle
• About her contextualised training in the UK, and how she had to adapt her training to be more relevant to her forest school in Spain.
• About “Wildcrafting” in Spain
• How they include indigenous and ancestral learnings in their programs
• About the deeper themes of learning in nature and how they translate in communication and relationships between adults and children

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👉 Links and Resources

vickymateusimeon@gmail.com

www.pasdinfant.org

Book Recommendations:
Robin Wall Kimmerer- Braiding Sweetgrass
Annie Davy- A Sense of Place

Song Sheet Downloadables

Guest Details

Vicky Mateu has specialised in child development, education and emotional intelligence. She is a Forest School leader in Catalonia, Spain and also offers parenting support for families. She lives in a small farmhouse at the Natural Parc of El Montseny where her family is unschooling their children Nara (9) and Saüc (7).

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Today is going to be a little more personal than usual. In fact, I think I can feel a little vulnerability hangover coming on already because today, we’re chatting with my husband. He is an ex Primary School, Special Education and Behaviour Management Teacher, the co-founder of an online triathlon and endurance racing coaching business, T:Zero Multisport, and a homeschooling father, the myth, the legend, Scotty Farrell. Scotty is here to answer one of our FAQs about home/un schooling- how to get your partner onboard.

👉 Scotty Shares

• His own schooling journey
• How he got started teaching and his transformative first year
• How he reached the students who didn’t want to be there
• His perspective on the research of homeschooling
• Why they choose time over money and how time as its own currency can set you free
• Why his children’s lives are better out of school
• Why he isn’t worried about his children falling behind
• The benefits he sees for his family
• How he stays sane spending so much time with his wife and kids
• The challenges of unschooling
• His perspective on uni
• How he reframes the socialisation argument

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👉 Links and Resources

Episodes Referred To

E1S28: Nicki’s Journey to Wildschooling

Resources & References

http://sirkenrobinson.com/

https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/

http://carolblack.org/a-thousand-rivers

Peter Gray

The Over Story by Richard Powers

@coachscottyfarrell

https://www.tzeromultisport.com/

Guest Details

Scotty Farrell began coaching triathlon around 12 years ago. Coaching part-time alongside his main job as a primary school teacher for many years allowed him to fine tune his skills through study, and trial and error. After leaving teaching in 2012 to pursue Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Sunshine Coast, he became much more involved with coaching and shortly after finishing his Nutrition Degree, decided to dive in 100% and make coaching endurance athletes his full-time job from 2014 onwards. Combined with a very active role in parenting and homeschooling his two young boys and managing his coaching team at T:Zero, his main role is as a proud Head Coach to a group of committed, hard-working, humble athletes – who are all in the process of becoming masters of the process and chipping away at some super inspiring goals.

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In this episode we are talking with my beautiful friend, an ex SAS soldier, gum leaf whistler, fire starter, survival skills expert and all around good bloke, Rick Petersen. We find out what Rick has been up to since he got back from the desert, his top tips for survival, what he never leaves home without and why he is on a mission to bring fathers and sons together outdoors. Let's hear from the man behind the beard.

👉 Rick shares

• His profound life story
• About his business in connecting with men, survival skills and collaboration
• Where his wealth of knowledge came from
• The benefits of his workshops
• The benefits men receive by connecting with other men
• The beauty of “The Talking Log” method
• About the philosophy of fear
• What in his EDC “Every Day Carry” Survival Kit
• A few of his survival top tips

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👉 Guest DetailsRick Petersen was born the eldest son of a lighthouse keeper, living on Tasman Island for the early years of his life. Rick later joined the Military and was selected to serve with the elite Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SAS).
Utilising many of the soft and hard skills that the Military equipped him with, as a self-defence instructor, advanced combat first aider and survival instructor, Rick has lead Kokoda treks in Papua New Guinea and taken fathers and sons into the jungles of Sumatra Indonesia.
He recently returned from Central Australia where he worked alongside Pitjantjatjara speaking “Anangu People” at the iconic Australian landmark Uluru, gaining much knowledge and respect from the desert mob. He developed a deep interest of indigenous culture, creating a passion for traditional hunting techniques, tool making and fire lighting techniques along with university studies in Parks and Wildlife and receiving distinctions in Ethnobotany.
Rick is now committed to his rock solid vision of helping other fathers and sons rediscover their connection, character and capability under the banner of “Men of Change Australia” along with running bush immersions weekends and workshops on Survival, Bushcraft, and Adventure Treks under the Banner of “Southern Exposure Survival”.
Rick now resides on the Sunshine Coast with his wife Neryl and two sons “Arnhem” and “Tasman”.

👉 Links and Resourcesinfo@rickjpetersen.com
https://rickjpetersen.com
15% discount off for Wildlings Forest School families that book into Survival and Bushcraft events
Social media @rickjpetersen
ABC Interview
Book Recc: Jay Shetty- Think Like a Monk

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Here’s the scenario, you stumble across an intricate formation in your garden, rocks lining a maze of dens and caves and paths with other items, maybe leaves, scattered across the space and it feels like you have been transported to a little magical world, one that was created by a child. This is just one example of loose parts play, and what we are going to discuss on today’s episode.

👉 Nicki and Vicci share

• What “loose parts” are exactly
• Why we should encourage loose parts play
• The benefits of loose parts play
• Examples of natural loose parts and man-made loose parts
• How to manage expectations and behaviour during loose parts play
• How to frame a risk assessment for your child
• About their City Makers project at the MET
• How Wildlings can help you set up a loose parts program

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👉 Resources & References

Professional Development with Wildlings Forest School
Shop Loose Parts Resources in the Wildlings Forest School Online Shop
Make Do

Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

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In this episode, we’re talking to Nicolette Sowder, founder of the global nature play movement, Wilder Child, about Wildschooling, creating an online nature connection movement and running a business. Prepared to be so inspired, this girl is golden.

👉 Nicolette talks with us about

• Her story and how she got started
• Wildschooling and the trifecta behind it
• The benefits she has seen in her family from Wildschooling
• Why it is so important to have an online presence for an outdoor movement
• The biggest lessons she has learned as a business woman
• Her advice to parents considering making the leap to homeschooling
• Her exciting projects coming up!

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Happy Easter! Head on over to download your FREE Easter Bilby printable that you can take with you and the kids can then decorate with flower petals, leaves, grass and any other treasures you find on your daily dose of Vitamin N, while you sit back and relax.

👉 Links and ResourcesWebsite
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https://www.simplelivingcollective.com/
Book Recs
Raising Free People- Unschooling as liberation and healing work by Akilah Richards
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Guest Details

Nicolette Sowder is the creator of Wilder Child and Wildschooling. Nicolettés passion and heart’s mission is to help families step back into the circle of wild things and bond with Mother Nature. She believes that when we are rooted in that relationship and ancient connection, we heal, we flow, we fly.

In 2013, Nicolette, her husband and one-year-old daughter (The Wild Child) took a first step in realizing their dreams and moved to North West Michigan to start Honeybird Farm, a 60 acre farm based on regenerative agriculture principals.

They had no conscious idea of how much living that close to nature would transform them. Nicolette originally started Wilder Child to help record and lend words to the deep, familial bonds they were forging with the Wild that surrounded them.

But it was her community, their stories, voices and support that encouraged her to share more and begin serving as a nature-connection guide and conduit for families who wanted to walk side by side barefoot down the dirt-lined path. What is now a passionate, mud-loving, free community spanning the globe.

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In this episode, we’re talking with first custodian artist Jandamarra Cadd about connection to country, art as therapy and how to talk to your kids about racism. Settle in and get ready to be inspired, informed and awakened.

👉 Jandamarra shares

• About his life story and when he first picked up a paintbrush.
• How his spirit was awakened.
• About connection to country as such an important part of culture and why and how all families might benefit from a strong connection to country.
• His suggestions for those people who are disconnected from country and nature, or perhaps were never given the opportunity to connect or may be afraid of nature can get to know their country.
• About his lovely walking on country practice with his girls and what he does with his girls on those days.
• About intergenerational trauma and his loving role in raising his girls.
• About the current education system and how we can help improve it.
• How last year impacted him and his family.
• About systematic racism and the beauty of Indigenous culture that has been hidden.
• How he talks to his kids about privilege, race and racism and his tips on how white parents can talk to their kids about racism.
• About a joyful project he is working on now.

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👉 Links and Resources

Insta: @jandamarrasart
jandamarrasart.com/prints
facebook.com/jandamarrasart

👉 Guest Details

Jandamarra Cadd is a Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Warung descendent, artist and father. Jandamarra is an inspirational man with many stories to tell. His artwork is emotive and insightful – and is a powerful medium to bridge the story telling divide between Aboriginal and mainstream Australia.
Painting has been a way of life that has enabled him to express his creativity and storytelling and in many of his paintings of the human condition, he seeks to be a peaceful voice for unity. Jandamarra uses a variety of styles and mediums; with his unique blend of traditional aboriginal art techniques along with his own signature contemporary portraiture.
Jandamarra has not only been a finalist in every major Portrait Art Prize in Australia, but is also in very high demand as an Inspirational Speaker and Ambassador. We are very, very lucky to have him on the show.

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In this episode, we’re talking to Charlotte Lucas of Free Rangers Forest School about Risky Play, educating parents on the importance of outdoor learning and battling red tape. Like us, Charlotte started out teaching, then undertook her Level 3 Forest School Leader’s qualification. Since then she has swapped an indoor classroom for an outdoor one and has enjoyed facilitating learners’ journeys in natural surroundings so much that she decided to embark upon the Free Rangers’ adventure with the belief that children learn best from learning through play within an outdoor environment.
👉 Charlotte shares

• All the details on Free Rangers including where they are based, what ages they teach, how many children they have, and what programs they run
• The best things about teaching outdoors and the hardest things about working in the Forest School industry in the UK
• Why learning outdoors is better for children
• The benefits of Risky Play that she has seen in her own program
• What she would show or tell people, in particular parents, to demonstrate why Forest School is so important
• What she would like to see changed in schools in the future

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👉 Resources & References

www.freerangers.org.uk
www.thewildspace.co.uk
http://www.freerangers.org.uk/our-shop/i-see-free-rangers-book
Facebook.com/freerangersnursery
Instagram: @freerangersnursery @thewildspacecommunity
Pintrest: Free Rangers Nursery

Guest Details

After completing a BSc at Southampton University, Charlotte Lucas became a hockey coach at All Hallows Preparatory School where she realised she wanted to enter into teaching and education. She completed her GTP whilst at All Hallows and became a fully fledged Primary Years Teacher in 2004. After a few years teaching Year 3, she undertook her Level 3 Forest School Leader’s qualification. From her teaching background, she feels that the forest school training spoke deeply to her and opened up a new lens with regards to the best place children should be learning, a place that speaks holistically to them and that place is in natural surroundings.

At Free Rangers, they recognise their individual responsibility to ensure that their environment is one of kindness, enthusiasm and empathy and are committed to ensuring each child’s happiness and wellbeing is nurtured on a daily basis within a natural environment.

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If someone asks you about your role as a mother, you may be quick to say it is the most rewarding experience of your life right? But is it? Do you always feel that way? Motherhood brings us to the depth of all our emotions. Mothers have many varying and contradictory feelings that are not talked about publicly. As well as experiencing love, most experience fleeting feelings of hate. These difficult feelings actually strengthen and fuel a mother's love for their child. Today we explore the idea of maternal ambivalence with Dr. Margo Lowy.

👉 Dr. Margo unveils the truth about

• What ambivalence truly means
• Motherhood ambivalence
• The social and personal expectations surrounding mothers and motherhood and the impacts of these expectations
• Mother myth busting
• Undoing the societal conditioning about mothers being on their “best behavior” all of the time
• How we fuel our growing love for our child

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👉 Links and Resources

https://www.drmargolowy.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-margo-lowy-a88a91200/

https://www.facebook.com/margo.lowy.9/

Insta @drmargolowy

Media Release

Beyond blue

👉 Guest Details

Dr. Margo Lowy is a psychotherapist with an interest in mothering and women’s reproductive health. She completed her PhD and her Research Masters at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, investigating the fields of maternal ambivalence and infertility. Her doctorate, completed in 2017, was titled "Maternal experience: Encounters with ambivalence and love" and followed by a book of the same name released late last year. In the book, Dr. Lowy disrupts the accepted maternal discourse by insisting that uncomfortable feelings, including hatred, are an inescapable part of most mother’s experiences, and fuel her love for her child. Dr. Lowy is now working on her second book aimed at new mothers and their support groups.

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In this episode, we chat with our incredible friend Tasha Lawton, founder of Talk Revolution, about how to talk to you children about sex. If you're not sure when to start talking to your children about sex, or how to talk to them or what to say, then make sure you give this episode a listen because Tash is about to answer every one of your questions you have about these difficult conversations. This episode aims to breakdown the stigma's around one of life's great pleasures.

👉 Tasha talks with us about:

• Her story and why she started Talk Revolution and what exactly it is
• The current state of our kids' mental health
• Why it is so important that we have these uncomfortable conversations
• What we can do to stop people passing on shame around this topic
• When we should start having these conversations
• The kind of things we should say and what kinds of things should we stay well clear of

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👉 Resources and References

Guest Details

Tash is an experienced media professional with over 20 years experience in storytelling and branded, short and long form content. She has produced and shot in India, Nepal, US, Cambodia, Malaysia and the UK and is experienced producing on set, in location as well as live radio broadcasting. Well that's Tash's corporate bio anyway. Tash had a challenging time growing up, which you'll hear a bit more about during this episode. These challenging times were her big ‘WHY’ behind starting Talk Revolution, which is an incredible online, video based, peer to peer health education programs ranging from period talk, to suicide and self harm talk, sex talk and sexuality talk, that empowers teachers and parents to have conversations with their kids about the topics that really matter so they can make better choices and be the best version of themselves.

Tash's Contact Details

• www.talkrevolution.com.au
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasha-lawton-25b68514/
• https://www.facebook.com/talkrevolution
• https://www.instagram.com/talkrevolution/
• tasha@talkrevolution.com.au

Recommended Sex Ed Books

• The Amazing True Story of How Babies Are Made
• What's Happening To Me (Boys)?
• What's Happening To Me (Girls)?

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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In this episode, we are talking about why taking babies out into nature is not only the ultimate sensory experience, but how it will also help to develop their confidence and understanding of the natural world. Babies are natural investigators. You only have to spend a short amount of time with them to see that they are curious little scientists, experimenting with everything they can get their hands on to make sense of the world, and being a parent of a baby is like seeing the world again with brand new eyes. We receive many enquiries asking when is the right age to start taking our children out into nature, and our response is the same every time. Children are never too small to experience the benefits of being out in nature. Let’s look at why!

👉 Vicci and Nicki discuss:

• The amazing, mind-blowing science and deeper meaning of why we need to make nature time a priority for babies
• Nature as the ultimate sensory experience
• The importance of a baby carrier
• Ideas of what taking your baby out in nature can look like
• Risk assessing for babies outdoors

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👉 Resources & References

https://zarparbebe.com.au/

#wildlingsbabies

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

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Youtube

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In this episode, we invited Mathilda Element back to the podcast who you might remember from season one. She has a very special project that she's been working on with a team of passionate and dedicated people including her husband and children. Let's dive in!

👉 Mathilda gives us:

• A reminder on what Pine School values and embodies in their educational system
• A sneak-peek into how the idea of Humanitas High School came to fruition
• Insight into her experience on the journey to creating an independent school and the importance of having a foundation built on values
• An idea of the wonderful outcomes Humanitas hopes their students will achieve in the completion of their time there
• A valuable exercise in questioning what we truly want for our children
• A look into why we don’t have as many alternative models of education for older children
• The truth about the “real world” of a young person
• The meaning behind the name of Humanitas
• Perspectives we all need on teenagers

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👉 Links and Resources

Episodes Referred To

S1E17: Democratic Education and the Play Cycle with Mathilda Element

References

www.humanitashighschool.org.au

www.pinecommunityschool.org

educationrevolution.org

mathilda@pinecommunityschool.org

Guest Details

Mathilda Element is a passionate early childhood educator, with special interests in play, storytelling, supporting early literacy and advocating for children's rights. As well as fabulously joyous work in democratic education as a school teacher, new school founder and curriculum consultant, she also enjoys parenting, reading tons of books and learning to sail.

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"Children will be motivated if their learning is based upon their own curiosities and passions." - Teacher Tom
You may have come across Teacher Tom’s blog on Facebook, but something you may not know is that he has blogged every single day for a decade, sharing his observations and insights from his work at the Woodland Park Cooperative School in the rain soaked Pacific Northwest. Settle in, this episode is full of gold nuggets.

👉 Teacher Tom Touches On

• How he found his calling in pre-school teaching
• The benefits, beauty and joy of a multigenerational shared learning space, co-creating alongside your child.
• The profound meaning behind his democratic, progressive and play-based pedagogy
• The most insightful observation he has made through working with children (you are going to want to hear this! )
• His inspiration for starting his famous daily blog and his reflective process
• The best and worst parts of being a blogger
• His experiences with a parent owned and operated school
• Never letting the weather stop you from having fun
• School readiness and the 3 characteristics that really matter

👉 Guest Details

Tom "Teacher Tom" Hobson is an early childhood educator, international speaker, education consultant, teacher of teachers, parent educator, and author. He is best known for his namesake blog "Teacher Tom's Blog," where he has posted daily for over a decade, chronicling the life and times of his little preschool in the rain soaked Pacific Northwest corner of the US. For over two decades, he has been the sole employee of the Woodland Park Cooperative School which is a parent owned and operated school and all pulled together by Teacher Tom’s democratic, progressive play based pedagogy.
Today, Teacher Tom shares his play-based pedagogy through online e-courses for early childhood educators; produces online early childhood conferences; consults with organizations about his "Family Schools" program; and inspires early years audiences around the world both virtually and in-person with his engaging views on early childhood education, play, and pedagogy.
He was pressured by his blog readers to author his first book, aptly named Teacher Tom’s First Book, and recently released Teacher Tom’s Second Book.

👉 Resources and References

Website

Blog

Facebook

Instagram

Books by Teacher Tom

Book Recommendation

Human Kind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman

Free Downloadable

Click here to get our FREE Words of Validation and Empathy Cheat Sheet

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In this episode we are taking the road less traveled with author and homeschooling mother Csilla Alberts. Csilla’s children have all left the nest and are achieving some incredible things. Her son Ziggy is now a successful international musician and learned to write and play music as a teenager. Let’s hear more about their story.

👉 Csilla Shares About

• How her family’s homeschooling journey began
• Her thoughts on the flaws in the education system and why they made the decision to learn from home
• Self- doubt in parents and her advice for those saying they don't have what it takes to home educate.
• The ‘love bubble’ and her other favourite parts of homeschooling
• Working through the fear of not doing enough
• Family unit familiarity
• Homeschooling teenagers
• Ziggy Albert’s authentic journey to finding music in his teenage years
• The importance of freedom, autonomy and critical thinking

👉Guest Details

Csilla Alberts is the mother of 4 grown children and step mother to two more incredible boys. As parents, they chose to home educate as the number one choice in a myriad of different educational alternatives, it was more of a lifestyle and conscious parenting decision.
She is the author of ‘Love Learn Live’ (published 2012), an Educational Consultant (since 2011) and a tutor (since 2009). She is passionate about education and strives to support parents and children in achieving a ‘best fit’ solution. 2021 ushers in a fresh new approach which will see Csilla working with mothers in a mentoring capacity, dreaming and creating their own microschools and collectives.

In conjunction, Kaizenkan, streetstyle aikido based martial arts was born 2018 which her twin flame, her partner in crime, Tim Alberts.

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👉 Resources and References

https://www.facebook.com/Lovelearnliveconsulting

Read Love Learn Live by Csilla Tottszer - BookBuzzr

Kaizenkan | Facebook

Book Recommendations: Illusions by Richard Bach

Ziggy Alberts

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Technology has come so far, so fast. With cyberbullying, sexting, and exploitation, parents today have a big challenge to face. It may feel daunting, unknown, unescapable, and we can often feel helpless, but we don’t have to navigate this alone. In today’s episode, we talk with Kirra Pendergast, founder of Safe on Socials, and an expert on the ways in which we can work with our children to create loving boundaries around tech in the home. She shares some key advice on doing this in a way that maintains connection and safety. Kirra says that we need to ask the right questions so that our children feel safe, and know what to do when they don’t.

👉 Kirra Gets Real and Shares About

• ‘Safe on Social’ - the story behind it and its educational tools
• Maintaining your relationship with your child in the age of tech and social media
• How to co-create safety measures with your children on social and gaming platforms
• The dangers behind having too much of your personal information available online
• Child-exploitation
• How to keep the channel of communication open and honest with your children about what is happening to them online
• “Chat Features” on games and social media and the heavy conversations we need to have about them
• “Sextortion”
• The importance of parental controls
• The ‘Self- Esteem Minefield’ and the appropriate age for Social Media
• Cyberbullying and 5 essential tips to help your child through it

👉Resources and References

Safe on Social Media

Christine Jackman- Turning Down the Noise

Parents Toolkit

wildlingsforestschool.com/shop

https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables

👉 Guest Details

After a 20+ year career in Cyber Security and IT Business Consulting, Kirra founded Australia's first consulting firm focused on Cyber Safety. KCL Business Solutions completed eSafety Risk Reviews, Policy Development, and Training Solutions for major Qld Government departments and businesses. In 2014 Kirra Pendergast founded Safe on Social Media Pty Ltd after experiencing serious and relentless cyberbullying and trolling herself.

Kirra speaks on the topic of Cyber Safety and her own experience with serious cyber bullying, to 1000's of people each week. Kirra presents to students K-12, teachers and parents at schools across Australia and New Zealand. She is also regularly asked to speak at legal seminars, government and business events, conferences and consults too, and advises organisations in Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States.

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In this episode, we’re chatting with education consultant Dr. Claire Warden about the importance of nature connection, nature pedagogy and her kindergarten, Achlone Nature Kindergarten in Scotland.

👉 Claire and Nicki Discuss

• Her journey in finding nature pedagogy
• Her unique and impressive PhD research
• Her theory about the primary and secondary meanings of Nature Pedagogy
• Her kindergarten Auchlone Nature Kindergarten in Scotland
• What a typical day looks like for a child that attends Auchlone?
• Mindstretchers educational platform
• The best and hard parts about running a 'children in nature' based business
• And of course the famous Raising Wildlings rapid fire questions

👉Guest Details

Dr. Claire Warden is an educational consultant and passionate nature pedagogy expert. If you’ve worked in Early Childcare in Australia, then you will know who Claire is and will have quite likely partaken in one of her prolific offerings of educator training. For those not in the Early Education sphere, Claire is the founder of the education platform, ‘Mindstretchers,’ her charity, 'Living Classrooms,’ her own international consultancy business, and is the president of the new International Association of Nature Pedagogy.

Claire is also the author of over 25 books and materials relating to early years methodology, including her well-known 'Talking and Thinking Floorbooks,' which presents the planning methodology that supports consultation and democracy in early education; and 'Nurture through Nature,' which explores working with children under three outside.

Claire is also still closely involved with her own nature kindergarten, Auchlone Nature Kindergarten, in Scotland. This outdoor nursery works with children from 2-6 yrs old, who spend up to 90% of their time outside.

👉 Links and Resources

Claire Warden Educational and Experiential Pioneer (claire-warden.com)

Online Learning – Mindstretchers Academy & Dr Claire Warden

Mindstretchers Academy & Dr Claire Warden – Mindstretchers Academy & Dr Claire Warden

Home | Auchlone Nature Kindergarten

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In this episode, we are thrilled to be chatting with one of Australia’s favourite parenting authors and experts, the perfectly named, Queen of Common sense, Maggie Dent. We chat about getting kids off screens, the importance of failing, and self worth and how to support boys in their big emotions and the importance of a well-timed fart.

👉 Maggie shares

• What it means to be a lighthouse and who her lighthouse was growing up
• The importance of nature and play and free time and her favorite adventurous opportunities where children can access these.
• The importance of failing and resilience
• More on the philosophies in her book, From Boys to Men, about boys handling emotions, understanding arousal states, preventing techno tantrums, and how to get them off screens.
• An expansion on her theory about the spectrum of lamb to rooster
• More on self- worth being the invisible biological core of man-hood
• The biological differences in the wiring of boys and how educators can improve classroom settings
• The three F’s- Food, Fun and Farts.

👉 Resources & References

Maggie Dent - Home | Resources for those who live & work with children

Maggie's Blog | Maggie Dent

👉 Guest Details

Commonly known as the “queen of common sense”, Maggie is one of Australia’s most beloved parenting authors and educators, with a particular interest in the early years, adolescence and resilience.

Maggie’s experience includes teaching, counselling, and working in palliative care/funeral services and suicide prevention. Maggie is an advocate for the healthy, common-sense raising of children in order to strengthen families and communities. She is a passionate, positive voice for children of all ages.

Somehow she has also found the time to author seven major books, including her bestselling 2018 book Mothering Our Boys and her new 2020 release, From Boys to Men.

👉 Free Downloadable

Click here to get our FREE printable Words for Validation. It is a great tool for validating our children’s feelings so they aren’t experiencing shame.

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In this episode, we wrap up the crazy year that was 2020. From expansion plans, to coronavirus, a podcast, online courses, awards and rapid growth, we chat about what’s happened in the Wildlings world this year. And a recap of some of our favourite guests this year.

👉 Nicki and Vicci reflect on

• Wildlings and this wild year
• The creation of Raising Wildlings Podcast
• Gratitude for the blessings in disguise and hard earned awards
• What our listeners have to look forward to in the new year including some epic guests!

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

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It’s Christmas holidays and if you’re already wondering what to do with your children after already having spent so much time indoors, why not download our free Bush Santa printable, take it outdoors with some glue, set the kids up under a shady tree and go and make yourself a cup of tea while they decorate Santa’s beard with nature treasures.

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Have a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hannukah and Summer Solstice!

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In this episode, we chat with Pasi Sahlberg, author, Professor of Education Policy and Deputy Director of the Gonski Institute at the University of New South Wales, about inequality in the Australian education system, some of the excellent things happening in the Finish education system and how we can help rebalance this inequality.

👉 Pasi shares

• His journey that led him to where he is today
• The Gonski Institute of Australia and his work there
• Equitable Education Systems and what that looks like in Australia
• The Australian education funding system
• The discrepancy of compulsory instruction hours in schools around the globe
• Finnish education initiatives that would translate well into the Australian education system
• The importance of play in schools
• How to communicate the importance of play to principals

👉 Guest Details

Pasi is a Finnish educator who has worked as a schoolteacher, teacher-educator, researcher, and policy advisor in Finland and has studied education systems and advised education leaders around the world. He has written and spoken widely about teaching and learning in school, teachers' work and school improvement, educational change, international education issues, and the future of schools. His book “Finnish Lessons: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland” won the 2013 Grawemeyer Award for an idea that has potential to change the world. Pasi believes most kids know what interests them deeply when they are very young, whether it’s spiders, bicycles, guitar or drawing, and that schools should be able to adapt to help them learn as much as they can about their passions.
After training as a teacher, Pasi began a life in education policy. After a number of years, Pasi became the Director General of Education in Finland. Finland regularly tops international academic rankings. The country’s teachers are highly valued and remunerated, and students have a shorter school day than most other countries, with a firm focus on the importance of play. Within a few years, Pasi’s educational philosophy saw him sought out by many governments around the world.

👉 Resources & Referencespasisahlberg.com

"Let the Children Play: How more play will save our schools and help children thrive"

Forthcoming books

"Finnish Lessons 3.0: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland”

"In Teachers We Trust: The Finnish way to world-class schools"

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If you’d like a little inspiration to take to your P&C, download our FREE School Outdoor Space Checklist at www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables.

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It’s been a rough year across the globe, particularly on parents. With lockdowns, quarantines, working and schooling from home, financial and health concerns, we thought it was a good time to get Rebecca Branstetter in.

Rebecca is a school psychologist, speaker, and author on a mission to help children thrive by supporting school psychologists, educators, and families.

She is the founder of The Thriving School Psychologist Collective, an online community dedicated to improving mental health and learning supports in public schools, as well as the co-creator of the “Make It Stick Parenting” course, which provides parents tools to build their child’s social-emotional learning, and the “Peace of Mind Parenting” course to support families during distance learning.

👉In this powerful and inspirational episode, we hear Rebecca's expertise about:1. The effect of the pandemic on mental health and learning in children.
2. The ABC's to help shift our perspective to a place of peace and understanding with our child.
3. How we go about parenting from a place of calm and connection, even in uncertain times. (aka--not having to be a PERFECT parent, but a PRESENT parent)
4. The difference between Self-Care and Self-Compassion.
4. How to partner with the school if your child is struggling academically, socially or emotionally.
6. School readiness and some of the red flags that signal your child might benefit from delayed entry.

👉 Links and Resources

FREE Download25 Self-Care Practices for Parents: Instant "in the moment "strategies for whenever you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, annoyed, or need a reboot.

For ParentsPeace of Mind Parenting Course: https://www.onecommune.com/peace-of-mind-parenting-with-dr-rebecca-branstetter
Make It Stick Parenting Course and Community (for parents of children with special needs): https://www.makesociallearningstick.com/make-it-stick-parenting-course
For School Psychologists/Mental Health Professionalshttps://www.thrivingschoolpsych.com/book/

Website: www.rebeccabranstetter.com

👉Guest Details

Rebecca Branstetter, Ph.D., is a school psychologist, speaker, and author on a mission to help children thrive by supporting school psychologists, educators, and families.

A sought-after speaker and national media expert, Rebecca’s expertise in supporting school psychologists, parents, teachers, and students in the public school system has appeared in various publications, including Huffington Post, NPR, CNN, Education.com, and Parents Magazine.

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In this episode, we’re talking to Nathan and Anita from the Homeschool Project Podcast to hear their perspective on the most common questions we homeschoolers get asked. How do we manage financially, what type of curriculum should I follow, what made you start homeschooling and the most common question of all, what about socialisation?! A few months ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with Anita and Nathan, hosts of The Homeschool Project Podcast about Forest Schooling, Wildschooling and Unschooling. Today, I now have the pleasure of interviewing the beautiful couple. Anita and Nathan are a military family currently residing in Ohio, USA, and homeschooling their 3 beautiful children. They began their podcast at the start of the year to try and help other families new to homeschooling by sharing ideas on homeschooling and some laughs.

👉 We chat to Anita and Nathan about

• Their family and the journey that brought them to where they are today
• The Homeschool Project Podcast
• The powerful realisation that shifted them to the idea of homeschooling.
• Their thoughts on socialisation
• Homeschool co-ops
• The homeschooling philosophy they follow
• The best thing about homeschooling in their eyes
• Some of the struggles of homeschooling
• How and where their family resets on rough days
• What they would change about the education system

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👉 Resources & References

Charlotte Mason Method

https://simplycharlottemason.com/what-is-the-charlotte-mason-method/

Book Recommendations:

Free to Learn- Peter Gray
A Walk in the Woods- Bill Bryson
The Call of the Wild and Free- Ainsley Arment

👉 Guest DetailsAnita and Nathan are the hosts of the Homeschool Project Podcast. They are parents to three children (3,6,9) who are all homeschooled as well as a military family. They started their podcast and their website to help others find a community where they can find information, have their questions answered, and be part of a group that is willing to go above and beyond to make sure that we all succeed. Since they made their decision, their family has grown closer and happier. This lifestyle has made them realize that homeschooling is not only about education but it is a lifestyle. It is a lifestyle that allows you to take a step back and see what is really important.

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Two weeks ago, we had a lot of fun when Vicci interviewed Nicki about her family's unschooling journey. In this episode, we flip the table and Nicki interviews Vicci about her family’s journey. We delve into her story of how they made the decision to homeschool based on their children’s personalities and how, after doing all the research, she took the leap.

This is part four of our series on families that unschool, homeschool, wildschool and world school that will run until the end of the year. Last week we spoke to Lucy AitkenRead about unschooling in a yurt, the school wound and child autonomy. You can head on over and check it out, it’s episode #29.

Wondering if home schooling or unschooling is for you? This series and these stories may help!

👉 Vicci shares

1. What the one thing was that made her decide to homeschool

2. How she communicated her thoughts about homeschooling to her husband

3. How her family manages financially

4. How her children are socialised

5. How she fits in self-care

6. Whether she worries about her children falling behind

👉 Vicci's details

The ocean has always been home for Vicci. Living in South East Queensland has been the perfect backdrop for a life of adventure chasing dolphins and whales on a mission to spread a love for the natural world.

After spending a few years teaching in traditional schools, Vicci's world was soon opened to alternative models of learning, particularly the Forest School philosophy, after the birth of her first daughter. The philosophy embodied many of Vicci's own lifestyle values and seemed to be the perfect blend of world-schooling and wild-schooling.

Vicci's passions and expertise lie in marine education, respectful communication, child empowerment and educational freedom of choice.
Vicci is available as a guest speaker and to run workshops and consultations Australia wide.

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In this episode we chat to Off-Grid and Unschooling mama and activist, Lucy AitkenRead. We discuss how unschooling allows you to stand back and watch your child bloom and how unschooling your own children can heal your own school wounds. We also chat to Lucy about how to show up as your authentic self in business and her new book 30 Days of Rewilding.

👉 We talk to Lucy about

1. What made her choose to unschool her kids and if there was any defining moment that made the decision for her, or if it was a slow build?
2. How choosing alternative lifestyles sometimes feels like we can alienate people when we talk about those choices. We’re actively trying to make sure that we don’t ‘other’ people’s choices making this podcast. We discuss how she incorporates this in her own work.
3. Her book ‘30 days to Rewilding’
4. How her children have benefited from the ‘rewilding’ lifestyle

👉 About Lucy AitkenRead

Lucy AitkenRead is a writer, unschooling mama and activist and is here to help you step in to trust, joy and regeneration! She moved her family from South London, UK to a yurt in the middle of nowhere, NZ. They share their off grid farm with another family where they all live without school. Lucy is passionate about supporting people to live compassionately – on earth, with the folks around them AND themselves.

She has spent the last 9 years writing about sustainable living and attachment parenting on her blog and running courses that help people trust themselves with their hopes and dreams including her (Disco course) about unschooling or nurturing a spirituality without religion.

https://lulastic.co.uk/
https://lulastic.co.uk/books-i-have-written/

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And if you’d like a little inspiration to get your family outside, click here to get our FREE Nature Scavenger Hunt printable.

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If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, I’m chatting with Nicki about how her family ended up going from a teaching family to an unschooling family with two home businesses. This is part two of our series on families that unschool, homeschool, wildschool and world school that will run until the end of the year. Wondering if home schooling or unschooling is for you? Then this is the episode for you.
👉 Vicci & Nicki Discuss

• What the one thing was that made her decide to homeschool
• How her family manages financially
• Socialisation
• How Nicki 'convinced' her husband to homeschool (note: she didn't!)
• How she gets self-care time
• Whether she worries about her children 'falling behind'
• How her children will be prepared for University if they're homeschooling

👉 Nicki's Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

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Kelly is an Aussie who helps parents fall in love with homeschooling via blogging, summits, and courses. She's a wife plus mum of five never-schooled children. With no fixed address, their long-term travel provides endless adventures and ways of connecting with people and the world. Kelly is also the creator of the Fearless Homeschool and the host of the Australian Homeschool Summit, both of which are unbelievable resources for those families who need some support and encouragement when starting your homeschooling journey.

👉 We Ask Kelly…

· How she made the decision to homeschool her five children

· What kinds of sacrifices and life choices they made as a family in order to manage financially

· How Kelly manages her self care time

· What a typical day or week may look like for her family

· What kind of curriculum works best for her family

· How travel has added value to her children’s learning, life views and adventurous spirit

· How her children socialise

Kelly’s Homeschool Courses

• Australian Homeschooling Summit
• Zero to Homeschool
• Unschooling Essentials
• Zero to Homeschool + Start Homeschool Summit
• SPECIAL OFFER! 2017 & 2019 Homeschooling Summits
• SPECIAL OFFER - 2017, 2019 & 2020 Homeschooling Summits

👉 Kelly's Details

• Fearless Homeschool Website
• Fearless Homeschool Facebook
• Fearless Homeschool Instagram
• Fearless Homeschool Pinterest
• Travel blog
• Kelly’s eldest daughter's blog
• Kelly’s twins' blog

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Whittling wood is one of the most calming and meditative crafts we do at Forest School. If you’ve ever taught in a classroom, you wouldn’t believe the calm, focus and engagement you’ll find in a whittling circle of usually rambunctious children. It has to be seen to be believed.

In this episode we talk about all things whittling: how to keep children safe when using pocket knives, which knives we recommend, how to take care of your knife, which wood to whittle, what to make and how old children can be to start whittling – the answer might just surprise you.

👉 Discussion Points

• The benefits of whittling and children owning a pocket knife
• Safety tips to keep children safe when using pocket knives
• Technique
• Which knives we recommend
• Knife care & safe storage
• Which wood to use
• Projects to whittle
• Recommended starting age for children

👉 Purchase Pocket Knives & Whittling Tools Here:

• Opinel Wooden Peeler (great intro to whittling tool)
• My First Opinel Whittling Pocket Knife (our best seller and the knife we recommend for beginners)
• Opinel Classic No.8 Pocket Knife (a classic knife for older, more experienced children or adults)
• Alpine Leather Sheath (somewhere safe to keep your knife)
• Opinel Secatuers (the only kid proof ones we've ever found! These are virtually unbreakable)
• Opinel Folding Saw (a most excellent gift for the gardener - or adventurer in your family)

👉 Listeners Offer
Our Early Bird Offer for our Online Intro to Bush Kindy Course ends midnight Wed 28th October 2020!!

👉 Further Education
Book us for a workshop or consult to train your teachers/educators in the safe use of pocket knives for groups.

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Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

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In this episode, we get some tips and tools from Social Worker and Author, Jessica Sanders about how we can help our children love their bodies, accept who they are and help process their emotions.

👉 Discussion Points

1. Jessica’s journey to becoming a social worker, author and advocate
2. The inspiration for penning her beautiful books, Love Your Body and your most recent release, Be Your Own Man
3. Jess’s tips for how to help our girls love their bodies and boys to be their own man
4. What being an advocate for children looks like for Jess, including her work with Worth a Second Chance
5. The one thing Jess would change about the education system

👉 About Jessica Sanders

Jessica Sanders is an author, advocate and social worker from Melbourne. She is dedicated to empowering others with the tools they need to strengthen the relationship they hold with themselves and their bodies.

Jess has a lot to say about gender equality as a whole and is a passionate advocate for children. Jessica has a long history of working with young people through organisations such as SECASA, The Butterfly Foundation and Jesuit Social Services. In 2019, Jessica wrote her multi award winning children’s book, Love Your Body. To date, Love Your Body has been sold into 29 territories around the world. In November 2019 Jessica released Me Time: the self-care guide to being your own best friend, which is a practical book to support mental health and in September of this year she released her book for boys, Be Your Own Man.

Jess believes the current definition of masculinity is hurting boys and wanted a resource for parents and boys to be able to re-imagine the term for a new generation. , Be Your Own Man which encourages boys to embrace their vulnerability and put their hands up for help.

👉 Jessica Sanders Details

• Reshape website
• Jess’s Instagram
• Worth A Second Chance Website
• Worth A Second Chance Instagram

👉 Resources

• Buy ‘Be Your Own Man’ Here
• Buy ‘Love Your Body’ Here
• Jessica by Bryce Courtney
• The Course of Love by Alain Bebotton

👉 Free Downloadable

Download your free respectful parenting printable with phrases of validation and empathy here.

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode we break down three of the barriers that often hold centres and educators back from starting a Forest or Bush School program. Bush or Forest Kindy’s are growing in popularity, and for good reason. There are plenty of educators who are almost ready to take the plunge, but there is something holding them back. Well today we are going to discuss three barriers that may be making the process of even thinking about starting an Forest School session entirely too difficult!

👉 Discussion Points

• Fear of death/injury/litigation
• How do we minimise the risk of missing children
• How do we minimise the risk of injury (appropriate clothing)
• Lack of personal knowledge

👉 Summary
There are always going to be barriers that make starting a new program challenging. The best thing to do is to make a list of all the things holding you back and then you can systematically go through and find solutions for every single one. And if you would like some extra assistance with this you can always sign up for our Introdcution to Bush Kindy course which is launching ….

👉 Free Downloadable
If you’d like a little inspiration to get your family outside, click here, to get our FREE Nature Scavenger Hunt printable.

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

Wildlings aims to get more children outdoors connecting with nature, creating the village parents are yearning for and inspiring change in the education system.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
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Today's episode is a little different. Join us as we take a trip to Tasmania, to Nature Be In It, run by the ever passionate, Kara Spence, where we will hear what the children of Howrah Primary School and their educators love about her Forest School programs.

👉 About Nature. Be In It
At Nature. Be in it. we believe nature connection is a deep human need. We take you into nature to meet your need for connection to yourself, each other and the planet. During our expertly guided experiences for your children, corporate team and family you will see the value and need for nature connection to rebuilding resilience, creativity and social and emotional intelligence.

👉 About Kara
Nature connection is in Kara's bloodline. As the daughter of an audacious nature crusader and mad-about-rocks geologist, she understands our dual demands on nature: sustain our souls andsupport our economy. The trick is achieving both, in harmony and balance.

Born and raised in a Canadian city of millions Kara thrives on all things urban.Cafés and culture - traffic and crowds... To keep her sanity however, she needs time out. To quiet the mind and restore the soul there is no quicker way than to spend time outside in nature.

Kara's career has been defined by one objective: be outside. She followed the warmer climate to Australia, where she could be outside more of the year. She now calls Hobart home.

The sum of her work as a Park Ranger, expert environmental educator and teacher, combined with 15 years training in mindfulness, has inspired Kara to create Nature. Be in it.

👉 Find KaraNature. Be In ItFacebookInstagramLinkedIn Email: kara@naturebeinit.com

Resources and References
Original editing done by Helene Thomas of The Wayfinder Mobile Storytelling

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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Did you spend much of your childhood climbing trees? Did you know that 1 out of 4 Australian children have never climbed a tree and that this quintessential childhood experience is banned in most of our educational settings? In this episode talk about why sharing the view with birds from the branch of a tree is so beneficial for children!

In a 2011 study by Planet Ark on Childhood interaction with nature 1000 parents were surveyed. One of the disturbing findings was that only 20% of children today are engaged in tree climbing. It appears that children just don’t climb trees anymore. This is unsurprising as we have seen the dramatic changing face of our educational settings with things such as soft-fall and height restrictions severely impacting the ability for children to climb anything, let alone a tree.

Benefits of climbing trees:

1. Focus and concentration
2. Hand-eye coordination
3. Problem-solving skills
4. Self-esteem
5. Overcoming fears
6. Trust and team-building
7. Body confidence
8. Building physical strength
9. Setting and achieving goals
10. Respecting nature

How to support children when they are learning to climb:

• Look for easy trees to climb with low hanging branches
• Avoid the ‘be careful’ schtick. Offer more meaningful advice such as, ‘Do you feel safe right now?’ or share your observations, ‘That branch is not thicker than your arm, do you think it can support your weight?’
• Remind them to check the surface of the ground beneath should they fall and to remove any rocks/sticks below their fall path
• Teach them to always have three points of contact at all times
• Try not to rescue them. Be their emotional coach instead
• Check for dead branches before putting your weight on a branch
• Barefoot climbing is safer than with shoes as they have better grip

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE RISK?

• It feels like a risky thing to allow our children to do. A survey of over 1600 parents who let their children climb trees revealed that 2% had fallen from a tree and broken a bone, with even less receiving a concussion. The greatest injury was scrapes. Meanwhile 3.5 million American children received medical treatment for injuries sustained during organised sports.
• There is risk in everything that our children do. Whilst there is a physical risk of injury, there is a physical risk of our children sitting inside and playing video games, heck there is a risk of children just tripping and falling on the pavement.

Free Downloadable
To grab our free 'What to say during risky play' printable head to wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables**.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details**

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In this episode we chat with Occupational Therapist Kaya Lyons of Active OT for Kids about how Child Development occurs naturally through play, connecting & exploring. We discuss trauma and the impact on development and interactions and how therapy can and should be integrated into daily life.

Discussion

• How occupational therapy helps children to live a joyful life, and how Kaya has created her business around collaboration and sharing of ideas so that she can deliver therapies for children based on their individual needs, with the main goal of creating joy and wonder in the learning and development of children
• How long periods of stress to the system can cause trauma – this means that children can stay in survival mode which may prevent them from thriving
• Trauma impacts children with limited attention, withdrawal, hyper-vigilance which are all coping strategies. This limits their ability to thrive
• How we can support wellness so that we can bring a child’s system out of survival and into thriving
• How nature provides enriched opportunities for sensory engagement, feeling emotions, engaging in cognition and connecting with nature
• Ultimately joy is the window to connect everything
• Keeping therapy simple for families so that we remove the pressure
• How Kaya created an outdoor camp experience for children who suffer from trauma
• How Kaya balances her professional life with homeschooling her three daughters.

Kaya Lyons - Active OT's Contact Details

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Youtube
• Outdoor Therapies - An Introduction to Practices, Possibilities, and Critical Perspectives

References

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
• The Developing Mind by Daniel Siegal
• Body Dreaming in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma by Marian Dunlea

Free Downloadable

And if you’d like a little inspiration to get your family outside, click here to get our FREE Nature Scavenger Hunt printable.

👉 Listen Here

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Thank you so much!

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Episode Description

In this episode, we’re talking about nature playgroups, why we’re so passionate about them, and some of the misconceptions people might have when they go to attend one. So, wondering if nature playgroup is for you? In this episode, we answer that question.

👉 Discussion Points

1. What is nature playgroup?Aimed at 0-3, immersed nature, not skill building. Includes seasonal song time, seasonal story time, seasonal craft or activity and a focus on free play with friends in nature.

2. Our playgroups are centred around what children need, not what parents want

3. This means we provide minimal activities for many reasons: because our focus is on free play in nature, because children at this age would rather cut a ball of wool into a million pieces than use it to craft with, because children don’t need any resources to learn and entertain themselves, because we want children to use this time to socialise and because providing less resources provides opportunities to develop essential social skills such as sharing and there are less fights over resources. But more importantly, our nature playgroups are all about free time and exploring nature in a supportive environment with friends.

4. Many crafts are too complex/not developmentally appropriate for this age group, they do not have the dexterity to manage many tools. We provide small achievable tasks on purpose so that children feel a sense of achievement when they are able to achieve them. When an adult has to finish a craft for a child, it can perpetuate a sense of failure, rather than independence.
5. Similarly, we prefer open-ended resources so that children use their creativity and imagination rather than step-by-step activities that end in replicas of the same end product. We focus on the process (of learning) over the end product.

6. If the set-up/pack-up of a craft activity outweighs the time/value/learning of the activity, then it’s not worth it.

7. We can do this ourselves (go the creek/beach) for free

8. Absolutely! You can! Anyone can. We 100% encourage this. One of the reasons we offer playgroup is in the hopes that parents will meet other like-minded parents and feel empowered enough to get together and go out in nature for free.

9. Often activities aren’t valued if they’re free and often people need to pay for activities to commit to them (ourselves included), particularly going out in nature in ALL weather.
10. We value women’s labour, and want to provide employment opportunities for SAHM’s in a child friendly work environment.

11. We also love contributing to a circular economy, where we are employing women who are then going on to invest their income in local, green economies.

12. Village building

13. While our playgroup and activities are child-centred, they also come from our innate desire as parents/mothers to be surround by a village of like-minded parents.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website

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Youtube

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👉 Freebie:
And if you’d like a little inspiration to get outside enjoying nature, click here to get our FREE Nature Scavenger Hunt printable.

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In this episode, we’re chatting with conscious parenting expert Katherine Winter- Sellery from Conscious Parenting Revolution, about non-violent communication, habitual parenting responses and how many of us haven’t learnt how to question what comes out of our mouths in response to our children’s behaviour. We also discuss childism, how labelling children can harm them, and why it’s important to break our negative views of children.

Discussion

• What is Conscious Parenting and Non Violent Communication?
• Childism/Ageism and the problem with having prejudice against children
• How labelling children can be a form of violence and cause sibling rivalry
• Self-esteem should not come from relying on a parent or any other person's praise, it should be internal
• Relying on praise can be disincentivising. E.g. So you're really proud of me now for getting good grades, so I guess that means you're not proud of me at all if I don't get good grades, so why should I bother trying at all?
• Building self-esteem comes from acknowledgement, rather than praise. E.g. 'It looks like you feel pretty chuffed about that. I would feel proud too. I saw how hard you worked on that.'
• We rely on 'habitual responses', the way that we were parented in tough times and they very often don't serve us, and especially don't serve our children.
• Parenting courses can help give us the tools as parents to help navigate difficult parenting situations without relying on old, harmful parenting techniques.

Guest Details
Katherine Winter-Sellery is the CEO and Founder of the Conscious Parenting Revolution and creator of the Guidance Approach to Parenting along with two colleagues, a program that applies conflict-resolution skills to communicating more effectively with children and adults. Through her workshops, books, and her three TEDx talks, she has taught thousands of parents, educators and social workers, to minimize misunderstandings and melt-downs, and communicate with more collaboration, cooperation and consideration.

Katherine's Socials
Website
Facebook
Instagram

References
Children are People Too, Louise Porter
The Radical Acceptance of Everything, Ann Weiser Cornell
I Know I'm In There Somewhere, Helene Brenner

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Today, we’re bringing you five parenting hacks on how we foster a family environment that helps raise children who are more independent, and why autonomy is the end goal.

👉 Key Points

1. Allowing Children to Make Choices

• Dinner

• Shower

• Utensils

2. Let children struggle safely

• For example, children climbing trees and ‘can’t get down’. We might say, ‘You’re too high for me to help you but I’ll stay here with you while we work it out. What can you do to get yourself down?

• Being the emotional (not physical) support to help them troubleshoot their own problems

3. Release expectations

• Appropriate levels of learning

• Embracing the mess whilst they’re learning

4. Not micro-managing

• Not too quick to give solutions

• Let children do things for themselves as often as possible

5. Age appropriate tools

• Kiddicutter: https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/shop/kiddikutter

• Peeler: https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/shop/opinel-peeler-beech

• Pocket knife: https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/shop/my-first-opinel-whittling-knife

• Cleaning toosl: Mini dust buster, dustpan and broom, cleaning cloths and vinegar spray within reach

• Plastic steps/montessori stool

• Mini First Aid Kit: Bandaids, tea tree oil, tweezers - clear expectations

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

Wildlings aims to get more children outdoors connecting with nature, creating the village parents are yearning for and inspiring change in the education system.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Pinterest

Linked In

👉 Freebie:
And if you’d like a little help changing the language you use in your family to help de-escalate conflict, click here to get our FREE Words of Empathy and Validation printable to stick on your fridge for those rough moments.

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In this episode we learn about Democratic Education and the theory of the Play Cycle from Educator and Parent, Mathilda Element, from Pine Community School in Brisbane. We chat about the key concepts behind democratic education and consensus decision making that underpin the values at Pine Community School, as well as the importance of multi-age play and the details of a child’s Play Cycle.

We discuss:

• The umbrella term of democratic education and the idea of consensus decision making
• The value of multi-age play
• The importance of philosophy of play and the value of this across the spectrum of age ranges
• That play is driven by children – if it is driven by adults it can be described as playful but it is not play
• The concept of the the Play Cycle in play-work theory– a term first coined by Gordon Sturrock and the late Perry Else

• The play cycle:

• Play Drive: All play begins with the play drive that is the instinctive desire and need to play

• Play Cue: From this drive the child may produce an action which can be very subtle or very obvious

• Play Return: The feedback a child receives from a play cue is called a play return.

• Play Flow: This is established once the play has commenced, and is a continuation of cues and returns.

• Play Frame: The process of play is ‘contained’ by the play frame. The play frame can be a material boundary that keeps the play intact; the rules of the game or understanding between the participants. A frame can be many things – a table, a playground or something broader

• Play Annihilation: When the flow of play is terminated by children. This can be the end of the game or perhaps the destruction of a recently constructed model

• Play Adulteration: If an adult intervenes and tries to lead or force it they will be denying the play drive purpose and adulterating the child play

Resources Referred To

Books:

• Children are People Too - Louise Porter https://kit.co/Wildlings/respectful-parenting-books/children-are-people
• Parenting for a Peaceful World – Robin Grille https://kit.co/Wildlings/respectful-parenting-books/parenting-for-a-peac
• The Opposite of Worry – Laurence Cohen https://kit.co/Wildlings/respectful-parenting-books/the-opposite-of-worr
• Playful Parenting
• Everything is Figuroutable - Marie Forleo

Websites

• www.pinecommunityschool.org
• www.humanitashighschool.org.au
• educationrevolution.org
• agilelearningcenters.org

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Do you love the sound of turning your household from chaos to calm? We are joined by the Child Charmer and parenting educator Chrissie Davies where we discuss why our role as parents is one of the most important in the lives of our children. We also discuss the glaringly obvious gap in parenting education when it comes to raising toddlers in terms of our expectations of children and why reaching out for help and support in parenting needs to start before our child’s behaviour gets out of hand.

👉 Our Discussion

• That a parent’s most important role is to be their child's educator - in all things - to help them understand the world and how to be good human being.
• Accessing parenting education. That seeking positive education to support parents on their parenting journey should be the NORM - not just for families who are struggling with their kids behaviour
• How to use emotional connection & positive communication to create a relationship with your child based on trust and guidance.
• Getting back to basics with kids
• COVID - why more parents have been forced to slow down
• How the current school system not being able to meet the needs of so many children and why

👉 Freebie

Don’t forget to download our FREE “Words of Empathy and Validation” printable to stick on your fridge for those times you’re at a loss for words (or having the complete opposite trouble! ;) Simply head to www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables to get your copy!

👉 Guest Details

Child Behaviour Expert Chrissie Davies is known around town as The The Child Charmer. People far and wide are falling in love with Chrissie's positive approach, philosophies and understandings around raising kids and family life. With over 20 years experience working with children and families it safe to say that she knows a lot about he challenges that modern day families face. She is also a mama of two young kids and is totally living the day to day life of raising kids with her hubby in Melbourne. Chrissie passionately believes that all families should access education to learn more about how parents can support their kids along their developmental journey.

👉 Chrissie’s Details

• Personal Website: https://www.chaostocalmconsultancy.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaostocalmconsultancy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com.chrissiechaostocalm
• Links to other podcasts: https://chaostocalmconsultancy.com/podcasts
• Courses : https://chrissie-davies.mykajabi.com/calm-connected-kids-course

👉 Links and Resources

Sponsor - Fun Fables Podcast

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If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Thank you so much.

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Do you have a fireplace or a fire pit at home? Do you let your children light and manage fires? If not, why not? Today, we’re talking about the benefits of children working with fire, why children will seek it out, why it’s important to incorporate it into your outdoor play and how to do it safely.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

• The purpose of fire activities in the home/school/centre
• Playing with dangerous elements – such as fire, water and animals is one of the 6 Pillars of Risk Play
• We are drawn to fire. For thousands of years, humans have relied on fire to survive. It’s almost an innate, biological response. So we need to pre-empt this curiosity.
• We live in a country that makes swimming lessons compulsory at school because we are surrounded by oceans but doesn’t make fire safety compulsory despite us being a bush fire prone nation.
• The key concerns of parents and educators
• How we introduce fire at Wildlings Forest School and how you can too
• Safety measures you can put in place to reduce risk

“It is often the risks to adults – blame, loss of reputation, liability – that cloud providers’ judgements when it comes to allowing children to take risks.” Gill, T. 2007.

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

Wildlings aims to get more children outdoors connecting with nature, creating the village parents are yearning for and inspiring change in the education system.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Pinterest

Linked In

👉 Freebie:
If you’d like a little inspiration to get your family outside, head to www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables, to get your free copy of our famous chocolate orange campfire cake recipe. It’s vegan so suits all dietary requirements

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode we look at the way the Australian Curriculum is embedded through the lens of nature at one of Australia’s newest independent school in Port Macquarie – The Nature School. Their early learning and play programs include bush immersion for their playgroup, early years and vacation care as well as their independent primary school. We are joined by Jaqcui Leach who is the Head of Early Learning & Play at The Nature School and Catherine Oehlman who is the founding head of The Nature School Primary. .

👉 Our Discussion

• How the primary school grew out of the bush immersion programs in their Early Learning Division – teaching half the day inside and half outside while meeting outcomes and delivering curriculum requirements
• How the COVID isolation experience is shining a light on how children really feel about their learning
• Connecting learning to the world they live in through real experiences
• Learning never stops and how we can use the outdoors and the community to extend their understanding of the world
• How we continually challenge and reflecting on our teaching practice – remembering our why
• The challenges of delivering a accredited bush immersion Early Years Service
• What the day in the life of a child looks like at the Nature School
• The benefits of having a nature based vision for educational outcomes – the release of the pressure cooker, reduced anxiety and improved confidence.
• Children as active global citizens – their voice is important
• The impact of the 2019 bushfires

👉 Freebie

Don’t forget to download our “Classroom Outdoor Learning Checklist” so that you can start some conversations at your child’s school about nature play. Simply head to www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables to get your copy!

👉 Guest Details

Jaqcui Leach is the Head of Early Learning & Play at The Nature School Inc. Over the last 8 years Jacqui has worked in early learning services, bringing in her love of learning in the outdoor environment. She is strongly passionate about the inclusive and therapeutic benefits of nature for all children.

Catherine Oehlman is the founding Head of The Nature School Primary. She is an accomplished educator, writer, children’s poet, and self-confessed bird nerd.

👉 The Nature School’s Details

https://www.thenatureschool.org.au/

👉 Links and Resources

Sponsor - Fun Fables Podcast

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode, we talk about autonomy, creativity and resilience - the Wildlings way and how we’re on a mission to change the education system from the outside in, in the hopes that others can change it from the inside out. We shine a light on what we do here at Wildlings and why we want to see the Forest School philosophy incorporated into schools and childcare centres across Australia.

👉 DISCUSSION

• We want to see children respected, given more autonomy and control over their own learning, more play, more time outdoors and more focus on holistic well-being.
• We want to arm parents and educators with knowledge about schools that are doing these things so that you can take this information to your own schools.
• In order to have independent, resilient, creative and respectful adults, we need to create opportunities for children to be creative, to be respected and trusted to make their own decisions, to become independent, to not be micro-managed 24/7.
• We speak to children respectfully.
• Educators are not authoritarian.
• We provide the time, the space, the resources, and emotional support for them to be able to safely explore and learn in their preferred way.
• There is no adult agenda or curriculum attached to what we do.
• There is no rush to learn a skill.
• There is no grading.
• Failing is an important part of Forest School (and life)
• School P&C’s and parents have a lot of say about how schools are run, parents have a lot of power and sway over what schools prioritise for the holisitic development of children.
• Schools need to keep up as parents vote with their feet.

👉 FREEBIE

Please note that we are having technical difficulties with our downloadable. We are hoping to have it loaded by 28/7/20.

If you’d like to know where your schools sits in regards to Outdoor Learning, you can find our Outdoor Learning Appraisal for Schools at www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables.

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

Wildlings aims to get more children outdoors connecting with nature, creating the village parents are yearning for and inspiring change in the education system.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Pinterest

Linked In

👉 LISTEN HERE

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review.
You can find us here:

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Google Podcasts

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Episode Description

In this episode (part two of two) with author and principal, John Marsden, we chat about how children are not all sweetness and innocence, how adolescents are not worthless and depraved and that parents need to be adults most of the time! If you’re curious as to why teens need to (metaphorically) ‘kill’ their parents to become adults, then this is the episode for you!

👉 Our Discussion

• All children are both good and bad, innocent and evil
• How idealising childhood sets teenagers up to fail and not want to grow up
• How teenagers need to metaphorically ‘kill’ their parents to become adults
• The importance of real world experiences in education
• Ineffectual parenting practises
• How it might be a good idea for Australia to one day have an Education minister that has actually worked in the Education industry…

👉 Freebie

Don’t forget to download your ‘’what to say’’ guide so that we can encourage problem solving and personal risk assessment in our children instead of our usual go to response of “Be careful”. To download the Risky Play cheat sheet, simply head to www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables

👉 Guest Details

John has written more than 40 books, including Tomorrow When the War Began, So Much to Tell You, and his most recent work, The Art of Growing up. He has sold over five million books worldwide, and has won every major award in Australia for young people's fiction. John's passionate interest in education led him to start two schools, Candlebark and Alice Miller, on forested properties in the Macedon Ranges, Victoria. The two schools enrol 390 students in 2020.

👉 John Marsden’s Details

http://johnmarsden.com/

https://www.candlebark.info/

👉 Links and Resources

Sponsor - Fun Fables Podcast

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode (part one of two), we talk to author and principal, John Marsden, about his schools, Candlebark School and Alice Miller School and how they are different to traditional schools. We talk about Candlebark’s fabulous school motto: ‘Take risks’ and how first-hand experiences are the essence of the schools educational philosophies.

John tells us three things he would change about the traditional education system and what to look for when you’re searching for a school for your children.

👉 Our Discussion

● Candlebark School and Alice Miller School

● How Candlebark and Alice Miller School are different to traditional schools.

● Candlebark’s fabulous school motto: ‘Take risks’

● How first-hand experiences form the essence of education at the schools.

● The three things John would change about the traditional education system

● What to look for in a school

👉 Freebie

Don’t forget to download your ‘’what to say’’ guide so that we can encourage problem solving and personal risk assessment in our children instead of our usual go to response of “Be careful”. To download the Risky Play cheat sheet, simply head to www.wildlingsforestschool.com/free-downloadables

👉 Guest Details

John has written more than 40 books, including Tomorrow When the War Began, So Much to Tell You, and his most recent work, The Art of Growing up. He has sold over five million books worldwide, and has won every major award in Australia for young people's fiction. John's passionate interest in education led him to start two schools, Candlebark and Alice Miller, on forested properties in the Macedon Ranges, Victoria. The two schools enrol 390 students in 2020.

👉 John Marsden’s Details

http://johnmarsden.com/

https://www.candlebark.info/

👉 Links and Resources

Sponsor - Fun Fables Podcast

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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Has your child ever done something that has made you gasp and want to cover your eyes? Early climbers climbing out of their high chair, children scaling trees so high you can barely spot them or swimming beyond their depth, or teens wrestling like they’re in a WWF match? Good! We hope you may find some relief in the fact that your child is doing EXACTLY what they are designed to do! Take risks! And that is exactly what we’re going to be talking about - Risky Play. What it is, the 6 types of risky play, why children seek out risk, why it’s important and how to incorporate it into your outdoor play.

👉 Our Discussion

• What is risky play?
• Benefits of Risky Play
• The 6 Types of Risky Play
• Play at heights
• Play at high speed
• Play with dangerous tools
• Play with dangerous elements – fire, water, animals
• Rough and tumble
• Play in secret spaces
• What is the purpose of risky play?
• Risk is not necessarily a danger to be avoided but rather a skill that needs to be managed.
• How can help your child manage risky play?
• What can you say instead of ’Be Careful!’
• In a nutshell, we want our children to be as safe as necessary not a safe as possible.

‘A ship is safe in the harbour - but that is not what ships are built for…’

👉 Freebie To download the Risky Play cheat sheet, simply click here.

👉 Links and Resources

• E1. Freedom to Learn with Peter Gray
• Categories of Risky Play by Ellen Sandseter, 2007

👉 Guest Details

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

👉 Wildlings Forest School Contact Details

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Pinterest

Linked In

👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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👉 Our Discussion

• The benefits of outdoor play, particularly during a pandemic, when so many children are still having to practise social distancing.

• How to create a habit of daily outdoor play with your family

• The role of outdoor play for family culture and community.

👉 Freebie

If you’d like a little inspiration to get your family outside, click HERE , to get our FREE Wildschooling printable with all the gear we keep in our car so that our families are always ready for adventure.

👉 Links and Resources

- Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Louv

- The Nature Fix, by Florence Williams

- The Nature Connection Pyramid Printable

- Good Bacteria in Dirt article

- Busting the Cold causes Colds Myth article

• 👉 About Linda

Linda Åkeson McGurk is a Swedish American journalist, blogger and author of There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather. She believes that the best childhood memories are created outside and started the blog Rain or Shine Mamma to inspire other parents and caregivers to get outside with their children every day, regardless of the weather.

👉 Linda’s Contact Details

• www.linkedin.com/in/lindamcgurk

• https://twitter.com/rainshinemamma

• https://www.facebook.com/rainorshinemamma/

• https://www.instagram.com/rainorshinemamma/

• https://www.pinterest.com/rainshinemamma/

• http://lindamcgurk.com/publicity/

👉 Listen Here

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👉 Did You Enjoy This Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode we talk about Wildschooling. What it is, what is not, how to incorporate Wildschooling around traditional schooling and how we incorporate Wildschooling into our own children’s lives.

Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood.

Wildlings aims to get more children outdoors connecting with nature, creating the village parents are yearning for and inspiring change in the education system.

During any Wildlings Forest School program, you are likely to find Wildlings up trees, sliding down mud slides, whittling with pocket knives, lighting fires and building rafts. We let kids, be kids - because children can’t learn to protect nature if they’ve never had a childhood in it.

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In this BONUS episode (part two of two), we continue our chat with psychologist, parent educator and author of Inner Child Journeys, Robin Grille. We cover the parenting disconnect, smacking and the origins of our authoritarian education and parenting culture. Be prepared to perhaps feel uncomfortable and/or challenged and remember that Robin's work focuses on how when we are triggered by these feelings - we can use these moments as opportunities for personal growth.

Our discussion:

• How we can begin to move away from smacking as a culture by exploring our triggers (AKA our body's memories from when we were children ourselves)
• We discuss the collective wound of all civilisation - that we are tamers
• How we have moved from belonging to nature, to seeing ourselves as tamers of nature
• How we can move towards a more democratic (rather than authoritarian) education system

Guest Details

Robin Grille is an international speaker, psychologist and parenting educator. Robin is the author of three books: ‘Parenting for a Peaceful World’, ‘Heart to Heart Parenting’ and his newest title: ‘Inner Child Journeys’.

Drawing from 30 years’ experience and leading-edge neuropsychological research, Robin’s seminars and courses focus on healthy emotional development for children as well as parents; while building supportive, co-operative parenting communities.

You can find Robin Here:

• www.robingrille.com
• Instagram @robingrille
• Facebook @robingrille

And his work here:

• Inner Child Journeys
• Heart to Heart Parenting

Free Downloadable

And if you’d like a little help changing the language you use in your family to help de-escalate conflict, click here to get our FREE Words of Empathy and Validation printable to stick on your fridge for those rough moments.

Wildlings Forest School Links:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Youtube
• Pinterest
• Linked In

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode (part one of two), we chat with psychologist, parent educator and author of Inner Child Journeys, Robin Grille, about how the best way to understand our children, is to first understand ourselves. Think of this episode as your gentle reminder that parenting is a personal growth journey!

Our discussion:

• What to do when we have a conflict with our children, or feel stuck as parents
• What it means when we are triggered by our children
• How our inner child holds the greatest trove of intuitive insight for us to use on the parenting journey.

Guest Details

Robin Grille is an international speaker, psychologist and parenting educator. Robin is the author of three books: ‘Parenting for a Peaceful World’, ‘Heart to Heart Parenting’ and his newest title: ‘Inner Child Journeys’.

Drawing from 30 years’ experience and leading-edge neuropsychological research, Robin’s seminars and courses focus on healthy emotional development for children as well as parents; while building supportive, co-operative parenting communities. 

You can find Robin  Here:

• www.robingrille.com
• Instagram @robingrille
• Facebook @robingrille

And his work here:

• Inner Child Journeys
• Heart to Heart Parenting

Free Downloadable

And if you’d like a little help changing the language you use in your family to help de-escalate conflict, click here  to get our FREE Words of Empathy and Validation printable to stick on your fridge for those rough moments.

Wildlings Forest School Links:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Youtube
• Pinterest
• Linked In

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

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In this episode we are going to discuss our road to finding peaceful, gentle approaches to raising our children.  We share with you why we wholeheartedly value working in cooperation with our own children and also the children we care for in our nature play programs. 

The four ideas of respectful communication:

1.     Children and parents have the opportunity to be heard and understood

2.     Children have the freedom to feel their emotions

3.     Stating our expectations clearly and with purpose ie we need to re-examine our expectations and reflect on these continually to ensure that they are fair and developmentally appropriate

4.     Empowering children to solve their own problems by helping them to develop language to communicate their needs and feelings

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In this episode, we are talking about school readiness and the academic pushdown. We ask about the importance of homework and the value of play, and talk about new perspectives on the role of sibling rivalry. 

Wondering when your child is ready for school? In this episode, we answer that question. 

Dr Justin Coulson is one of Australia's most respected and popular parenting authors and speakers. He is sought after for his expertise in family life, relationships, and wellbeing and resilience; and he is the founder of 'Happy Families'. Dr Coulson has written 5 books, and is a three-time bestselling author. He is also a husband and a father to 6 daughters.

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In this episode, we’re talking about big emotions. How do we help our children regulate their emotions in this transition back to school? We discuss some very simple and tangible strategies that you can use today to help find connection with your child and to validate their feelings.

Download our FREE Words of Validation & Empathy Printable here.

To access the full show notes click here.

Follow and DM Wildlings Forest School on Instagram here.

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In this episode, we’re talking with Psychologist, Peter Gray, about the importance of play and how we need to stop dismissing play as trivial; we’re talking about how to create environments where children learn best and we break down some of the misconceptions around self-directed learning, in particular university entry and future success.

We also cover:

• The decline of children's freedom over recent decades and the psychological consequences of that decline.
• How children are biologically designed to take control of their own education, and the environmental conditions that best facilitate their ability to educate themselves.
• Research evidence that Self-Directed Education works.

Don't forget to download your FREE Words of Validation & Empathy printable here to stick on your fridge!

To access the full show notes click here.

Follow and DM Wildlings Forest School on Instagram here.

Did you enjoy this episode?
If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much!

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In this episode, we’re opening up and telling you our story. How we left our mainstream teaching jobs, started Wildlings Forest School, began unschooling our children and right now, starting the Raising Wildlings podcast. We talk about why we made the choices we have for our families, why we finally decided to get this podcast up and running and where we want to take it.

We cover:
● Who are Nicki Farrell and Vicci Oliver?

● How we met

● What is Wildlings Forest School?

● What is our motivation in starting this podcast?

● Where are we hoping to take Raising Wildlings?

Don't forget to download your free Nature Scavenger Hunt printable here**.

To access the full show notes click here**.

Wildlings Forest School Links:
● Website

● Facebook

● Instagram

● Youtube

● Pinterest

● Linked In

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.

View Details

Raising Wildlings is a podcast for parents and educators who are seeking to learn more about respectful parenting, alternative education, how children learn and the importance of play. We can't wait to share the wisdom and experiences of experts as well as everyday parents who have taken a wilder path.

Don't forget to download your free Nature Scavenger Hunt printable here.

Wildlings Forest School Links:
● Website

● Facebook

● Instagram

● Youtube

● Pinterest

● Linked In

If you enjoyed this episode and the Raising Wildlings podcast generally, we have a favour. Please take two minutes to subscribe, and to write a rating and a review. You can do that on Apple Podcasts right now by clicking here. If you are an Android user, you can follow the podcast on Spotify here and Google Podcasts here. Those actions will help the podcast reach more people, and we would be truly grateful. Thank you so much.