Kids Who Explore Parent Edition: Recent Episodes

Kids Who Explore

The mamas behind the scenes at Kids Who Explore, share weekly episodes covering all things exploring (with kids), from simple walks outside to camping in the backcountry. Expect interviews with explorers from all over the world and lots of takeaways for your own future adventures!

Instagram: @kidswhoexplore Facebook: Kids Who Explore Website: www.kidswhoexplore.com

Travelling with kids doesn’t have to require packing the whole house. Jocey Newman and her spouse took off on a year-long adventure with their kid and only carry-on. Let’s learn how!

Jocey Newman is a mom, adventure traveller, and the founder of First Peak, a line of sustainable adventure wear for babies and toddlers. All her clothes are made in the USA using eco-friendly fabrics that are designed to stand up to mess, moisture, and exploration. She’s currently living on the road with her husband and 2-year-old, testing out First Peak clothes every day.

Reasons to Pack Carry-On Only:

No lost luggage
Less to haul
Makes travel faster
Teaches children value and purposeful consumption
Kids are really good at finding anything to play with
Allows you and your kids to work on letting go and saying bye to items

What to Pack:

Camping packs as carry-on (using packing cubes)
A smaller backpack for day use
Stroller (Baby Zen YoYo Stroller)
Carseat, if you’re not borrowing
Clothes
Books
iPad

What to Buy On Travel:

Snacks
Perishable food
Diapers
Toiletries

What to Borrow:

Big items
Air BnB has a filter, so you can search for homes with cribs, etc.
Carseat, even from Facebook Marketplace (car seats are a tricky one, because different places have different regulations, and you don’t know how a car seat has been treated…this one may take some looking into)

Tips for Travel:

Don’t overpack for the “what if’s” or plan for every possible scenario
Consider using transit, bikes, rentals
For liquids, pack some small ones, but then buy larger there as needed
Before arriving, look up park, pharmacy, and grocery store near you
Wash clothes in the sink as needed
When exhausted, get outside, have snacks, change the scenery, and give kids a chance to lead!

First Peak [Sustainable Kids’ Clothing]:

Inspiration for this business came from her son spilling milk on himself while hiking/travelling. She was inspired to create something sustainable, that’s quick to dry, uses safe fabrics, and lasts!

Check it out:

www.firstpeak.co

IG: @firstpeakbaby

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:

https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Have you ever wondered if becoming a parent will change your adventures? Have you ever wondering what travelling the world would look like with kids? Meghan J. Ward wondered too, and she made it happen. She tells us all about it in her books, and today on the podcast!

Meghan J. Ward is a writer, editor, digital content specialist and all-around storyteller based in Banff, Canada (Treaty 7 territory), and mama of two. An avid outdoor adventurer with a voracious appetite to understand her surroundings, she has established herself as a mountain historian and an authoritative voice in the Rockies outdoor and travel scene. She has authored four Canadian Rockies photo/travel books, which she collaborated on with her husband, Paul Zizka, a celebrated landscape photographer/ She is also the author of a children’s book, The Wonders That I Find, and a travelogue/memoir, Lights to Guide Me Home.

Parenting during travel amplifies parenting. And in response to the “they won’t remember this” comments, babies remember in their bodies, in their cells, even if they cannot access the stories.

Book Recommendation: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Follow Meghan J. Ward:

Website: https://www.meghanjoyward.com

Books: https://www.meghanjoyward.com/books-1

IG: @meghanjward

Husband IG: @paulzizkaphoto

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

After 118 episodes and more kids, we’ve decided to make a slight change for a little bit - expect new podcast episodes monthly. See you again on June 6th!!

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:

https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Do you have picture-perfect images of what it could look like to garden with your kids? It doesn’t need to be fancy. Elissa likes to tell people it can be as easy as you want it to be, and your own trail and error will take you far!

Elissa is wife to Tobin. She is a wetland biologist, and mama to two boys, aged 5.5 years and 3 months. Before having kids, she worked as a wildlife biologist specializing in birds, and then an environmental educator. She grew up competitively horseback riding and now works part-time as a riding instructor and farm/nature teacher for children. Elissa and her family live on a small suburban farm with chickens, horses, a large garden, berry patch, and fruit orchard. They love to travel, mountain bike, ski, rock climb, hike, bikepack, and camp as a family.

Benefits of Gardening with Kids:

Easy way for kids to learn how to fail
Trail and error can teach them a lot!
They learn how to properly weed and identify plants
Then have to care for something by watering it regularly
Promotes healthy eating
Encourages motor skills
Reduces stress
Teaches patience, resilience and responsibility
Improves mood
Educates about the natural world and biological process
Strengthens family connections
Nurtures self-confidence
Gets you outside, and gets you grounding!

Types of Gardens:

Container gardens
In-ground gardens
Community gardens

Some Good Foods to Start With:

Snap peas
Carrots
Kale
Tomatoes - from a start instead of seed
Strawberries - from a start instead of seed (and/or in a hanging pot)
Green onions (can grow in water in a glass by the window)

Fun Kid-Friendly Tips:

Tomatoes go out after Mother’s Day
Check your growing zone to determine frost dates and when to seed
Give kids spray bottle instead of hose (or small watering can)
Plant large seed size (easy to grab for kids)
Through trial and error learn which plants need sunnier spots, when to leave a sprinkle of seeds, how deep you should seed, etc.
Raised beds are perfect height for little gardeners
When seeding, can use a measuring tape for a visual marker (plus math skills!); Younger kids, you can draw a visual line with your finger
Kids can use popsicle sticks to label veggies/fruit
Kids can use scissors for harvesting
Give them a “yes spot” to dig

Other Gardening Tips:

Planting native plants to your region requires less water and less artificial fertilizer
Good irrigation system (or neighbours watering) can help if you’re away
Raised beds and/or hardware mesh can help to keep wildlife from eating your food!
You can line beds with metal, depending on the wood

Book Recommendation: Nature Play at Home

Follow Elissa on IG: @seattlestorys

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:
https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Tighten Your Tinkler meets Kids Who Explore, because we all want to support postpartum women, so they can get back to doing all the things they love to do outside.

Christina Walsh is a physical therapist and co-founder of Tighten Your Tinkler. She’s a New Orleans mama of two who lived with pelvic floor issues herself. She supports postpartum women holistically through prolapse, diastasis recti, and more. The program helps women solve pelvic floor issues without kegels or internal vaginal devices.

Tighten Your Tinkler:

Functional training from a need they experienced themselves
You can do it at home with your children!
Helps with incontinence, sleeping through the night without needing to pee, and painful sex

When You Resume Activity Postpartum:

Make sure you’re cleared by your providers
If you’re having extra drainage, your body is asking you to slow down
Pelvic floor pressure or heaviness, back pain, or leakage – tune back into your body, slow down, and work your way back into it more gently

Why Kegels Aren’t Always the Answer:

You’re only getting stronger in ONE position
Can cause over tightening
You don’t need the pelvic floor to be a conscious muscle

Uneven terrain adds extra weight. When you ask more from your body, be gentle. You don’t have to live with discomfort, AND also, go slow!

So much of pelvic floor function is linked to the nervous system. Fight or Flight response links to bladder – so, take yourself out of that stressed state.

Immediately Postpartum:

Listen to body
Visit a Webster-certified chiro (adjust pubic joint)
Avoid high impact activity while breastfeeding
90/90 decompression technique!! Check link below
Don’t push pee out
Use Squatty Potty
Get enough fibre and stay hydrated
Go easy on your body!
Build strength

It’s never too late. Menopause can cause a shift of hormones as well, but they’ve seen success after people living with incontinence for over 28 years.

Links:

Decompression Position (to relax back, hips, and pelvic floor): https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/backandhiprelief

5-minute Root Cause Quiz: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6C9SJ36

Book Suggestion:

Hunt Gather Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff

https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-42-why-to-avoid-kid-centered-activities-with-michaeleen-doucleff/

Follow Tighten Your Tinkler:

Website: www.tightenyourtinkler.com

IG: @tighten.your.tinkler

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tightenyourtinkler

Discount Code LAUREN gets you $50 off
https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:
https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

We’ve done all the other season’s bucket lists, so we needed a Spring edition, because Spring is in the air!!

Depends what climate you’re in…when/if the snow is melted, but…here’s some ideas:

Go on a bike or scooter ride…or ski
Watch ducks!! (don’t feed them…Bird Episode: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-64-birding-bird-watching-with-launne-kolla/)
Pick berries
Make homemade lemonade or ice cream - find a warm day!
Go on a nature walk (or hike)
Jump in puddles
Garden!!
Eat outside
Go fishing
Watch the sunset!!
Farmer’s Market
Look for wild flowers
Fly a kite
Sidewalk Chalk or other outdoor crafts
Outdoor Easter egg (or other kind of) hunt

Other Bucket List Episodes:

Winter Bucket List: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-44-winter-bucket-list/

Fall Bucket List: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-32-fall-bucket-list-with-kids/

Summer Bucket List: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-23-summer-bucket-list-with-kids/

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:

https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

What’s the Scandinavian perspective on outdoor play? That you can’t have too much of it, and there’s no such thing as bad weather! Linda Åkeson McGurk, from Sweden, teaches us the essential nature of the outdoors in childhood.

Linda Åkeson McGurk is a Swedish American writer and author of the parenting memoir There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather and The Open-Air Life. McGurk is a passionate advocate for raising kids in the outdoors and thinks that the best childhood memories are created outside, while jumping in puddles, digging in dirt, catching bugs and climbing trees. She is the founder of the blog Rain or Shine Mamma, a resource where parents and other caregivers find tips and inspiration for outdoor play every day, regardless of the weather.

Some Key Takeaways:

Kids need unstructured play for their emotional, social and cognitive skills. Play is different than activities outside. Play is chosen by the child and directed by the child and is intrinsically motivated
Outdoor life can be as simple as daily walks, green spaces, and utilizing what you have (even in a city)
Getting outside gets you in the rhythm of getting outside
We don’t know all the consequences of indoor time and screen time yet, but we do know all the benefits of outdoor time!!
Experiencing nature = gentle with it, versus consuming nature = using motor vehicles in nature

Other Episode Referenced:

https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-112-open-air-classrooms-with-amy-cornet/

Linda’s Books:

There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather

Open Air Life

https://rainorshinemamma.com/shop-2/

Other Book Suggestion:

Book: Slow Birding by Joan E. Strassmann

Follow Linda:

Blog: rainorshinemamma.com – sign up for newsletter

IG and Facebook: @rainorshinemamma

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:
https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Give the Gift of Adventure to an Adventurous Parent to be: Everything they'll need to hike with their baby is shared on today’s episode!

Wish List:

Soft-Structured Carrier(for newborn to 3 years old, with rain and winter cover)
AChild Carrier(for 6+ months with rain cover and hydraulics pack)
SOS Device/Satellite Phone with Subscription
Family First-Aid Kit
Merino Wool Base Layers and Socks
Bear Belt(to hold bear spray)
Summit Seat
Fleeceand Down Bunting
Hiking Poles
Ice Cleats
Adventure Blankie
4x4 Stroller(if not able to carry)

Bonus Item: Baby Explorer Toque from KWE!

Refer to this blog post for all links:

https://www.adriannaadventures.ca/post/babyshowergiftregistrylistforahikingmom

Lauren’s Soft-Structured Carrier Suggestion:

Tula Free to Grow (and Toddler Carrier)

Discount Code: LAURENEB5 gets you 5% off

Babywearing Episode:

https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-10-babywearing-101-with-vanessa-shynkaruk/

Hiking with your baby creates a strong bond. You'll look back and love the memories you created on the trail together.

Thank you to Morrison Outdoors for sponsoring today’s podcast! Find more at: www.morrisonoutdoors.com

Use code FREECANADA within Canada from March 1-March 31, 2023 for free shipping on orders over $50!

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures from @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

When we asked Amy, who teaches at an outdoor school if there were any cons to learning in the outdoors, she couldn’t think of even one! However, she could name endless pros. Tune in to hear all of them!

Amy started her teaching career in Japan for a year and then came back home to Canada and has been working for Sturgeon Public Schools since. She has been teaching kindergarten for the past 14 years. A few years back, she read "There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather" by Linda Åkeson McGurkand together with another kindergarten teacher and principal, they made a proposal to their school board to run an outdoor kindergarten program. This is now officially their second year of the program. She has two daughters and three stepdaughters, and you can find them skating, sledding, going for walks, exploring new places, playing games in the backyard, and having fires. On top of that, her family is trying to get 1000 hours outside this year.

Benefits of Outdoor Learning:

Allows for play-based learning
Children can direct play
Allows for greater regulation and more joy!
Getting outside [especially before noon] helps regulate the circadian rhythm and helps sleep patterns
Suits many diverse learning needs and is inclusive to everyone
Lends well to boosting moods
Lessens the time needed for classroom management – kids don’t need to sit still or “stop running”
Kids learn to problem-solve together
Offers opportunities for risk-taking and adds to resilience

Sturgeon Heights School:

Their school is not a forest school [forest schools have very specific regulations and go through a certification process]
Their school follows the Alberta curriculum, and does it all while including lots of outdoor time (minimum 2 hours per day)
They are now adding outdoor schooling for up to Grade 3!
Provincial regulations allow them to take the kids outside until -25 degrees Celsius (with wind chill)
They have people come to them for “field trip” experiences
They have not found a negative to being outside more!

Kids are naturally curious learners. We don’t need to be worried about if they are learning outside…they are!

If we as adults lead, they will follow [us outside]!

Item Recommendations:

Heated Vest & Travel Hammock

Book Recommendation:

There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather by Linda Åkeson McGurk

Follow Sturgeon Public Schools at:

IG: @openairkindergarten or @sturgeonheightsschool

Thank you to Morrison Outdoors for sponsoring today’s podcast! Find more at: www.morrisonoutdoors.com

Use code FREECANADA within Canada from March 1-March 31, 2023 for free shipping on orders over $50!

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Looking for a home away from home with hotel features, where nature and family are priority? So was Sky McLean, so she created it!! Basecamp Resorts will have you itching for adventure!

Sky McLean is the founder and CEO of Basecamp Resorts, properties that are renowned for offering guests epic mountain views, with modern amenities and top notch service. The company prides itself on providing a home away from home for guests. There are currently 10 properties under the Basecamp Resorts brand. Sky grew the brand from 1 to 10 properties in just 5 years. Sky is based in Canmore, Alberta – she is a huge outdoor enthusiast, and is an avid downhill skier, nordic skier, snowmobiler and mountain biker and has two young kids.

Basecamp Resorts:

Inspired by AirBnB or VRBO, but with more regulations, so people could know what they were going to get
Stack townhomes with different amounts of rooms
Home away from home, but with hotel-like features, such as hot tubs, and more
Nature is priority there – easy access. Locations prime for this!! Trails, skiing, biking, and more
Perfect spot for all types of vacations!! Priority is the experience. Locations of currently open Basecamp Resorts properties include:
5 properties in Canmore, AB – Basecamp Resorts Canmore, Basecamp Suites Canmore, Basecamp Lodge Canmore, Northwinds by Basecamp, Lamphouse by Basecamp
1 property in Banff, AB – Basecamp Suites Banff
1 property in Lake Louise, AB – Baker Creek by Basecamp
1 property in Golden, BC – Basecamp Lodge Golden
1 property Revelstoke, BC – Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke
1 premium campground in Kananaskis, AB - Sundance by Basecamp

It’s not about pushing kids. It’s about exposing them to it and allowing them to call the shots! Share your passions with your kids, and bring snacks!

Follow:

Website: www.basecampresorts.com

Instagram: @skymclean @basecampresorts

Facebook: @basecamp.properties

Thank you to Morrison Outdoors for sponsoring today’s podcast! Find more at: www.morrisonoutdoors.com

Use code FREECANADA within Canada from March 1-March 31, 2023 for free shipping on orders over $50!

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Our Explorer Families have grown to over 400 families across the globe. Tune in to learn the beautiful connections, relationships, and inspiration that have come out of them, and how you can join in the magic!!

Michelle was born and raised in the heart of Alberta, and was never the “outdoors type”, but as she got older she found herself gravitating towards the mountains. After quitting her 9-5 carpentry job in 2022 to pursue social media and content creation, she now spends her days hiking, snowboarding, and encouraging people of all skill levels to embrace nature, while doing so safely and consciously. Although she doesn’t have kids of her own, the Kids Who Explore community is where she calls ‘home’.

Explorer families embrace nature and want to encourage others. They provide tips and content for inspiration. They host events and meet-ups all over the place. Late spring and fall we will open up onboarding to more explorer families.

Join the Wait List for Onboarding - https://kidswhoexplore.com/about-us/explorer-families/

patch4apurpose – https://kidswhoexplore.com/patch4apurpose/

Have a podcast request or want to be on it? Reach out to @laurenrodycheberle on IG or email lauren.rodych@hotmail.com

Mentioned:

Thermarest Z Seat: https://www.thermarest.com/products/seats/z-seat/z-seat.html

Podcast – Ologies with Alie Ward: https://www.alieward.com/ologies

Follow Michelle:

IG: @michelle.outdoors

Website: https://michelleoutdoors.com

Thank you to Morrison Outdoors for sponsoring today’s podcast! Find more at: www.morrisonoutdoors.com

Use code FREECANADA within Canada from March 1-March 31, 2023 for free shipping on orders over $50!

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Would you know what to do if you encountered a bear in the outdoors? Would you know the difference between a defensive or predatory encounter? We are here to help keep you educated, so you can explore safely!

Disclaimer that the information we’re provided you today, as well as the information from Bear Safety & More Inc and RecSafe with Wildlife (as we partnered with Kim Titchener), cannot guarantee that animal encounters can be prevented. This information is intended as a guide to help reduce the likelihood of an encounter and provide education in the occurrence of an encounter.

What to Know:

Animals are around us
Best way to reduce encounters is to be prepared
Attacks are extremely rare
Don’t let your kids explore farther than an arm’s length from you
Keep your dog on a leash at all times
Be loud!
Travel in groups of 4 or more
Pay attention to your surroundings (droppings, tracks, dens, torn up tress and logs, digging, berry bushes)
If you spot an animal, leave the area
Carry bear spray in a holster on your body and be ready to use it (Scat Belt brand mentioned) – read the instructions and practice pulling it out
Take a bear safety course
Practice with your kids ahead of time (in a non-scary way) If Camping:
Know where to store your food – bear-safe garbage bins, bear locker, or in your vehicle (front country camping) and know if your site has it available
Pay attention to your surroundings – garbage, trees/berry bushes/salmon in water, animals that have been feeding, birds of prey If You Experience an Encounter:

There are two types of bear encounters: Defensive and Non-Defensive (Predatory) encounters.

Defensive Bear Encounters - caused by surprising a bear at close range, if cubs are present, or if the bear is feeding

Bears are clearly stressed, aggressive, huffing/jaw popping, salivating/foaming, hunched up, showing signs of discomfort
They can bluff charge or run in a zig-zag pattern
It may be your instinct to yell, act big, and become aggressive too. Please don’t! React by telling the bear you are NOT a threat. De-escalate the situation, back away slowly, talk softly, and prepare your bear spray. If in a group, group up and stay calm. Make your intention to leave the area and not to fight
If the bear attacks, the number one reaction from you is to deploy bear spray. If that’s not possible, lie face down and protect your neck, spread your legs (to brace yourself into the ground), and play dead. Wait until the bear is gone before getting up! Make sure once you begin to move again you know which direction the bear has travelled to avoid another encounter
Most defensive attacks are short. If it continues to attack and the bear has become predatory, you need to change tactics and begin to fight for your life

Non-Defensive (Predatory) Bear Encounters

This encounter is rare and more common with black bears and solo hikers (95% of grizzly bear encounters are defensive and not predatory!)
Bear follows a person, and has a slow, hesitant approach. They can approach confidently, or try to sneak up on you before running towards you and attacking. They appear curious, but this is the situation where they are dangerous!
If you’re in a predatory encounter, show aggression right away! Stand your ground and make sure you let the bear know that you are not vulnerable
Prepare bear spray and deploy if the bear gets close enough

Please Keep Exploring! All of us at Kids Who Explore have had bear encounters, and thankfully they have all ended well. Talking about it definitely adds to nerves about exploring in bear country, but we know being informed is the best way to be! Remember these encounters are rare, equip yourself with the knowledge and gear you need to stay safe! Thank you to Mounts Store for supporting today’s podcast! www.mountsstore.com to check them out.

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

We are our children’s first teachers, but we believe nature is one of their greatest teachers. When groups of kids get out in nature together, magic happens. That’s why Madison runs weekly meetups in her area for homeschool families.

Madison is a homeschooling mom and wild + free group leader living in the Seattle area. Her passion for wildschooling and child-led learning comes from her background in elementary education and love for the outdoors. She loves exploring the forests, beaches and mountains of the PNW with her family and leads and hosts weekly outdoor meetups for her wild + free homeschooling group.

Unschooling is a step away from super-structured school curriculum; it is more child-led for each child’s interests.

Books Mentioned:

The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment

The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart

Kid Books Mentioned:

Elephant and Piggie Series

The Little House on the Prairie Series

Homeschooling Learning:

They are learning in everything they are doing
Not everything we need to learn is just the academic part we learn in school
You see daily progress
They are learning beyond the textbooks

Homeschool Socialization:

School is not the only place to socialize
There are weekly meetup groups
Play dates with other homeschool kids (and non-homeschool kids alike)
Chat with people and become friends at the park, at the grocery store, etc.

A “Typical” Day:

Every morning starts with independent reading
Then focused reading and math
Then hiking, park, beach, or zoo
More reading in the evening

Weekly Meetups:

Newborn to 12-years-old usually
Older ones naturally teach younger ones
Consistent relationships
Outdoors – park, hike, beach, or field trips and book club
Community of parents to share with

Homeschool Challenges:

Can be hard to be consistent
Requires a lot of work and energy
Less alone time for the adult

Homeschool Benefits:

So much of teachers’ time is spent on classroom management, so homeschool requires less hours at a desk
Can be outside more
Can follow child’s lead
Strengthens the family relationship
Flexibility to travel and adventure
Individualized education
Learning in everything you do!

Follow Madison on IG: @schoollessinseattle

Thank you to Mounts Store for supporting today’s podcast! www.mountsstore.com to check them out.

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

“Be where your feet are.” That’s our ultimate goal in ‘balancing’ time with our kids and time at work. What does that look like? Well, we are a work in progress figuring it out!

What We Do Know:

Listen to yourself – notice stress and exhaustion
Be open to the help
Notice when to say no
Connect with child(ren) before work
Live your tech life out loud, so your kids know what you’re doing
Block schedule – then it’s not scattered and you can get more done (still room for spontaneity)

Episodes Mentioned:

Ep. 42 Why to Avoid Kid-Centered Activities with Michaeleen Doucleff: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-42-why-to-avoid-kid-centered-activities-with-michaeleen-doucleff/ Ep. 78 Outdoor Time Over Screen Time with Andrea Davis: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-78-outdoor-time-over-screen-time-with-andrea-davis/ The things you want to do: Can you change your expectations of them and do them on a smaller scale with kids around? Maybe it’s not a hot yoga class, but maybe you can do a 15-minute yoga video at home, for example!

Thank you to Mounts Store for supporting today’s podcast! www.mountsstore.com to check them out.

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

We’ve sure talked about embracing winter a lot over here, but how is it possible while adding a new baby into the mix, and keeping them warm? Today’s episode is full of tips!!

Ep. 36 Thre Three Layer Winter Rule: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-36-the-three-layer-winter-rule/

Three Layer Rule:

Base Layer: merino wool (or wool). If the merino wool price point is not accessible, synthetic layers work too!
Mid Layer: fleece
Top Layer: water-resistant when they are younger, but waterproof once they are older and playing in the snow or rain
Extra: Mitts, Toques/Beanies, Socks, Boots, Neck Warmer (fleece or merino wool – size differs between the two; merino wool is more snug)

Merino wool base layers are good for all seasons, because they keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer [also acts as an SPF].

Below 0 degrees Celsius, 3 layers. Above 0 degrees Celsius, 2 layers.

Other Things to Keep In Mind:

Keep it as short as you need to – it all counts, and it’s all worth it
Nursing in winter – in the car before and after adventure, or in carrier in nursing-friendly layers are ideal
Milk/Water for bottles – keep warm in a Yeti
Diaper Changes – in car before and after adventure ideally, keep wipes warm by wrapping clothing around them and keeping them in centre of pack or close to body. If you need to do outside, use Therma Rest Z Seat, and make it quick!! [2 way zippers for littles helps too!]
Check baby’s temperature by feeling the temperature on the back of their neck
We limit adventures to when it feels like -15 degrees Celsius and above

Baby-Wearing Clothes & Base Layers Mentioned [Discount Codes]:

B&Me Booker&Me Vest (https://bookerandme.com) – Discount Code LAUREN20
Wanderling Jacket (https://wanderling.us)
Iksplor Base Layers (https://iksplor.com)

Thank you to Mounts Store for supporting today’s podcast! www.mountsstore.com to check them out.

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Kids Who Explore really enjoys social media. It’s a place where we’ve formed a beautiful community, share stories, help others, and become inspired. Unfortunately, it’s not always that way…

Reminders When You’re Viewing Social Media:

You aren’t seeing the whole picture, or always getting the whole context
Triggers are INSIDE people – look inside if you’re triggered
It’s never okay to be rude; you can “move along” without commenting
They aren’t just accounts - they are humans
Ask questions if you don’t understand
Follow those who make you happy

Reminders If You’ve Received Hurtful Comments:

Give empathy to those who are triggered, even though it’s never okay to be rude
You can block those if needed

We appreciate your positivity at KWE!

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Have you wondered if you should attempt snowshoeing with a toddler? We will let you know on today’s episode (plus, lots of other outdoor winter sport tips!).

Check back on other winter sport podcasts:

Learning to Enjoy Winter: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-92-learning-to-enjoy-winter-with-erin-gallimore/

Teaching Toddlers to Snowboard: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-94-teaching-toddlers-to-snowboard-with-dr-ashley-top/

Learning to Ski: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-95-learning-to-ski-with-coach-nelly/

Choosing the Best Ski Gear: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-97-choosing-the-best-ski-gear-on-a-budget-with-coach-nelly/

Taking Your Kids Skating for the First Time: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-91-taking-your-kids-skating-for-the-first-time/

Snowshoeing Tips (for toddlers, and beyond):

Rent snowshoes for toddlers – go in and make sure they fit with winter boots
Use the washroom before layering up!
Go with a friend to feed off of
Check expectations!
Go to a park or backyard (not a big, deep snow trail)
Bring a sled as backup!! Give them choices
Do what you’re encouraging, and have fun yourself
Small exposures add up
Plus, get YOUR snowshoes on before strapping up kids or babywearing

Other Winter Tips:

Practice wearing gloves ahead of time [hand warmers are a great backup to hold (even without gloves)]
Have something to look forward to after the adventure – often to warm you up!!

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Plane travel with kids can carry a lot of mental weight, and when you’re doing it solo, a lot of physical weight too! Here are some tips to make it a little more manageable, even with car seats involved!

Getting to the Airport

Practice getting car seats in a car ahead of time
Think about which kid to get in first at home, and out first at the airport, etc.

At the Airport

Choose if you are going to check or carry-on
Car seats and strollers – recommend gate checking (the warranty of these items is void if it is checked at the airport) – to gate check, ask upon check in and/or at the boarding counter for gate check passes, then drop them off at designated drop off before boarding plane
Backpacks for travel car seats make it easier to transport around airport (and you can fit gear in them, if needed!)
Give yourself lots of extra time, so you can be calm for whatever pace the kids are going
Book Spot Saver (in Seattle airport) for quicker security line up (remember every security has different rules): www.tinyurl.com/532bhz5v
Have options that suit your family – carrier, stroller, roll-on luggage
Take bathroom breaks all at the same time before and after flight (family washroom is so helpful)

On Airplane

Start with less and pull out one thing at a time (books, colouring, post-it notes, puzzles, stick-on window toys, music with headphones (Puro brand) or shows)
Lollipops (YumEarth brand) for takeoff and landing for toddlers/older kids, breastfeeding/soother for younger ones, and/or water bottle and snacks to help their ears
Flight Fud for in flight to help adults (and kids) with hydration, circulation, immunity and support against radiation (discount code LAURENEB)

Travel Car Seats & Luggage Mentioned

Check if they follow your country’s regulations Suitable in USA

Doona Car Seat/Stroller for infant
WayB Car Seat for toddler
JetKids Stokke Travel-On Luggage

Keep your expectations realistic! Stay calm, so the kids feel that energy. Take help where it’s offered!

Episode 81: Travelling with Kids - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-81-travelling-with-kids-with-margaret-bradford/

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

How long do you think it would take to see all 63 US National Parks? Well, for Journey Castillo, only the first 3 years of her life! Learn why her family made this their goal and how beautiful the journey with Journey has been!

Eric and Valerie Castillo, are the founders of a mission called Journey Go Explore and parents of Journey, a 2-year-old who has already had many adventures. At the time of recording this in October of 2022, she has visited 45/63 US National Parks and is inspiring people all over the country to get outdoors, bond with family and visit parks. The Castillos are passionate about traveling, being outdoors, mental health, wellness, spirituality, healing, training, conditioning, education and more by harnessing the power of nature. Their recent travels have brought on a wisdom that they want to share, especially regarding mental health.

Some Great Messages:

Let kids get dirty
Go at their pace
Don’t wait to see these parks! They aren’t guaranteed to be there forever, or be the same
There’s always a way to make it happen, time-wise and money-wise! Travelling Tips:
Check weather before you go. Be aware that nature is not accommodating to you. Be prepared with all the weather gear
Find a visitor centre and ask for a plan for your toddler, or whatever age and accommodations you need, including weather. Park rangers are great!
To make flying more cost effective, Google cheap flights and look into early flights or red eye flights, or go in off-season Book Recommendation:Can’t Hurt Me; Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins Follow Along:Website: www.journeygoexplore.comIG: @journey_castilloFacebook: Journey Go Explore

Our adventure crew has grown over the last few months – Adrianna and Lauren both welcomed new little boys into the world, and are now each adventuring with 2 kids, 2-years-old and under. They wanted to share what they’ve learned!

Going in the backyard is great! Stepping out your door is an adventure in itself. That’s our definition of “success.”

Loading Up the Car:

Give yourself WAY more time (get ready the night before even) – allowing time for your kids to also go at their own pace keeps the peace!
Wear the baby to the car, so you can be hands-free and hold other things if needed
Get your kids to help get ready, where their capabilities allow
Get all the kids IN the car, and then strap in kids as you need to (Safety reminders: babies should not stay in bucket seats if it’s not attached to the base in the car or stroller; kids should not be wearing their puffy winter gear/jackets while in their car seats)

At the Adventure:

Pick realistic adventures, so it’s more fun for everyone!
Choose time of day that works best for you – if naps can be on the go, that’s great! Set expectations
Arrive 30 minutes early to get ready (feed baby, change diapers, get layers on, etc.)
Layer up for winter in the car
Have items for your older kiddos if they need to wait for younger ones or feedings (books, nature journals, colouring, cars/dinosaurs)
Know of things to look out for on the adventure to add excitement for the kids
Bring someone with you, if they are willing – extra hands are so helpful!

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:

https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Wanna know a way to make adventuring even more fun? With an outdoor adventure club! Echo Shehadeh created her own. Her tips will help so many get outside more, and it may even be a great “New Year’s Goal.”

Echo is a wife and a mom of two beautiful children, soon to be 3! She lives in Central Oregon where the outdoor adventures never end. Before starting her family, she lived, worked, and breathed childhood development and education. That strong foundation helped her know that outside-learning and play serves as a key developmental role in children’s lives. Her soul focus is for her kids to become stewards of the outdoors, educate them about the beautiful world around them, and build resilience, all of this while promoting fun and creating strong bonds!

Book that Inspired Her:

Adventuring Together by Greta Eskridge

Her Club and the Benefits:

Started with three families ages newborn to 7-year-old
Met up once a week. Itinerary was usually adventure, have lunch, and then get everyone home for naps
Older ones teach the younger ones – the Montessori way!
Created strong bonds by going on adventures as a family, and starting them young

Snow Activities:

Sledding
Snow shoeing
Snow painting
Snow volcano experiment
Winter hikes

Summer Activities:

Lake days
Creek hangs
Hikes
Bike rides

Fall in Oregon:

Hood River and go to their “Fruit Loop” – October
Pick apples and go to farms and see fall foliage. Spring fairies too
Summer – lakes and rivers. Check out Sunriver and float the Deschutes River

JUST DO IT! Everyone thrives in the outdoors.

Recommendation fro SPF Clothing:

Black Strap - https://bsbrand.com

Follow Echo on IG: @soimamomnow

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

There’s no guilt if you’ve used the phrase “be careful” more than a few times, or are still trying to navigate around it, we just want to help put it in another light. Here are some alternatives to “be careful” and WHY!

Risky Play and Nature Education Episode: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-37-risky-play-nature-education-with-brittany-williams/

Be Careful – Why is it Not Good:

Kids don’t understand what it means
They can’t gauge what we are seeing that they aren’t
It can instill fear – they will match your energy
Doesn’t get across what we actually want What To Do Instead – Be Specific:
“Watch your feet.” “Look out for that branch.”
Being specific takes practise. Even if you say be careful, say, “Be careful, there’s a branch.”
You’ll see/hear them mimic you eventually – “Watch your head” What To Do Instead – Ask Questions:
What’s your plan?
What’s your next step?
Do you feel safe?
How are you going to get down?
Are you going to go backwards? Be Mama Bear, or Papa Bear, or Auntie Bear, or any other caregiver when you need to be. You may sometimes need to grab them to keep them safe. [Adri mentions having a retractable lease now as Adri is navigating keeping her 2-year-old safe while she’s wearing a newborn in bear country.] Reserve “Be Careful”, or “Stop” for when it really matters! Other Things You Can Do:
Be the calm for them
Practise at home
Bend down and get to their height and practise “pause” with them…7000 times
Play green light, red light, yellow light

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Every season and every weather condition has it’s joy and beauty, and we don’t ever want adventures, fun, and happiness to be limited to sunshine. So, how do we embrace all seasons and all weather conditions?

Live by the quote, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing.” Easier said than done sometimes financial-wise, but having a few quality things can get you far.

Quality Items We Love:

A good pair of base layers can benefit you in all seasons! We love merino wool base layers – gets use in summer and winter!!
Rain gear discussed: FaireChild (Canadian company, expensive, but wonderful for kids…cost per wear is incredible – will get you so far! Adult: Arcteryx…secondhand options [“outlet”] right on their website. Also check Facebook Marketplace)
Patagonia – secondhand options on their website too

Lauren’s Song Edit: “Rain Rain, You Can Stay. We will go outside to play!”

Talk Positively About the Weather, So Your Children See:

Rain - We get to go splash in puddles! Catch rain drops on our tongue. Go to the park with rain pants
Sun - We can cool down in the shade and with a fan. We can find water to enjoy, or hike/explore!
Snow - We can make snow angels, snowmen, sled, ski, snow shoe, make snow balls, etc.
Wind - We can fly a kite!
Some weather conditions are tricky, because you truly can’t be outside…smoky conditions, etc. So, bring the outdoors in!

Ways to Help with Happiness When Not Seeing Sunshine:

Practise Grounding, even through your hands [Learn More on Episode 40: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-40-grounding-in-all-seasons-with-dr-laura-koniver/]
Take Vitamin D - how much, talk to your own care provider
Sneak in any hint of sun you can find

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Last episode with Coach Nelly, we just scraped the surface on easier access to ski gear, so we wanted to dive even deeper into that topic. Learn where to save, and where quality is key, plus all things skiing!

Coach Nelly has more than 20 years of experience coaching under her belt. In 2018, she started Raising Little Rippers, where she has created an educational resource for adventurous mamas, raising the next generation of big mountain skiers.

Learning to Ski with Coach Nelly Ep. 95: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-95-learning-to-ski-with-coach-nelly/

How to Ski On a Budget:

https://www.raisinglittlerippers.com/blog/how-to-family-skiing-on-a-budget

Don’t Skimp on These Items:

Helmet (head shape…try on brands at the store first. And bring goggles with you, because some goggles don’t work with all helmets)
Ski boots (take out boot liner portion to test size; only wear one pair of wool socks (or synthetic layer), cotton is no good, because it will get wet and cold, and two pairs or more can impact circulation. Sizing can impact control!)

Fun Tip: Show Kids how goggles change the colour of the snow

Ways to Save on Gear:

Some rental shops will do trade-ins for credits
Seasonal rental options (good for kids who are growing quickly)
https://www.raisinglittlerippers.com/blog/ski-size-for-kids-everything-you-need-to-know-kids-ski-size-chart
Younger kids – start with no poles! Until they are confident and can turn to control their speed. And when they are curious or desiring poles. Test no poles with yourself! - https://www.raisinglittlerippers.com/blog/5-tips-for-introducing-ski-poles

When Buying New:

Your local outdoor realtor has the best deals
Website: www.moosejaw.com

Bring another family along for backup, motivation, and fun! To comfort fear, gain a sense of control and skill.

When to Invest in Lessons:

https://www.raisinglittlerippers.com/blog/6-reasons-you-are-your-childs-best-ski-instructor
Simply start out spending time on the hill!
If you’re going to do lessons, do a program or private lessons where they keep working with the same instructor

Choosing a Ski Pass:

Look into Epic Pass and Mountain Collective – some passes that end up being easier on the budget if you want to travel to different resorts

Some Bonus Ways to Save:

Chains on tires, instead of winter tires
Filling up at less expensive gas stations
Pack your own food

Song for Kids to Know What to Pack –

Link to Coach Nelly’s email list to play again and again! - https://www.raisinglittlerippers.com/newsletter-sign-up

Follow Along:

Website: www.raisinglittlerippers.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/raisinglittlerippers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaisingLittleRippers

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu3wl7KBxyncpZOMwH-PhZg

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexploreProduction: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Car trips and plane trips - they are both full! The perks of road trips are they give you flexibility to go at your own pace, stop as much as you need, and of course, pack more!! Let’s talk about some things we’ve found to make road trips with toddlers and babies a little bit easier.

Plane Travel with Kids: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-81-travelling-with-kids-with-margaret-bradford/

What to “Play” With:

Like plane, start with nothing…look out windows, talk about what you see, play music
Then, pull out one thing at a time – no mess colouring, books, Pop-It. Some people say dollar store items. Maybe something new that’s exciting
Let them choose music (or podcast)

What Stops Look Like:

It’s recommended young kids aren’t in their car seat for more than 2 hours at a time
Stop to stretch legs and eat
Find a park
Find a mini view point hike/nature walk
Stop at a beach
Embrace anywhere you stop!

Sleep Tips:

Play music that helps them fall asleep
Use soother with clip, so it’s not easy to lose
Wool socks to keep them cozy!

Food:

Pack a cooler
You can never have too much food…we know this!

Bonus Tips:

Pack a toddler toilet!
Have a travel pack/bag/box for each person, so everything is easy to find when in the car
One adult can sit in the backseat with kid(s), if this works for you
Practise with some shorter road trips beforehand
Build excitement before you go and communicate with kids about it

Be flexible! Know that you may need to stop sooner than you would like. Naps may get messed up. Keep expectations at bay!

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Janelle Thomas, better known as Coach Nelly, has more than 20 years of experience coaching under her belt. In 2018, she birthed Raising Little Rippers, where she has created an educational resource for adventurous mamas, raising the next generation of big mountain skiiers. She’s a treat to learn from!

Janelle Thomas started working as a Ski Instructor her senior year in college. She knew teaching littles to ski was right up her alley. Armed with a Degree in Psychology with a strong focus on Adventure Therapy, she had no idea that she would spend the next several years working in the ski industry. From Certified Ski Instructor, to Children’s Program Supervisor, to Ski School Clinician, her specialty has always been working with children. As she started a family of her own, her biggest joy became raising her own three (not so little anymore) rippers, and she continued working as a part-time ski instructor season after season.

Skiing can be challenging financially and physically.

Risks and How to Mitigate Them:

Start in young years teaching simple things like moving to side of hill when you stop (pull over like a car), and being aware of environment
As they grow in skills and age, share nuggets of risk management along the way. Those become habits!
Teach how to merge on trail and how to give right of way
Take them out into environment and use actual moments as teachable moments

Raising Little Rippers:

Virtual coaching, but also meet ups with other mamas
Asks individually what mamas need for tips and tricks
Session also includes a movement analysis via videos sent - so you know where to go next
Shares drill and game videos to help them progress through next steps

When to Start Skiing:

Can start kids as young as 15-months, but will take longer to progress - so set expectations. Keep it fun! Introducing them to snow, weather, flat ground work
Kids 5 to 6-years-old will progress faster. Also depends on particular kid
Young age - start at home!! Grow interest, curiosity, and comfort. Be willing to go in and outside. Then work on teaching them to slide (can use edgy wedge or harness). Learn wedge downhill – think “pizza” shape, then learn turns to control speed

https://www.raisinglittlerippers.com/blog/teaching-tools-from-edgie-wedgie-to-ski-harness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdbrRuc1TRo&ab_channel=RaisingLittleRippers

Learning as a Family:

Learn alongside kids. Can do family private lessons at some ski skills
Or adults can take lessons and then put the children in the child-specific lessons. After, come together and teach each other what you learned
Raising Little Rippers will help parents progress as well

How to Ski on a Budget [stay tuned in two weeks for another episode on this]:

Get to know local area – thrift and secondhand stores
Check during off-season for sales
Watch for ski swaps – usually right before season starts (October/November)
Handmedowns are wonderful!

https://www.raisinglittlerippers.com/blog/how-to-family-skiing-on-a-budget

Some Gear Tips:

Don’t skimp on helmet; you don’t want any gap between ski goggles and helmet
Young kids don’t need ski poles
Use quality gear that is breathable, warm, dry (especially mittens or gloves)

Recommendations:

Shred Dog Convertible Children’s Ski Bibs (grow for many seasons with the kids) - https://shreddog.com [https://www.raisinglittlerippers.com/blog/the-elevated-collection-shred-dog-gear-review]
Darn Tough Socks - https://darntough.com
Podcast: Ski Moms Fun Podcast - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1882919/9922299-teaching-your-kids-to-ski-with-nelly-thomas
The Great American Rail Trail - https://www.railstotrails.org/greatamericanrailtrail/route/

Follow Along:

www.raisinglittlerippers.com Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/raisinglittlerippers

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RaisingLittleRippers

You Tube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu3wl7KBxyncpZOMwH-PhZg

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Teaching toddlers to snowboard can start at home…literally. Dr. Ashley talks us through all the steps and gear needed to help her daughter fall in love with snowboarding, all before the age of 2-years-old!

Dr. Ashley Toporowski is a dentist in Saskatchewan, Canada, and a mom to two kiddos! She shares all her dental wisdom on her IG page, so she can help many more caregivers and children. Her family loves to get outside through snowboarding, hiking, biking, and fishing.

She started teaching her daughter around 15-months-old. Dove deeper around 17-months-old.

Snowboarding Gear [can buy, rent, or look into secondhand]:

Burton Snowboard (size 80, “after school special” – comes with bindings)
Burton Snowboard Boots (smallest size is 7) – can also use regular boots, but it feels very different. Added thick wool socks!
Burton Riglet Reel (so helpful for learning!...attaches to board as a rope to assist)
Helmet (Anon) and Goggles Outerwear (Check out our 3 Layer Rule at: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-36-the-three-layer-winter-rule/)
MDXOne (optional) – adult backpack harness for ringlet reel, so you can board with them!

Stages for Learning:

Pull them with the riglet reel indoors – pull on carpet, allowing them to get used to the stance. Can add gear when comfortable
Add incline indoors (with riglet reel) – use balance or wobble board turned upside down to make a rainbow shape (cushions on either side)
Pull on flat surface outdoors – the backyard works great!
Go down gradual hill (with riglet reel) – pull them up, get them ready, then slowly let them down
Let them try! - have adult at bottom; start when you find you don’t need to assist much with riglet reel anymore
Learn how to stop and use edges to control speed – once they have great balance, you can teach more control. The backpack harness is helpful for this, to be behind them and teach them when to lift toes and when to turn and slow down
Once you’re both ready, you can get on your board too!!

Other Advice:

Keep it short and sweet –max 1 hour on board (or what seems suitable for your family), then warm up, and can try another 15-20 minutes, if desired
Lessons can start private at age 3, usually, and group at age 5. Ski lessons often earlier!

Follow Dr. Ashley on IG: @drashleytop

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Does making hot chocolate while bathing in a hot spring sound fantastic to you? How about playing ice hockey on a crater? This is just a regular day in the life of Ulfar Andresson, who runs Iceland Activities.

Ulfar was born and raised in a hot spring! Iceland Activities has been a family company since 2010. He loves involving his two kids in all the outdoors has to offer. Many of the locations they take their guests to are hidden gems that they have all to themselves.

Icelandic Tradition:

They don’t name their children until they are 3 months old. This was previously because they had to wait for a priest. Now, the naming also includes a party/big event. Plus, parents don’t want added germs/sickness around the babies until they are older, stronger, and have vaccinations.

The sooner you do things with kids, the more they love it, and the sooner they can do it on their own! “Creating play partners for life!” That being said, don’t push anything they aren’t into, and just keep offering until they are ready.

Hot Springs:

Wait until kids are 6 to 8 months old to go in
Adults can be in the hot springs for 1.5-3 hours if well-rested and fed [Ulfar has stayed past 5 hours]
If the temperature outside is colder than body temperature (in winter), staying in the hot spring for only 30 minutes is best

Book Recommendation:

The Yule Lads

Follow Ulfar on IG: @icelandactivities

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

For some, winter may be their favourite season, and for others, they may need to learn to embrace it, and maybe even enjoy it! Erin Gallimore believes that teaching her son to love all seasons and all weather, starts with her. You’ll be making a winter bucket list after this episode!!

Erin was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and she currently lives in Tacoma, Washington. A foster mom for 6 years, she is now mom to her one and only biological son, Graham. Erin and her husband both work full-time in healthcare, so they plan outdoor adventures on the weekends and holidays. Last year they checked off 12 Washington State Bucket List adventures and plan on more this year. An enneagram 2 and extreme extrovert, you will find Erin running the KWE Washington FB page and planning group hikes to make new friends!

To Embrace Winter:

Determined what DIDN’T need to be on her list – skiing and snowboarding
Chose activities they could enjoy – sledding, snow shoeing, and weekend trips in the mountains
Chose new places to explore and put it all in the calendar!
Next year – winter camping!!

Positives Found in Winter Adventure:

Accomplished hikes they wouldn’t in the summer
Found it quieter and peaceful

Winter Tips:

Get ice cleats/crampons when the snow isn’t snowshoe deep
Pack hand warmers, especially for toddlers who don’t want to keep gloves on
Plan shorter trails for snowshoeing – it’s a big workout!

Locations Mentioned:

Mount Rainier
Hurricane Ridge

Blog Post About Warm Drinks:

https://kidswhoexplore.com/a-fun-way-to-stay-warm-on-winter-adventures/

Show Recommendations :

Gordon Ramsay’s Road Trip

Next Level Chef

Chuggington – for kids

Blippi – for kids

Follow Erin on IG: @gallimore.family.adventures

KWE Washington Facebook Pages

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Embracing winter. Enjoying winter. That is our theme this winter. One way we embrace winter is taking our kids out skating. Today we discuss what we did to take our toddlers skating for the first time last year.

Our Skating Comfort Level:

Adrianna was a competitive speed skater, and taught that!
Adrianna’s husband coached hockey growing up
Lauren’s husband is a professional hockey player
Lauren can’t stop on skates…

What We Did:

We chose outdoor locations - the mountains, frozen lake, outdoor rink…free!!
Chose not too cold and not too windy days
Indoor rinks would be good too
Kept it short and sweet (small exposures are key)
Pause for warm drink, and go again!
“Practise” in gear with skate guards at home

Gear:

Bundled up in our 3 layer rule – https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-36-the-three-layer-winter-rule/
Many equipment rental options!
Hockey helmets – Bauer, Youth, Adjustable (with cage option)
Skates – Bauer, Size 7 (borrow or second-hand options)
Bring a sled with blanket
Warm beverage!

Allow your child to take the lead in their comfort level! You build the experience, and they can choose their own adventure within that. Also, you can always invite friends! The seasons go by so fast – enjoy it!

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Adrianna Skori had quite the postpartum this time around. What was an “easier birth” and postpartum initially, turned into illness upon illness upon illness. Yet she always found peace in the outdoors, even if it was walking around the hospital.

Some Ways She Let Nature Reset Her:

Walking around the hospital
Allowing visitation between Turner and Nash (brothers) via the playground
Sitting by window in hospital and taking in sunrise and sunset
Playing in the backyard
Nature walks – taking her time, listening to her body, asking for other adult help!

She recommends to reach out to your community and your family and ask for help! Invite in all the love to fill your space. Embrace the beautiful chaos!

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

The Roberts are a family of 7 who lives in a 40-foot school bus that they converted themselves, travelling all over the USA! Learn the pros and cons of living in such close quarters where adventure is a daily endeavour, with Anna Roberts! Now, the question is, will they travel by boat next?!

Fun Facts About the Roberts:

At the time of recording, they had visited 32 of the 50 states, and 36 of the 63 national parks
Kids range from age 18-months to 12-years-old
They keep track of their locations on sticker maps and notes in phone
For homeschooling, they follow a particular curriculum. Usually work from 9am-12pm, then get outside! They do more school in the summer, so they can take travel days and various times off
Their mail gets sent to family and they send pictures. Or they do general delivery to nearest post office, or use Amazon Lockers

Some Noteworthy Destinations So Far:

Joshua Tree
Everglades
Yosemite
All California Parks!
Grand Teton
Glacier National Park

Pros of This Lifestyle:

Time with family
Exploring new places
All the new adventures
They get to make memories with their kids NOW

Cons of This Lifestyle:

Not being able to “hide things” when cleaning
Potential bus breakdowns, and not knowing where that will happen
Proximity to hospitals, if needed

The Roberts did not have everything perfectly planned out! Or ginormous savings. They didn’t have a perfect scenario. Plus, Anna got pregnant! Anna says, if you have a dream or have this idea, just figure out the first step! Don’t let fears and doubts get in the way. Just learn a little bit at a time. They worked so hard for this, and they did not have the perfect scenario. But they just made it happen!

Follow on IG, TIkTok, Facebook: @therobertswerehere

Recommendations:

Kids Ride Shot Gun – the seat (for younger kids) and tow rope for older kids. They use it for their 6-year-old. Great when you have big age ranges in kids, or lots of kids, or to be able to help kids keep up - https://kidsrideshotgun.ca
Listening to: American History Story Tellers – season 6 is all about National Parks

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

We hope you can all avoid rattlesnake bites, and Brighton Peachy has tips for that, but in case you or anyone you know ever gets bit by a rattlesnake, we want you to know all the steps to take. Today’s episode is very important! The more you know, the better prepared you can be.

Brighton Peachy, is a Wilderness EMT & a mom of 3 little boys (ages 5,4, and 1). Her family loves getting outdoors through climbing, backpacking, & mountain biking. They recently converted a van that they lived in for the summer as they travel across the country. Before kids, Brighton got her Bachelor's degree in Wilderness Rescue. She has worked as an EMT for the last 8 years in the ER and has also worked on Salt Lake County Search and Rescue Team. She teaches Wilderness First Aid courses to help people feel more prepared going into the backcountry.

Brighton is naturally very afraid of snakes. But learning more has made her feel more confident when coming across them. Summer is “peak” snake season in Utah.

Things You Can Do to Avoid Rattlesnakes and Their Bites:

Listen for the sound of a rattlesnake – they sound like a distinct rattle; try locate direction of rattlesnake, so you don’t get closer
Stay back! – they can strike up to 5 feet and usually forward, so move back and diagonally (or sideways and back)
Teach kids not to approach (keep kids close) – practise this ahead of time
Do not throw rocks or sticks at snake – will cause the snake to attack more; it’s also illegal to hurt a rattlesnake in some areas
Alert others! – determine if it makes sense to continue on adventure or not, because there will likely be more rattlesnakes
You cannot hear baby rattlesnakes, but they will usually hang out on rocks or between rocks, or in the cracks

If Someone Gets Bit by a Rattlesnake:

Move away so you don’t get bit again; Stay calm and remain still - stress and tension can spread the venom (breathe and think of next steps)
Remove restrictive clothing, jewellery, shoes – swelling is common
Position bite below heart - so venom doesn’t spread
Call 911 for help and/or to let hospital know you’re coming – not all hospitals have the anti-venom and they need time to prepare
Carry the person who was bit or immobilize site – do not run, because again, we don’t want to increase heart rate
Rinse with water and soap – ideally not hand sanitizer; this step can be done in ambulance or at hospital, or earlier if you’re on a backcountry trip

Some No-No’s After Rattlesnake Bites:

Do not suck out venom
Do not apply tourniquet
Do not apply ice
Do not drink caffeine or alcohol
Do not take blood thinning medications like pain killers
Do not increase heart rate
Do not try catch the snake

Do not let the fear of snakes keep you from getting outside! Be prepared.

Pendleton Blanket Recommendation (found at Costco):

https://www.pendleton.ca/

Podcast Recommendation: Out Alive

Follow Brighton on IG and TikTok: @brightonpeachy

Thank you to Keen Footwear for sponsoring today’s podcast! Check out www.keenfootwear.com

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Raise your hand if you care about our planet! Launne Kolla says she is not perfect, and none of us should expect to be, but trying our best with the knowledge we have can make our earth a little bit greener. Launne graciously does all the hard research for us, to make our gentle footprint a little bit easier to navigate.

Back on episode 64, we met Launne, when we talked all things birding and bird watching. Not only is Launne a Wildlife Biologist for EDI Environmental Dynamics, where she gets to love up on wildlife, she is also on a mission to take care of the earth and teach others how to do the same, with her account Do More Good. Raising two daughters, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, she is also teaching them to love, respect, and nurture the earth!

Episode 64 on Birding: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-64-birding-bird-watching-with-launne-kolla/

Garbage Takeaways:

Buy/consume less and use what you have
Vote with your dollar – think about what you purchase before you buy it, as in where it was made, who made it, what it is made from, and how long it will last
Purchase items with less packaging
Corporations need to make a change – support the “good” ones
Shop in bulk
Bring your own produce bags, or don’t use produce bags

Recycling Takeaways:

Most of the things you throw in your recycling bin cannot get recycled – don’t “wish recycle” – know what can go in there, because wrong items can contaminate the whole bin, or cause harm to the system or workers
Generally, plastics with number 1-7 in the middle of recycle symbol can be recycled
Generally, they only accept items bigger than a deck of cards
Be intentional

Compost Takeaways:

In Calgary, currently, compostable packaging – compostable plates etc., cannot be composted. https://www.calgary.ca/waste/residential/how-composting-works.html[In Seattle they can] Check with your city!
Check if your city has an app
Tips to Compost on your own: Check out Vermicompost – using worms; Mix the browns and the greens – yard waste with food; Sometimes places have a compost drop off, or big gardens or food banks asking for compost
App = Share Waste (can find compost in the area) - https://sharewaste.com

In Canada, there is a single use plastic ban starting in 2022, and will be completed by 2025.

Ep. 31 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle for the Planet with Michelle Dias – https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-31-reduce-reuse-recycle-for-the-planet-with-michelle-dias/

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Swaps: · Bring your own coffee mug and water bottle · Use bar shampoos and conditions · Use safety razor · Swap bees wax wraps (or containers), instead of Sarah Wrap · Turn off sprinklers when it’s rainy · Unplug “ghost power” · Delete emails! [1 person sending 65 emails is the same as driving a km in your car] · Pick up garbage you see outside · Pay for carbon offsets [Carbon Zero, vetted by WestJet, or Less Emissions, used by Air Canada] · Shop secondhand · Don’t return clothes unless you KNOW they are going back on the shelf · Say no to Palm Oil, unless it’s “responsible palm oil”

Follow Launne on IG: @do.more.good

Launching blog soon.

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Getting babies outside starts in the womb! Supriya Rajaraman grew up in India, and has now been living in Canada for the last 10 years. She feels like she is breaking barriers in her family and culture by exploring the outdoors, especially while pregnant, and now with her little explorer.

Supriya, along with spouse Karthik, and baby explorer, Tanish, who is 9-months old, love exploring the outdoors together. Keeping it simple, and starting with neighbourhood walks at just 5-days old with Tanish, they now love taking their baby explorer hiking, and plan this year to explore all that Kananaskis Country has to offer.

Some Interesting Discussions:

The different feelings about activity in pregnancy in different cultures
Listening to your body and your intuition with activity in pregnancy, as well as your care providers' recommendations
Mothering the mother – caring for the mother postpartum

Book Recommendations:

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May
To Have and to Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma by Molly Millwood, PhD

Don’t be afraid to break barriers and do what works for your family, in all areas of parenting.

Follow on IG: @suppreya

Or on the KWE Calgary Regional Facebook Group

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

We know the outdoors feels good, but did you know it's actually wiring and re-wiring our brains too? Itzel Fernandez Camacho, M.D. is here to tell us all about it!

Itzel Fernandez Camacho is a mom of two, a lifelong learner, and M.D. She previously worked in pediatric rehabilitation, and she considers the outdoors to be the perfect environment to stimulate gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and sees nature as a sensory playground where children have endless opportunities to improve their neurodevelopment. Now, if that’s not a reason to get outside…!

She grew up in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She is currently travelling 3 continents with her family. She enjoys hiking, camping, paddle boarding, walking barefoot, climbing trees, swimming in the ocean, and exploring new cultures.

In Med school, Itzel noticed that they didn’t teach anything about the outdoors. After kids, she thought that rehabilitation should include the outdoors!!

Our Brains in the Outdoors:

Even just looking outdoors or having live plants - your senses are all stimulated
Allows for better concentration, focus, and the ability to memorize better!
Improves behaviour, happiness, and reduces anxiety and depression
Grey matter in brain positively impacted - creating new connections, because the brain is very plastic, especially in the first 3 years of life
Can prevent metabolic disease, help cardiovascular health, lower ADHD symptoms
Exposes you to vitamins that help with bone and muscle growth - giving our children a healthier life!!
Risky play – gets them to make decisions together, work on concentration, and work on physical ability

We are meant to be outdoors. We need to find ways to be exposed to the outdoors every day, and the more time we can.

Grounding in All Seasons with Dr. Laura Koniver episode - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-40-grounding-in-all-seasons-with-dr-laura-koniver/

Give children time to explore. Don’t rush them. Let them choose what they love. Try not to direct and organize too much

Book Series Recommendation [on Audio Book]: The Expeditioners

Follow on IG: @tribupassport

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

One thing that can be overwhelming for adventure families is how to feed their babies on the adventure. We hope that by sending some ideas out there, we will inspire you to get out and try it - because actively doing it will help you find what works best for your family!

Tips for all:

Feed in the car before/after adventure
Have more than you think you need when it comes to snacks, always! Life-long lesson
Have something for older kids/toddlers to keep them close: Nature journal, books, scavenger hunt, snacks, their own baby and carrier
Have something to sit on – EZ Seat or Rumpl Blanket, for example

Breastfeeding Tips:

Listen back to episode Ep. 30 Nursing On-The-Trail with Petra Sporinova

about breastfeeding on-the-go - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-30-nursing-on-the-trail-with-petra-sporinova/

Wear nursing clothing (or what makes you feel comfortable) in all weather…[We partnered with Kojo to make our own - https://kojo.shop/en/produkt/growing-merino-pants-gray-wilderness-kopia/]
Try different positions at home first
You can feed in the front carrier [Check out Babywearing 101 episode: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-10-babywearing-101-with-vanessa-shynkaruk/]
Normalize breastfeeding in public

Bottle-Feeding Tips:

Start with small adventures to be close to supplies
Steam bottles, prep measurements ahead of time in each bottle, and put in Ziploc bags (or bring entire formula kit in tote bag in adventure wagon, or car)
Use Yeti mug with hot water (or buzz through a drive thru and get hot water, if you forget)
If using premade formula bottles, during cold weather wrap them up in clothing and put them in the middle of your pack, so they don’t freeze
Try ‘not as hot’ bottles at home, to see if your baby can tolerate them
Clean bottles after adventures

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Kirsty Pardede calls herself a “can’t stay at home” stay at home mum to two wild kids, Arlo & Eia. 2 weeks after they moved to their new home, Bali, her husband started working away during the week. Learning a whole new way of life with kids was the hardest thing she’s ever done. What kept her happy was getting outside, and exploring their new island home. Get ready to hear many tips on how to solo parent on adventures with kids!

Kirsty was born and raised in the West of Scotland, but currently calls Indonesia home. After years of backpacking around the world, hiking, climbing and living in various countries, her husband Hardin and her returned to Scotland. But even after having kids, settling down there didn't make them happy, so they jumped on the opportunity to move to Bali, Indonesia in 2019, when Arlo was 1 and Eia was just 10 weeks old. Nowadays you’ll find them hiking, surfing and exploring Indonesia and beyond!

Solo Adventure Tips:

Just go!
Go to well-trafficked places
Take your dog, if you have one
Let someone know where you’re going (can drop pin of location, or use satellite phone)
Bring phone charger
Make noise
Always pack snacks!

Benefits to Getting Out Solo:

Mental health – easier to parent outdoors

Snacks (cannot melt or go bad in heat):

Rice snacks
Jelly snacks
A lot of fruit
Watermelon – for hydration too!
Cereal bars
Tempeh and other Indonesian snacks
Water!! And coconut water

Book Recommendation: The Call of the Wild and Free

@wildandfree.co

Follow Kirsty on IG: @wildadventuremum YouTube: Wild Adventure Mum - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB9whwphIwDcX4YrqDOYCUw

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Comparison is the thief of joy. Erika Bertin has felt this comparison and wants to send the message out to all adventure parents that it doesn’t have to be. When you see other people adventuring, try not to compare. Getting outside in the backyard, or the park, can be just as amazing as summiting a mountain for us and our kiddos!

Erika is mama to two little explorers, plus 2 doggos. She is a wife, and lover of the outdoors. Her family loves hiking, cross country skiing, enjoying picnics in nature, camping and basically anything that gets them outside. They are working on their 1000 hours outside this year (with her 5-year-old being very passionate about tracking their outdoor time).

Reminders When Comparison Creeps Up:

Try to take inspiration and tips
Know that it’s a highlight reel
You don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes (you’re only seeing a snippet)
Don’t let comparing keep you from doing your own thing – know it’s about being outside and being together
Remind yourself of the awesome moments on the adventure
Let yourself feel good about you sharing your good moments – don’t let other’s good moments dampen yours

Follow Erika on IG: @throw.me.to.the.bears

On the KWE Regional Facebook Pages – Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton

https://m.facebook.com/kidswhoexplore/

Kid Podcast Suggestions:

Cool Facts about Animals - https://app.kidslisten.org/pod/Cool-Facts-About-Animals

The Curious Kid Podcast - https://www.curiouskidpodcast.com

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

“It’s not a hike, it’s a mission. It’s not a walk, it’s a quest. It’s not grocery shopping, it’s a scavenger hunt.” Margaret Bradford and her family have made life an adventure. Known as Our Family Flies, they share airport, plane, and destination tips, as they’ve seen their fair share of planes, trains, and automobiles!!

Margaret Bradford is mama to two daughters, 4-year-old Farrah, and 18-month-old Eleanor. Based out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, along with her spouse Dustin, and their dog Jagr, they love everything from camping, to road tripping, to international travel. Like many moms, Margaret was concerned before having kids that she would lose a part of her identity, one being travel, but today, she’s travelled to Thailand, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and even took a 9-week road trip in a 20-foot trailer through western Canada, all with kids in tow.

In Airport Tips:

Use gate check options for strollers (and car seats, if you want)
Can carry-on hiking pack (use pockets to pack extra)
All airports seem to have different rules for pumped milk through security

In Plane Tips:

For long haul flights, airlines will often offer bassinette seats for babies up until a certain height/weight/age
Take off and landing – breastfeed, bottle feed, use soother, or offer something to chew
Toy ideas: Books, no mess colouring, reusable stickers, magnetic doodle board, Squigz, post-it notes, painter's tape, Pop It, wooden puzzle, pom poms and empty containers; but first toy can simply be people-watching on the plane (and the aisles)
Snacks! Pack pill containers with snacks, or wrapped Easter eggs, so it takes a little longer to “work for their food”
Bring meals on longer flights, and fruit (and pouches) for refreshing hydration

Destination Tips:

Look for car seat rentals to be ready upon arrival, if you don’t want to pack car seat
Look for Airbnbs or something that has a kitchen; you can also request a fridge at hotels
For sleep – go with the sun and get outside, limit the cat naps to adjust to the new time
Try not overschedule, especially at first
Recommended: Packing travel crib (phil&teds® Traveller™ Portable Crib) and travel high chair

Have patience. Expect meltdowns. Be prepared with snacks and activities - and don’t completely fly by the seat of your pants.

Book Recommendation:

Don't Try This at Home: One Family's (mis)Adventures Around the World by Rob Krause and Daria Salamon

Follow on IG: @ourfamilyflies

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

This one speaks for itself. How to get kids of all ages outside. Jen Parkes, a New Zealand Travel Writer and Photographer, has 7 tips for getting kids outside. Take a listen, because she may even surprise you with 3 bonus tips!

Jen Parkes, along with husband, Ashley, and three children, Nathan 8, Kipton 6, and Emilia 4, loves to get outside and explore their beautiful home, in hopes to inspire others to travel and do the same! While Jen works full-time as a content creator, Ashley is a dairy farmer. They love multi-day adventures that allow them to hike, camp, ski, paddleboard, and boat.

Tips:

Show them pictures ahead of time and ask them questions to get them involved in the hike.
Have them help prepare some yummy food for the adventure.
Start the hike with games, good stories, or “what if” questions.
Talk to them like an adult - express this is something you’d like to do together and let them choose something else they'd like to do.
Up their pride with their own gear to take care of - backpack, water pack, etc.
Evaluate what motivates your kid - would it be a one-on-one adventure with you, or would it help for them to bring their friends?
Let them skip sometimes - the FOMO may bring them back for more.

Bonus Tips:

Find time to be one-on-one with each kid (Book Discussed: The Family Board Meeting by Jim Sheils).
Teach them how to do first aid in an emergency scenario.
Choose something new and challenging for kids to take on.

“It is easier to parent in nature where children can be free-range.”

Follow Jen Parkes: https://backyardtravelfamily.com IG: @backyardtravelfamily

Recommendations: Glow Lab Lotion - https://www.glowlab.co.nz/products/body/body-lotion/body-lotion/ Outlander TV Series

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

How do you choose a trail that is truly family-friendly? Jessica Sproat, co-founder of Trail Collectiv, is helping make that a whole lot easier! Learn how they are redefining trails and what it means to be outdoorsy!

Jessica Sproat is an outdoor enthusiast, traveller, and explorer. She believes in the power of the outdoors, and is an advocate for access to nature for all. Jessica has a master's degree in Child Development, and works as a photographer, writer, and content creator. She is the co-founder of a new app, TrailCollectiv, that seeks to break down barriers to accessing nature and the outdoors for people of all ages and abilities. Jess was raised close to the Canadian Rockies and now lives in Vancouver with her husband and son.

Trail Collectiv has trail information geared for families - anything from a little trail in a playground area and is 500m, to some “bigger” hikes.

Trail Collectiv App Includes:

Adventures for all age ranges and abilities
Distance and elevation
If it’s rooty/rocky
If it’s good for wheelchairs/strollers
If bathrooms are accessible
If there are bridges/water/views, etc.
The parking situation; do you need any parking passes?
If it’s in/near avalanche terrain
Difficulty rating scale – 5 ratings

As a parent choosing family adventures, remember to change expectations and find the beauty in the outdoors.

How to Contribute to Trail Collectiv:

Download app
Sign up on waiting list
Become a “trail contributor”
Spread the word!

Book Recommendation: Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

Follow Jessica and Trail Collectiv:

www.trailcollectiv.com
IG: @trailcollectiv & @jesscsproat
Facebook Groups: Born to Be Adventurous
App Stores: TrailCollectiv

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

“Being screen free isn’t about counting minutes on a screen, it’s about choosing moments in real life.” We couldn’t agree more with Andrea Davis, the founder of Better Screen Time. She addresses the benefits of limiting tech, gives ideas for family tech-plans, and shares how we can show healthy screen use as parents!

Andrea Davis is a former Secondary Ed Teacher turned Screen-Time-Navigator. She is the founder of Better Screen Time, where she shares family-tested ideas from the (tech) trenches as a mom of five. She is on a mission to help parents worry less about tech, and connect more with their kids. Andrea and her husband, Tyler, live in beautiful Hood River, Oregon where they love spending time outdoors as a family.

Benefits from Limiting Tech:

More face-to-face time with family and friends
Better sleep
Better grades and behaviour in school
Less access to content that is not age-appropriate

Adult/Family Tech-Plan Ideas:

Use TV like an appliance and pull out when in use
No devices in bedrooms or bathrooms (no screens in isolation; make it family connection based)
Remember that “safe searches” and limiting websites don’t always help
Can start kids who need a communication device with a brick phone

There has to be boundaries and emotional intelligence with these devices, because even as adults, we struggle.

How To Show Healthy Screen Use As a Working Parent:

Have your own healthy boundaries
Consider a social media sabbatical every Sunday (or choose a day)
Leave phone at home on date night (show prioritizing relationships)
“Live your tech-life out loud.” Tell kids what you’re doing on your device
Have specific work hours

Follow Andrea: https://www.betterscreentime.com

IG: @betterscreentime

Her Book, Creating a Tech-Healthy Family - https://www.amazon.ca/Creating-Tech-Healthy-Family-Must-Have-Conversations/dp/1734885904/ref=sr_1_2?crid=MEI0BWXKO19H&keywords=andrea+davis&qid=1655839385&sprefix=an%2Caps%2C941&sr=8-2

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Creating a Tech-Healthy Family: Ten Must-Have Conversations to Help You Worry Less and Connect More With Your Kids

Not only is it a beautiful thing to share our passions with our children, but it’s such a treat to see that mutual love shine through in them. If you’re not comfortable in the outdoors, what are some ways you can share an outdoor passion while learning and gaining confidence yourself? That’s what we are here to talk about today!

Tips to Gain Confidence in Sharing Your Passions (or New Passions):

Start Small (practice indoors)
Join in with someone who is more of an expert (or communities)
Take classes (parent and tot classes help YOU learn)
Think about where you are confident, and start there
Use resources: We have podcasts, blogs, #kwetips on IG, and more. Plus, kids books are a wonderful resource! www.kidswhoexplore.com
Know that it all counts!

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Christina Sizemore from Houston Texas, along with her husband and daughter, watched their house burn down in 2017. They lost it all! But, what they didn’t lose was each other and their instinct to be close to the earth! She says this tragic experience has reframed how they do and see life. Learn how losing it all can help you gain so much more.

About Their Experience:

The fire started from a candle that lit window shades on fire and spread
Husband climbed out bedroom window. Was sleeping because he had worked the night shift. Chris had gone out to get their daughter from school
They’ve learned PTSD never goes away…you just learn how to manage it. Now the smell of fire can set her off. She has to say her mantra that they are all safe

How They’ve Found Healing:

Therapy! Take care of your mind, like you take care of your body
Working on releasing guilt
Discovered what they didn’t want to bring back into their lives and where to let go
Found a renewed importance in the outdoors
Finds joy in volunteering, donating, and supporting others in challenging times

If You Ever Find Yourself in This Situation, A Few Tips:

Call 911. Then family! Then insurance
Try to get as many documents as possible (reminder to take photos of documents, so you can have the numbers on file saved in iCloud (or whatever you use to backup))
In the States, almost everything requires your Social Security Number (good number to have memorized, or saved somewhere and backed up)
On their website, strongerthanfire.com, there is a step-by-step guide
Go to a hospital to check about smoke inhalation

Recommendations:

IG: @sharonsaysso and her podcast, teaching about government and history
Book: The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore

Stick around to the end of this episode. Adri drew a card for Chris and it came up as “The Keeper’s of the Earth.”

Follow Chris at:

IG: @strongerthanfire

Website: Strongerthanfire.com

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

This has been a topic we’ve been asked about in our community more than a few times - How can people without kids support families in the outdoors? What a beautiful question to ask! We can’t wait to share some ideas.

How to Support Families in the Outdoors:

Be patient in witnessing (tantrums, slow pace; offer words of encouragement and kindness) & avoid comments that sting
Find a friend that could use a helping hand; let them know you’re willing to come along
Join a community with support/volunteer outreach in mind
Offer assistance to a friend you already have and let them choose the difficulty-level and timing of adventure to match their kids’ routine
Be flexible

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

When you live on an ultra-remote island, you can’t simply click “buy now” and have something arrive at your doorstep within 24 hours. The Kellys know this from their life on Uepi, in the Soloman Islands. Not only is their lifestyle very minimalist because of necessity, but also because of intention for a life with meaning in the outdoors, and a love for the planet. They have some amazing takeaways on how to live a life with less stuff and more nature!

The Kellys run an ethical tourist resort and a grass-roots based charity centred around protecting the incredible natural environment and traditional islander way of life.

The Kelly’s last episode: Episode 51, Exploring the Ocean - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-51-exploring-the-ocean-with-jase-kate-kelly/

They have to be intentional with what they bring to the island. If they don’t want something any longer, the disposal of that item is up to them too. How things are made, what they’re made of, and how long they last is important for every item.

Let’s Talk Minimalism:

Kid Toys:

Their kids get very creative, because they don’t have one-use items. Timber blocks make the best toys!
They ask people to give them less, and put less emphasis on gifts
They have a maximum amount of bins that can hold toys and pass them on regularly
At Kinder, what they teach with so little is inspiring – shells, sticks, and leaves, allow for group activities, learning, counting, and crafting

Clothes:

They have handmedowns from Australia, and then they pass on those clothes if they are still wearable (move them on to the village)
They believe in having quality items, and loving them fully/using them up!

Adventure Gear:

Quality is key! It needs to last
Paddle Board – Honu - https://honuboards.com

Home:

They don’t own a car – no cars allowed on the island
Everything is functional, tidy, and only what they need

Food:

Use what they have
Everything is made from scratch – the bread, the crackers, everything!
Lots of fresh produce
Fresh fish they catch themselves
They batch use whatever they get at a time

Parenting outside is smoother than parenting inside! Kids are never too young to appreciate the things that you’re interested in. Do something you enjoy doing, and bring them along! Focus on what you appreciate in that environment and show them. There is endless opportunity of interest, if you take the time to share it with your kids!

Follow the Kellys:

IG: @theislandlifeofus

YouTube: The Island Life of Us - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheIslandLifeofUs

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Let them lead! Children often get told where to be, what to do (and not do), and sometimes even how to feel for a good chunk of their days. Watching, listening, and understanding your children or the children you care for, and allowing them to lead, will create wonderful memories and fun adventures. So, where should we start?

In episode 37, you got to meet Brittany Williams, who is from Knoxville, Tennessee. She has worked in Early Childhood Education for nearly 12 years. She could talk risky play and bodily autonomy all day long! And on top of that, she’s a wonderful stepmama who is all about getting her daughter outside on adventures, to explore the world around her!

Brittany’s Last Episode: Episode 37, Risky Play and Nature Education - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-37-risky-play-nature-education-with-brittany-williams/

Book Referenced: How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

How to Follow Their Lead:

Allow them to pick from choices
Work on problem solving as a group (everyone can share their ideas – write them down – then you can map out which work for this season/activity/situation)
Make a bucket list or wish list with them
Be present and watch your children; notice when they are showing interest in certain activities, or moments within the activity
Allow pausing for things they want to see, or snacks

How to Still Guide:

Teach navigation and mile markers
Teach areas you’re confident in (those topics may lead to more questions)
Plan screen limits, so time is spent in different ways
In groups, take turns, set timers, accept feelings (even though it’s harder to hear every voice, every voice and feeling matters)
Indoors – offer toys that are materials, not just things with one purpose. There is magic in blocks and cardboard boxes (sticks and rocks) – look up / think “loose parts”

Risky Play:

They will assess how their body moves and feels
Slow down and watch if they need some reminders of what to pay attention to and assess

Bodily Autonomy:

Accept how they feel from giving hugs to getting wet on an adventure

Follow Brittany:

IG: @bbwilliams21

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

“Keep on going.” “Come on.” “Pick up those feet.” “Look forward.” How many of these lines are repeated over and over again on the trail, or anywhere really? We don’t want every step to feel like drudgery; we want each step to be a “we can do hard things” moment! Today we discuss some things you can do with toddlers and all-aged kids to make hiking fun, while still getting them moving forward!

Toddlers:

Choose a do-able adventure
End on a high note (if you can)
Start or finish in the carrier (soft-structured or hiking carrier)
Give them choice
Use different positions – flying, holding hands, follow the leader, piggy back
Pretend to be different animals
Find a safe point for them to reach
Get them to “catch you”
Monkey see, monkey do with kids

All Kids:

Give them trekking poles
Let them choose what’s in their packs
Pick “points of interest” (remember to not let kids go ahead in bear country, and various other areas)
Do a scavenger hunt (join KWE email list to get our regular FREE sheets) - https://kidswhoexplore.com
Try mushroom hunting, bird watching, grounding with the trees
Play games – hike-and-go-seek (safely), I spy, races, 20 questions
Bring friends!
Have snack breaks
Let everyone make a goal that is super attainable for them

Mostly importantly, be creative and willing to switch it up. Bring the energy you want the kids to feel! And, never feel bad calling it and saying it’s not going to be a big adventure day!

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Is figuring out sleep arrangements for a whole family keeping you from diving into camping? Have you camped with kids, but sleeping was a disaster? Or, do you simply need to upgrade your sleep plan for tent time? Today, Tara Sliwkanich, who calls her family casual campers, gives so many helpful tips to let go of sleep expectations, but still be prepared for it all!

Her last episode – Episode 47, How To Enjoy a Road Trip: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-47-how-to-enjoy-a-road-trip-with-tara-sliwkanich/

Disclaimer: Tara Sliwkanich is not a baby sleep expert. Please always do your own further research and talk to your care providers if you have any questions/concerns.

Baby Sleep While Camping:

Refer to the Safe Sleep Seven: https://www.llli.org/the-safe-sleep-seven/
NOT safe for babies to sleep on air mattress or air-filled sleeping pad (baby needs to be on a closed cell, hard pad only)
For baby’s under 1-year-old, no loose blankets or pillows

Sleep Space Options for Baby:

KidCo Pea Pod – designed for baby’s 1-year-old and up (Sleeping pad is attached underneath, so no risk of baby rolling into sleeping pad or it covering their face) - https://www.kidco.com/product/peapod/
Moses Wicker Basinette
Travel Basinette
Pack N Play (large tent required)

What Else You Need to Think About for Babies:

Weather-Appropriate Clothing:

Merino wool or synthetic base layers, so it’s moisture-wicking
Fleece mid-layer
2 Tog. sleep sac
Morrison Outdoors Sleeping Bag (rated sleep safe for kids; good to minus 7 degrees Celsius) - https://morrisonoutdoors.com/collections/baby-sleeping-bags
Babies = one more layer than adults. Check back of neck for temperature

Diaper Disposal:

Soiled diapers should not be left in tent, even in the middle of the night
Soiled diapers go in a bear-safe garbage, in a car if front-country camping, or in a bear hang if backcountry camping
Reminder to leave no trace, take out everything you brought in
Do not leave anything scented in tent, because it can attract wildlife [Check episode 15, Wildlife Safety While Camping - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-15-wildlife-safety-while-camping-with-kim-titchener/ ]

Breastfeeding:

Practise side-lying or cross-legged cradle hold breastfeeding positions

Safe Space for Baby During Set-Up/Cooking:

Babywear
Bumbo multi-seat with tray – https://bumbo.com/product/multi-seat
Travel high chair
Foldable camping high chair
Keep eyes on them and within arms-reach
Toddlers can be given tasks to help

First Aid Kit:

Check episode 41, Holistic First Aid Kits - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-41-holistic-first-aid-kits-with-katie-braswell/
Always have one with you!
Have something for bug bites, pain relief, possible allergies, and anything else you may need – be prepared!

Also mentioned: Gloo tent for daytime SPF coverage - https://joovy.com/gloo/

Expectations on Sleep:

Embrace later bed times
Go with the sun
Have more cuddles
Find fun things to do in the tent with the adults (bring a little light)
Have your coffee ready in the morning!
Practise at home first
Keep trying!! You don’t need to be a hardcore camper to be a camping family

Other Recommendations:

Native Shoes - https://www.nativeshoes.com/ca/
Our Great National Parks Documentary

Follow Tara:

IG: @tsliwk

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Everyone’s pregnancy looks different, and hiking while pregnant will too. Make sure to listen to your own body and your care providers’ recommendations. In today’s episodes we share a little bit about what our hiking has looked like while pregnant, especially now, while hiking pregnant with toddlers in tow!

Hiking While Pregnant Tips:

Set the expectation that adventures may slow down for a period of time (or be shorter)
Allow yourself to go at toddler-pace, and let them lead the way
If carrying a toddler while pregnant, you may find the soft-structured carriers more comfortable than the bigger hiking carriers
Trekking poles are fantastic for balance! [And ice cleats/crampons in winter]
Put a boundary around first trimester, and “fourth trimester” (3 months postpartum) and be very cautious to listen to your body and what it needs
There is no pressure to do anything grand…just step outside!
Remember that in the grand scheme of things, pregnancy is such a short period of time

So, in summary: Slow down. Be present. Breathe in the fresh air. Cuddle that little bundle of joy!

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Rukmini Halliwell is a lover of mushrooms…the kind you would try to spot in nature. And that’s what we are going to discuss today…mushrooms!! You may just be picking up a new hobby after this episode.

You recently met Rukmini Halliwell on our podcast about Choosing a Life Jacket {PFD}. If you don’t remember, she is Kids Who Explore’s Inclusion Lead, she is a voice for breaking cultural barriers that prevent BIPOC from entering outdoor spaces, she is a wife and a mama who enjoys hiking with her family, and she’s a mushroom-lover.

Previous Episode: https://laurenrodycheberle.podbean.com/e/ep-67-choosing-a-life-jacket-with-rukmini-halliwell/

Ruk’s first ever hiking trip was in the Himalayas. After that, she set a goal for 30 hikes that year. Her husband broke his foot when she was already at 27, so she had to finish it on her own. She found a new hiking friend, and because they didn’t have anything in common, they started looking for mushrooms together. Then she started taking photos, put them up on a Reddit Mushroom Forum, then joined her local mycology society, and audited classes at York University.

Mushroom Identification:

Location
Time of year
Soil composition (or what it’s growing on)
It’s tree “best friend”
Sustainable foraging…only take one specimen (do not eat! Unless you 100% know what it is, and it’s cooked) – also check laws of country for foraging
Can use iNature app to help ID, or just to track
Take photos of mushroom from front, side, upskirt, and gills.
Check ID Key to go through list of identification markers

Where to Start with this Hobby:

Get books!
Read up on sustainable foraging
Join Mycology Society
Join a Facebook or Reddit Group

Mushroom “Hunting” is a great activity to do with toddlers!! It allows you to get on their level, get low, see how alive the forest is, and gets you to slow down and be present.

Eating pinecones mention: IG - @blackforager

Follow Ruk on IG: @rukminihalliwell

Thank you to Elements Outfitters for supporting today’s episode! Check out @elementsoutfitters, @patagoniacalgary, @patagoniabanff, and @patagoniavictoria.

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Adventuring with twins (or multiple kids very close in age) is a whole different ball game! Why not learn from a mama who has been doing it for 6 years? Jenny Carter has a ton of fun tips that not only makes adventuring with multiples seem more than do-able, but fun too! Hint: Find an adventure buddy, so you have another set of hands!

Jenny and her husband, John, love adventuring with their daughters, Salley and Lily. They moved to Wisconsin in the fall of 2021 from Arizona. On top of that, she is homeschooling her kids who are currently in kindergarten. The Carter’s got to try new winter activities this year, including snow shoeing and ice fishing. They also adore kayaking, hiking, camping, and road tripping. Plus, they can’t wait to one day introduce the girls to backpacking.

The biggest challenge for adventuring with twins was when they were learning to walk. Going out by herself wasn’t really a good idea, because everything in Arizona was sharp, pointy, or poisonous. She needed another set of adult hands.

Tips for Adventuring with Twins:

Always have another adult helper!
Tag team on the trail
Each adult can wear a baby, if you aren’t tandem babywearing
Pick a short, do-able trail
Focus on the desires of the kids, for them to be successful
Teach the kids to compromise together
Establish boundaries, so they stay close
Prepare the night before, and check the weather
By age 4, you can pick “points of interest” for kids to get to

Suggestions:

Wisconsin State Park Sticker - https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/admission Dr. Ana Maria Temple, Holistic Pediatrician – IG: @dranamariatemple

Follow Jenny on IG: @salleylily

Thank you to Elements Outfitters for supporting today’s episode! Check out @elementsoutfitters, @patagoniacalgary, @patagoniabanff, and @patagoniavictoria.

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

A life jacket is a life saving device! We will say it again…a life jacket is a life saving device! But, do you know what to look for when purchasing a life jacket? Do you know how to check if it fits your child correctly? Rukmini Halliwell is here to teach you everything you need to know!

You’ll find Rukmini Halliwell on any given weekend hiking along the Bruce Trail with her toddler, dog and husband in tow, hunting for mushrooms and sharing her biodiversity knowledge on the ‘gram. With a deep connection to her heritage and a passion to be on trail, she is also advocating for diversity and inclusion in the outdoors. After having her first child, Ruk began focusing on how to break cultural barriers that prevent BIPOC from entering outdoor spaces. Ruk is our Inclusion Manager at Kids Who Explore and we love having her on our team.

Ruk was a competitive swimmer for the majority of her life. She trained as a lifeguard, and practiced as a lifeguard, which got her passionate about the topic of water safety!!

Difference Between Life Jacket and Personal Floatation Device:

A life jacket is a piece of safety equipment. A safety regulation life jacket has very specific check boxes to be “coast-guard approved”
Personal floatation devices (PFD) can be any floatation outside of your body. Lots of items can be listed under PFD
There are different regulations for what you can call a life jacket or PFD in Canada versus States, and possibly other places

Please refer back to Episode 57 for Water Safety Tips too!

https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-57-water-safety-with-kaylee-kennedy/

Water Safety Tips:

Life jackets are meant to be life saving devices, but they are not meant to be a replacement of parental supervision, or to teach people to swim
Do not lose sight of your child (or anyone you’re attending to)
Open water requires a life jacket! [Model appropriate behaviour for your children by wearing a life jacket yourself]

What to Look for in a Life Jacket:

Colour: Red or orange (needs to show up bright in the water) Tip to correct ones that are bad colours/not visible in the water…use fluorescent duct tape
Crotch Strap: Needs to be done up, so the life jacket doesn’t float up over the child in the water
Fit: Multiple buckles, and proper size/fit
Material: Made out of foam (still works if there is a little rip or tear)
Head Rest: Flips them onto their back, so it keeps their airway open
Neck Pull: Allows you to grab them in the water and rescue them
NOT Inflatable: Do not use an inflatable life jacket! It’s not reliable

Think of a life jacket as a yearly investment! Buy the red one that fits at that exact time!!

Recommendations: Smart Wool Base Layers: https://www.smartwool.com Oh Crap Potty Training Book: On the Podcast - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-46-potty-training-in-the-outdoors-with-jamie-glowacki/

Follow Ruk on IG: @rukminihalliwell

Thank you to Elements Outfitters for supporting today’s episode! Check out @elementsoutfitters, @patagoniacalgary, @patagoniabanff, and @patagoniavictoria.

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

We’ve said it a million and one times. And we’ve heard it even more than that. Snacks! The number one thing you never want to forget on any adventure, near or far…the snacks!

We aren’t dieticians, although you can refer back to episode 21 with Dr. Ashley to learn about which snacks are good for your teeth.

Episode 21: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-21-snacks-on-the-trail-with-dr-ashley-toporowski/

What You Can Find in our Snack Packs:

Dates
Bars – make your own, or grab-and-go
Baked Goods – homemade muffins or egg bites
Fruit or Fruit Bowl
Veggies and Dip – especially hummus
Wraps and Sandwiches
Salad – usually without kids, or picnic-style
Smoothie – often for in the car
Crackers – have water for after to protect those teeth!
Water!
Electrolyte Gummies – sometimes
Pouches – can also make your own in reusable pouches (to be kind to the environment)
Coffee or Tea – after adventure or for the car ride

Resources Mentioned: Brownie Pan Snacks: https://laurenrodycheberle.com/2016/09/27/primal-pancakes/ Bento Box (Yum Box): https://yumboxlunch.com/blogs/press/the-best-lunch-boxes-for-kids Rumpl Picnic Blanket & Towel: https://www.rumpl.com

Pro Tip (haha): Make sure to take pits out of dates before you blend them into a smoothie. Good idea to do before hiking with kids too!

Thank you to Elements Outfitters for supporting today’s episode! Check out @elementsoutfitters, @patagoniacalgary, @patagoniabanff, and @patagoniavictoria.

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Back on Episode 20, we had the pleasure of chatting with Jennifer and LJ, the founds and owners of 3 Moms Organics, which carries a natural, organic, DEET-free tick and insect repellent, that is EPA compliant, and is registered in all 50 States. We had so many more questions following that episode that we just had to have them back!!

Episode 20, Tick Safety: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-20-tick-safety-with-3-moms-organics/id1548759798?i=1000525534832

Jenn’s daughter was recently bit by a tick. She came home and felt an itch, Jenn looked and saw the tick. She stayed calm. Got the needle-nose tweezers. Removed the tick straight out (do not twist). Washed the area. Put the tick in a plastic bag, wrote the date on it, and taped it to the cabinet. Then they waited for symptoms/signs, because you don’t want to test every tick. She found her daughter had symptoms 2 weeks later, so they sent the tick in for testing, and got an antibiotic from the doctor in the meantime.

If you have a concern and are showing symptoms, ask for tick-borne panel testing, as it tests for more than just Lyme disease.

Where Ticks Can Be Found:

Long and short grass
Beach sand
Sidewalk

They have 8 legs, so they hang out and “quest” and then cling onto you. Spring brings a higher chance of tick encounters.

Steps Before/During Adventuring:

Spray TickWise on you and your equipment (lasts for 90 minutes)
Wear long, light-coloured socks and tuck your pants into socks
Cover up with light-coloured clothing
Use Permethrin on shoes (not on skin!!)
Reapply TickWise every 90 minutes

Steps After Adventuring:

Use a lint roller on clothing to catch any ticks
Remove cloths, put in dryer for 1 hour on high heat
Check body for ticks; Shower
Don’t scratch without looking

If You Find a Tick:

Use needle nose tweezers to pull it straight out, slowly
Clean area
Put tick in plastic bag with date
Watch for symptoms
If you find it in your house, not on you, burn it

TickWise Spray:

Organic and natural, so no harm having directly on you regularly
3 Moms Organics is all about tick education!
TickWise can last for 3 years, if not in direct sunlight
Replace bottle more often if in direct sunlight
Can also deter many other bugs, including mosquitos
Can work in hair as detangler, and to keep lice away
“Tick Kit” coming soon!

Signs of a Tick-Borne Illness:

Fever
Stomach issues
Joints hurting (usually travelling joint pain)
Lethargic
Dark circles under eyes
Night sweats
Meat allergy (4-8 hours after eating)
Anything out of the ordinary for you!

Lyme disease symptoms will show up instantly, but many other tick-borne diseases don’t show up as quickly.

Follow 3 Moms Organics:

@3momsorganics

Youtube, Facebook, IG

3momsorganics.com

Recommendations:

Book: Glow Kids by Nicholas Kardaras, Ph.D.

Podcast – Imagined Life

Use Code: KWE2022 for 15% off TickWise now until May 14, 2022

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Whether you can already name countless birds, or you simply enjoy hearing the birds singing around you, there are so many ways to appreciate birds even more and make them a bigger part of your outdoor adventures! Your kids may surpass you in their birding-skills, but today’s guest, Launne Kolla, who is a Wildlife and Marine Biologist, has so many ways to making birding fun for the whole family!

Launne Kolla grew up on a cattle and grain farm near Melfort, SK, Canada. She attended the University of Saskatchewan and Dalhousie University to further her education. She works as a wildlife biologist for EDI Environmental Dynamics, a consulting company with offices across Western Canada. Most of Launne's work deals with bird species at risk, identifying where they are, where they nest and how to protect those species. Launne lives with her husband Dillon and two daughters, Ruby (4) and Polly (1) in Saskatoon.

Birding Resources Mentioned:

App: Sibley
App: Song Sleuth
Book: Sibley
Cornel Ornithology Lab
Allaboutbirds.org

How To Include Kids in Birding/Bird-Watching:

Make it a game: “How many birds will we see today?”
Make a scavenger hunt of lists of birds to find (Tip: Start with bigger birds)
Listen for birds everywhere; mimic their sounds, and identify direction of sound

Practice Mnemonics:

Try saying out loud what they are saying; Some examples:
Chickadee says “chickadee-dee-dee”
Olive Sided Fly Catcher says “drink three beer”
Yellow Worbler says “sweet sweet sweet I’m so sweet”
Barred Owl says “who cooks for you who cooks for you all”
Google these! OR sometimes you will find them in their bios on Sibley, OR you can simply try listen and figure out what you hear

How to Protect Birds:

Don’t “call them” from Sibley too much, but one call to listen for a call back is fine
Don’t feed them
Don’t touch nests, unless you are helping put an egg back that fell
Get out of the way of birds aggressively squawking/chirping
Be cautious considering birds as pets that don’t get to fly freely

Migratory birds come back in the spring, breed all summer, and leave to somewhere warm in the fall. Best time to see all the birds is May-August usually.

Launne’s Favourite Birds:

Maribou Storks (in Africa)
Great Blue Herons (locally)
Crows (they are really smart!)

Recommendations:

Lint Scraper for dog hair from Lint Rolled - https://lintrolled.com/
Book: Nightingale and The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Find Launne:

IG: @do.more.good (goal of sustainability)

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Adrianna birthed Kids Who Explore along with the birth of her first son, Turner. Adrianna’s adventure friend, Lauren came right along with her, and birthed a little buddy for Turner, just 5 months earlier. Now, we have more exciting news!

Follow along as we adventure with 4 kids, 2-years and under!! Coming July and October 2022! In this episode we talk about parental leave, moving houses, and how life will look a little bit different! Don’t worry – still lots of KWE!!

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Getting outside doesn’t always need to be a big hike or a far away destination; It can be to your local park. Natasha Dillinger takes park adventures to a whole new level, with exploring more than 35 parks in 2021 with her two kids. That sounds like a fun goal to us!!

Raised in California, Natasha, known on Instagram as Suitcases in Seattle, now calls Seattle home. She not-so-secretly loves the gray skies, green landscapes, rocky beaches and mountain views. An accountant by trade, she's adapted her love of spreadsheets to plan outings with her two young children. You'll usually find them at a park or trailhead, or enjoying some of the amazing road-trippable destinations the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Why Parks Are a Great Outing:

They are accessible
They are free!
They are closer proximity than big hikes
They get you at least an hour outside even on rainy days

Why Park Days Make for a “Lucky Mama:”

You need less toys at home
Your home stays cleaner!
The fun is already created, for those who don’t want to set up a Pinterest Project
Kids practise their gross motor skills
Kids can get dirty!
Allows opportunity for kids to see other kids outside, and all different kinds of kids!
It’s a great “coffee date” option for parents

Other great toys to bring along to the park can be sand toys for the sand pit!

Some Seattle Locations Mentioned:

Garfield Ledges (North Bend)
Yesler Terrace (hit up Tougo Coffee Shop)
Golden Gardens Park & Beach
Pivot Farm (unicorn ride)

Rain Gear Mentioned:

Polarn O. Pyret (get some rain mittens!) - https://www.polarnopyretusa.com

Book Recommendation:

Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff

Check Out Episode 42 to hear her and learn more - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-42-why-to-avoid-kid-centered-activities-with/id1548759798?i=1000542061182

Follow Natasha:

IG: @suitcasesinseattle

Writes for Parent Map & Seattle Child

https://www.parentmap.com & https://www.seattleschild.com

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Gary Martinez raises his voice for all to hear, as he teaches others about autism. His daughter is on the autism spectrum, and she is his inspiration! His message is one of patience, perspective, and creativity and it is a great lesson for all of us!

Gary Martinez is a father of two, an inspirational speaker, the author of Living Life Through Their Eyes, Our Journey Together On the Autism Spectrum, a personal trainer, and he runs the S.T.A.R. Program, which is a digital Autism Course.

Signs of Autism He Noticed in his Daughter:

She didn’t respond to people
She was non-verbal
Her play was very lined up and organized
She was very repetitive

How He Helps His Daughter Thrive:

Allows her to have to her own space
Knows she may not be able to make eye contact
Learns about what she is fascinated with
Allows lots of play breaks
Offers physical space for moving her body
Uses the outdoors and music heavily
Tries to avoid overstimulation of the senses

How the Outdoors Has Helped His Daughter:

Got her comfortable walking on uneven surfaces
Comfort found in the outdoors, especially areas she knows
Repetitive motions are enjoyed, such as swings

Some Tips on Meltdowns:

Reduce meltdowns by offering play breaks as many times throughout the day as needed
During meltdown, let them experience it in a safe space
Evaluate meltdown, some may require distraction (listen to his story about enacting a Disney scene), or co-regulation

References:

Occupational Therapist: Angie Voss - http://asensorylife.com/index.html
Podcast: Ed Mylett - https://www.edmylett.com/podcasts/

Gary’s Call to Action is: Respect differences. Ask parents if they need any help – make a friend!

Follow Gary:

Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn: Gary Martinez Jr IG: @gary_martinez_jr TikTok: @garymartinezjr

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Kathryn Farrell says that in the outdoors her family’s spirit is better! Isn’t that the truth for all of us? So, even working in a dark, operating room all day, and living right in the city, she has found a way to prioritize the outdoors. Not only are her words hang-on-your-wall quote worthy, but she has many great takeaways for all of us surrounded by concrete!

Kathryn Farrell has a Masters in Health Science, a Degree in Nutrition, and as she says, she loves to get nerdy with her two kids and sneak in science lessons. For the past decade she has worked as a Physician’s Assistant. She designed the CO Carrier after struggling to find a baby carrier that fit all her needs - comfortable enough to wear outside in her hot summers, quick and simple to put on, and compact enough to bring on her daily outings. Nearly her entire life has been spent in the Southeast, in Atlanta and Florida. She grew up camping, swimming, and rarely playing indoors. By high school, she fell in love with the sport of running, and since has competed in many marathons.

Outdoor Adventure Ideas While City-Living:

Go in the backyard
Learn about all things in nature!
Head for a hike
Go on a bike ride
Go swimming
Take a walk
Visit a park
Play soccer (or other sports)
Roll cars down a hill
Experience the whole world!

And don’t forget to incorporate those science lessons into your adventures! Just talk…answer all the “why” questions. Notice things changing in the environment, or what things are made of, or what creatures are doing. Be curious about how things work.

Items to Have Ready in a To-Go Bag:

Backpack (with drink holders)
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Towel
Diapers (depending on age)
Spare Clothes
Carrier
Wet Wipes
Water and Snacks
Some toys

Getting Outside When It’s Hot:

Spend time in water
Find shade
Take regular sips of water

Kathryn’s CO Carrier can go all directions, can hold up to 35 pounds, is light weight, and folds up easily.

Book Suggestion:

Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst by Robert M. Sapolsky

Find Kathryn at CO Carrier:

cofamily.co

@cofamilyco – IG, Facebook, & TikTok

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

How do you transition a friendship from wild (possibly reckless) adventures to family-friendly, safe adventures with kids literally ALWAYS in tow? Adrianna & Lauren did that exact thing, and they have found some key takeaways that help them maintain their friendship, and have even watched it flourish with the addition of their mini adventurers!

Some Key Lessons/Tips:

Plan next adventure after each adventure, so you always have the next one pencilled in
Give 30-minute arrival windows!
Agree on difficulty level of adventures, type of adventures, temperature, etc.
Have Plan A, B, and C – alter activity if you need, but honour that time you have scheduled together

Remember: Your summit doesn’t have to be the top of the mountain. It can be whatever you want it to be - a rock pile, a lake, a spot in the city, a coffee shop!! Choose your summit. The language and perspective of that will take you far!

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Melissa Bald had a burning desire to explore, but the Van-Life simply wasn’t going to work for her family. So, what did she do? She found a way! The Balds sold their home and rented their way through the USA for a year, allowing her husband to work virtually, and her to homeschool her kiddos! Learn how a year as nomads taught a family how to find adventure in their own backyard!

Their Favourite Outdoor Adventures:

Nature scavenger hunts
Hiking
Swimming
Enjoying the mountains!

A Memorable Location:

Keystone, Colorado

Pros from a Year of Travel:

So much family bonding time
They felt safe during the pandemic, because they were their own little bubble

Challenge from a Year of Travel:

Learning what/how to pack for different climates and homeschool, which all needed to fit into their SUV
Packing monthly to “move” again
Finding rentals for the duration they wanted (4-6 weeks each time)

Advice for Those Wanting to Take On Something Similar:

You can create adventure in smaller stints (start small, if you need)
You can rent out your house to make it more financially-feasible (they sold, as it was the right time for them)
Book as you go, so you can gauge how long you want to spend in each place
You can often use your current address for shipping items you may need, such as contact lenses, or medicine, for example
Other mail can be forwarded to a (willing) relative, if you don’t have a PO Box

A key takeaway: The Balds had a drive and desire to see everything where they were, and now they bring that into their permanent home/stationary suburb “normal life”!

Show Recommendation:

Alone (on the Discovery Channel)

Follow Melissa:

IG: @melissbald

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

Production: @kpmediaproductions.

Music: @michaelferraro_music

We all want to be present with our children, right? That’s what is so beautiful about swimming – there’s no place that you could be more present. You need to be exactly where you are! Talking to Kaylee Kennedy, the founder of many swim schools, not only inspired us to get in the water with our children, but also taught us the best safety measures to take, and methods to teach to foster a love for the water.

Kaylee Kennedy, taught her oldest son to swim as a baby, and it bonded them in such a strong way. It inspired Kaylee to open up Saskatoon Swim School in the Fall of 2014 when her son was just a year old. Her overall philosophy of teaching beginners to swim is to do so as effectively and safely as possible. But it did not end there. In came K&K Swim School throughout Canada. Then, with the pandemic, came a whole new vision - teaching babies and toddlers to swim in their own bathtubs at home - watermellow (previously, KKOnlineSwim)l was born.

Start Swimming with Kids:

Can start as young as 3-weeks-old
The younger, the better! [definitely before 14-months-old is ideal]
Can start in the bathtub
Can also learn in a hot tub that is set to 90-91 degrees [what you need for kids until around 3-years-old is depth, more than length]
Kids should be swimming once a week, or at least twice a month, so their body doesn’t forget

Tip: Bring goggles for anywhere with a hot tub or a big bathtub!

Teaching Water as a Caregiver:

A large part is going under the water with your kids and having fun!
If you’re not a confident swimmer, a swim school should be able to teach you that with your child
Once you want your child to learn technique, they can join swim lessons
Get in the water with them and hold them by their underarms and be their floatation device! The lighter your fingers, the more independence they have
Tip: Wear a T-shirt in the water – it allows your child to grab onto you

Typical Swim Groups [Swimming Doesn’t Have to be Competitive]:

Synchro
Diving
Water Polo
Swim Team

Why We Are Not Fans of Self-Rescue Lessons:

Some methods of self-rescue can include listening to the child’s input
Lots of aggressive forms of teaching self-rescue doesn’t stay attuned to child’s feelings and progression
The word “rescue” alone brings a fear to the water – a child should never have to rescue or save themselves in the water – if a child feels like they are going to die, that’s a very traumatic experience (and then imagine that trauma over and over and over again)
The mindset doesn’t match the intention; instead focus on learning to breathe, have fun, and swim, so children can become independent in the water

Let’s Talk Water Safety:

Always, always, always, make sure child is at arm’s reach from an adult [100% supervision]
Teach children to respect the strength of water by teaching them submerging, breath control, and calm controlled movements in the water
Kids learn by submerging again and again and again
The danger comes when kids don’t know what water is capable of, so exposure is key!
Have a gate around pools and an alarm at the back door (and no doggy door) – remember non-swim times are the largest concern, so we need to teach our kids that they do not go in the water without us
When you go to a place with water, make going in the water the first thing you do, and watch what your kids do, so they learn boundaries

PFDs, Lifejackets, and Puddle Jumpers:

These products should never be used as a replacement for parental supervision
They are meant to be used for if you were to fall off a boat and be knocked unconscious
Kids should not “learn to swim” in these - doesn’t allow them to submerge and doesn’t allow them to be in a horizontal position
It’s not a great idea to wear them outside of the pool either, because it gives a false sense of security [that being said, you need to know your situation, and if you can be physically present with all your kids]

Book Recommendation:

Finding Chika & The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom

Follow Kaylee’s Swim School:

Websites: http://watermellow.com & http://kkswimschool.com

Facebook: Watermellow & KKSwimSchool

Instagram & TikTok: @watermellow.swim @knkswimschool

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

Production: @kpmediaproductions.

Music: @michaelferraro_music.

We can all picture that moment where the adult lets go and the kid keeps pedalling…they are doing it, they are biking on their own!! Mike Chan calls that the PedalHead moment. We want every kid to have that moment, not only for their own self-confidence and the opportunity to learn a life-long sport, but also for the quality family time that comes along with it. Today’s podcast shares all the bike tips and tricks, from how to get started, to how to fit a helmet correctly!

Mike Chan is a dad to a 2-year-old, and 6-year-old, plus they often have their dog in tow in the outdoors! They love to find new playgrounds, go on hikes, and play in the snow when it visits them in Vancouver, BC. Mike is also the Marketing Manager for PedalHeads.

PedalHeads has kids programming across North America. They are most known for their biking, but they also offer swim lessons and trail riding programs. They are all about bringing families together by adding a confidence to riding!

Starting Kids Biking:

Get kids on a bike around age 2, for comfort (you can start indoors)
Watch other kids biking
Join PedalHeads camp as young as 2-years-old, with parent and tot option
Benefits of starting with a balance bike: gives them the feeling of gliding
Benefits of starting with training wheels: learns the pedalling motion
Get off training wheels & learn to ride with Pedalheads - https://youtu.be/hoZX59J1JqA
Learning to Bike Game (water the flowers) - https://youtu.be/TP95YuMbaes
Learning to Bike Game (lines and circles) - https://youtu.be/slNrJk7MjnA

Biking with Babies:

Add a chariot to your bike
Add a bike chair to your bike, once child has proper neck strength and can wear a helmet (after 1-year)

You don’t need the latest, greatest, most expensive bike – the most important part is getting the right size. Check second-hand bike stores, Facebook Market Place, or hand-me-downs from other siblings/friends.

Choosing a Helmet:

Helmets should not be secondhand
Follow the 4 S’s: check strap, sticker on there for how old it is, shake your head to check tightness, retention system on the back is ideal for loosening or tightening according to a child’s head and it will fit them better
Helmet should protect the forehead and back of head - only two fingers (horizontal) should fit above eyebrows
Brand doesn’t matter, as long as it fits properly!
[However,] Brands Mentioned: Giro Scamp & Louis Garneau Raid
Bike and Helmet Fit - https://youtu.be/0mpz1cj2caE

If You Choose to Bike in Winter:

Watch for ice (be cautious)
Be aware of traffic
Have reflective gear, so you can easily be spotted

Recommendations:

Books: The Elephant and Piggie Series by Mo Willems

Show: Ted Lasso

Podcast: Finding Cleo

PedalHeads is Located In:

Canada: BC, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec
USA: Washington State, Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, DMV Region, Massachusetts

Follow PedalHeads:

www.pedalheads.com

PedalHeads on Facebook, IG, Twitter & YouTube

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Let’s face it – not everyone in a family is always going to like the same activities. So, how do you create a balance? How do you compromise? How do you allow space for each other? We may not have the perfect answers for everyone, but we have the perfect answers for us! Come along and hear more!

What We’ve Learned:

Our spouses don’t have to be everything to us
Talk it out and find the compromise that works best for your family
When you go along on an activity that you don’t enjoy, bring your positivity!

Our Rule of Thumb:

Find an outdoor and indoor activity that you both truly enjoy together (can be more than one!)
Activities that the other doesn’t enjoy, the role can be filled by other family members and friends
Dedicate a few times a year for each person to come along on the other’s activities
See if you can find a compromise in the activities (ie. hike to a fishing location)
Alternate who plans the adventure (works great when you have multiple kid voices chiming in!)

Other Podcast Episode Mentioned:

Ep. 37 Risky Play & Nature Education with Brittany Williams

We want to hear how your family finds this compromise – head over to our IG, @kidswhoexplore, to tell us!!

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Can you imagine never having to change a poopy diaper? Can you imagine adventuring with your young babies without wondering where you will set up a diaper changing station? Andrea Olson can, because she did Elimination Communication with all 5 of her kids…basically potty training from birth. We are going to learn the tricks of her trade, and the why behind it!

Andrea Olson never intended on teaching people about baby potty training, and like many, she didn't even realize Elimination Communication (EC) existed until her mid-20's. Since then, she says it has become her passion, her career, and her motivation. She started Elimination Communication with her first son at birth. Soon after, she started helping other moms practice EC. That turned into a pamphlet, which turned into a book, and more books, and videos, and courses, and...the list goes on! For over 10 years now, Andrea has helped thousands of parents worldwide learn about and practice Elimination Communication.

Elimination Communication practices using listening and responding to the cries and signals that our kids show us, as early as newborns, that they need to relieve themselves.

Reminder: Poop, even in disposable diapers, is never supposed to go in the landfill; the poop should be put into the toilet before the diaper is disposed of.

Elimination Communication Pros:

You save a ton of money on diapers
It reduces fussiness and colic-symptoms
It helps make breastfeeding easier
It gives babies a sense of control (in a good way)
It’s makes for less to clean up, or wash
The process is quicker
No blow outs!
Babies smell better
It gives you and your kiddos a deeper connection

It is okay to do part-time EC, if daycare or other care providers are not on board.

Adventuring with EC:

Signs they need to relieve themselves in the carrier – they will “buck” and try to get out
Bring a tiny potty (or top hat potty) that’s easy to travel with on adventures
Allow them to go in the car before and after adventure (or after a nap in the carrier)
“Offer” them a chance to go whenever you transition or when your gut is telling you they may need to go
Fun tip: Bring journaling and crafting for potty time before adventures (especially when you have multiple kids who need turns using the potty – crafting is perfect waiting material)

Elimination Communication Cons:

Effort! There is the upfront work of being extremely present and learning your baby’s cues
After getting out of diapers completely, sometimes parents/kids don’t know how to “finalize the potty training”

So, when can you start? Anytime! From birth onwards. Once you hit 12-months, but especially 15-months, you would go directly to potty training, and not practice EC.

Follow Andrea:

Websites: https://godiaperfree.com & https://tinyundies.com

IG: @godiaperfree & @tinyundies

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

It’s been a year of the Kids Who Explore podcast! Let us reintroduce ourselves. We can’t thank you enough for getting to know us – Adrianna Skori & Lauren Rodych-Eberle…the voices behind the microphones, and learning along with us on this journey.

Find Adrianna on IG at @adriannaadventures

CEO and Founder of KWE

Also a Financial Analyst: Accountant

Mama to son, Turner

www.kidswhoexplore.com

Find Lauren on IG at @laurenrodycheberle

Communications & Media Manager for KWE

Also a Music Teacher, Cookbook Author, Blogger

Mama to daughter, Collins

www.laurenrodycheberle.com

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Do you ever wonder why kids can see a playground full of shiny equipment, yet they are drawn to the sticks, rocks, branches, trees, logs, fallen leaves, and the list goes on, instead? Ron King wondered this too, but it didn’t take long before he saw all the benefits of natural play and started a family business called Natural Playgrounds, who are the leading experts in building natural playgrounds for kids!!

For 26 years, the King family has owned Natural Playgrounds, and they have been the leading experts in designing beautiful, intriguing, cost-effective, safe, and philosophically appropriate Natural Playgrounds for K-12 schools, Montessori schools, Head Start programs, childcare centers, and communities.

Benefits of Natural Play:

Contributes to overall physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children
Helps kids score higher on tests for concentration and self-discipline
Helps kids experience more diverse play
Kids exhibit less aggressive behaviour
Advances motor fitness
Promotes health
Develops creativity
It “invites children in”
Reduces injuries
Is more inclusive
Allows for free play

14 billion dollars in the United States alone are spent on accidents from traditional playgrounds. Some reasons being that kids go beyond their skill level, or they get bored, so they try perform activities that are “too risky.” The age suggestion for equipment is very arbitrary. Natural playgrounds are good for all ages, because you can play to your own skill level and everything is built into the ground.

Recommendations:

Shows: Yellowstone & Foundation Book: Boy Swallowed Universe by Trent Dalton & The Tender Bar by J. R. Moehringer

Follow Natural Playgrounds:

https://www.naturalplaygrounds.com

https://www.facebook.com/NaturalPlaygroundsCompany

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Isolation. The Kelly’s know isolation all too well, but unlike Covid-Isolation, they know it in the most beautiful way! The Australian family of four live on an ultra-remote island called Uepi, located in the Solomon Islands. Not only is their unique lifestyle one that’s of keen interest, they also have taught their children from only weeks of age how to enjoy and respect the ocean. Learn it all here!

Jase & Katie run an ethical tourist resort (attracting mostly SCUBA divers) and a grass-roots based charity, centred around protecting the incredible natural environment and traditional islander way of life. Jase, with a background in international business, and Katie, a clinical pharmacist, are a pair well-equipped to manage their alternative lifestyle and give back to the local community. Arlo (3.5 yrs) and Ophelia (2 yrs) have been the perfect addition to their island life, encouraging them to explore the ocean through new eyes. Jase and Katie are both keen free divers and especially love exploring untouched islands and reefs around their home island with the kids in tow.

How They’ve Taught Their Kids About the Ocean:

They submerged their kids in the ocean by 10-weeks-old
They don’t create a sense of fear, but instead educate them
They take the time to go in the water with their kids and talk through boundaries
They respect the creatures, including the sharks
They know which animals to be cautious of: stingers (jelly fish), tree snakes, centipedes (which are venomous)
They get them to connect with creatures – give human-like qualities to the animals in the water, or get them to look at smaller portions of the animal (a particular shape or design)
They start where they are comfortable, and allow them to choose what they want to do – they don’t push them too far
They play to their strengths and prepare them ahead of time
They demonstrate their own confidence to their children

More Advice on Getting Outside with Kids:

Keep it close to home
Don’t underestimate how much the outdoors can turn a situation around

On their island, they need to be self-reliant, as they don’t have a hospital on the island, so they would need to fly a helicopter in (extraordinary expense)…they have medicines and equipment to handle most situations.

Katie’s Personal Water Rules While Pregnant:

Spent more time in the water
Stopped free-diving to depth
No scuba diving (as advised by physician), because of the breath hold and not the same level of oxygen

A day in their life usually looks like 3 meals together, getting in the water with the kids, having an adventure with the kids, and working in between – check out their YouTube channel to see more!

Tips for Connection during Isolation:

Utilize Facetime
Reach out to friends and family
Don’t be afraid to talk about feelings!

Follow The Kelly’s at:

Website: https://www.theislandlifeofus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheIslandLifeofUs

IG: @theislandlifeofus

Suggestions:

Podcast: Unruffled

YouTube: Sailing La Vagabonde

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Kady Lieber’s life was turned upside down when she found out her little Ava, then 17-months-old, had stage 4 brain cancer. After a year of helping Ava fight for her life, Kady and her family made a goal to live every moment to its fullest! Today’s podcast shines light on how to live in the moment and how animal tracking and nature can bond an entire family!

Kady Lieber is a traveler, designer, and adventure seeker splitting her time between the USA and Switzerland (when she can travel). She is mama to 2 girls, Taylor 11, and Ava 7.

Animal Tracking/Animal Viewing/Animal Watching Starter Tips:

You can choose specific animals to track, or a wide range
This is a great activity for keeping distance from people, and for those with mobility issues
Starting with a guide can be super helpful (https://yellowstonewildlifeguidecompany.com)
You’re supposed to stay 25-100 yards away, depending on animal type
You can sometimes use spotting scopes for up to 2 miles away
Backyard birding is a wonderful way to start close to home

At 17-months-old, Kady’s daughter was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. These were the signs her daughter was showing:

She was getting very grumpy
She wasn’t walking and was no long cruising across furniture
She was tilting her head in a certain “funny” way

They were sent for an MRI, which showed a tumor. They were then introduced to a Neuro-Oncologist. After surgery, when Ava was almost 2-years-old, she was like a newborn. Eventually she learned to walk, but lost most of her hearing. The aftermath of a brain tumor is pretty heartbreaking. Now, at the age of 7-years-old, she has the physical ability of a 3-year-old, and has the fine motor skills of a 2-year-old, despite being in therapy for 5 years.

Kady’s Advice: Live in the moment!! She was originally shocked by that advice from a doctor, but now thinks there are no better words of wisdom.

Book suggestions:

The Reign of Wolf 21: The Saga of Yellowstone’s Legendary Druid Pack by Rick McIntyre

&

Yellowstone Wolves: Science and Discovery in the World’s First National Park

Follow Kady on IG: @tavadventures

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Hello, 2022! Not only are we welcoming a new year, but we are celebrating a year of Kids Who Explore in the books!! It’s been so beautiful to watch Adrianna Skori’s (the Founder & CEO of KWE) vision on the trail turn into this community that inspires, supports, gives back, and genuinely cares for the humans behind the adventure photos.

KWE’s Why:

Get kids outside
Connect kids to nature and their family
Watch children benefit from being immersed in nature
See nature heal trauma and challenges

We want nature to help raise our children!

KWE’s What:

Offer tips, tricks, and education to help families
Provide evergreen content that people can refer back to
Offer meet ups for families to adventure together

In the next year, keep your eye out for:

Website (www.kidswhoexplore.com) – affiliations, discounts, blog, our shop, and events
Events – events are usually virtual to reach a global community, and the sign up is FREE!
Explorer Families – see 188 families from around the world represent KWE
Instagram (@kidswhoexplore) – themed months, Sunday giveaways, Thursday tips, and so many laughs, inspiration, and tips!
Podcast – new episode every Tuesday! Please leave a review and help more people learn about us
Gear/patch4apurpose – Your support helps us continue to run KWE, as well as give back to other charities [our store is supported by 3G Embroidery in Okotoks, AB, Canada]
So much more we are dreaming up!

Thank you to everyone who has make this year possible! More love to come.

Find KWE:

www.kidswhoexplore.com

IG: @kidswhoexplore

As well as @kidswhoexplorecanada, @kidswhoexploreusa, @kidswhoexploreeurope, @kidswhoexplorecentralamerica, @kidswhoexploreafrica, @kidswhoexploresouthamerica, @kidswhoexploreaustralia, @kidswhoexploreasia

Find Adrianna, CEO:

IG: @adriannaadventures

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle & @adriannaadventures from @kidswhoexplore

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

We end 2021 with a simple message…get outside! We know, it can be hard…there will be lots of things standing in your way. But, it will be oh-so-worth-it! The outdoors are calling your childrens' names, and yours!

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

How does taking a 16-day road trip with a baby sound to you? Tara Sliwkanich makes it sound like a whole lot of fun, mixed with hiking, biking, tenting, and of course, nursery rhymes on repeat!! Learn from one of KWE’s Explorer Families about how to make road tripping very do-able, and fun for the whole family!

Tara Sliwkanich, along with her spouse, Dustin, and their baby explorer, J, who will be 15-months soon, love to explore the trails, slopes, and the water around Alberta, especially around Edmonton, where they live. They love to hike, bike, stand-up paddle board, kayak, camp, downhill ski and cross-country ski as a family. Living in Edmonton means that they are 4 hours away from the mountains, so they have always loved road tripping, notably road tripping down the Oregon and California coasts in a rooftop tent for their honeymoon! Now, they are making their road trips more exciting with little J in tow!

Small adventures are big adventures for babies; Tara loves taking baby J along on any outdoor time.

Where Tara Road Tripped for 16 days near Alberta:

Edmonton
Jasper
Penticton
Christina Lake
Fernie

Tips for Planning a Road Trip:

Make a skeleton plan, and then wing the rest
Book as you go, so you can adjust as needed; allows flexibility to stay longer in certain areas if you’re having a great time!
Trip pattern was - beach day, bike day, hike day
Pack as much as you can the night before leaving
When packing up camp site, pack while baby is “contained” in a seat or carrier
Each day, plan ‘who is going to do what’ the following day, and what you’re going to make for meals

Tips for the Car:

Time limit in car before breaks for baby is about 2-3 hours (or earlier, if baby wakes and needs a stretch!)
When baby is awake, someone riding in the back with them is very handy
Manage your expectations for the drive - take it in bits, do what you can, and sing all the songs!!
Again, pack as much as you can in the car the night before

Tips for Tenting:

Do a trial run of tenting with baby at home
Recommends: KidCo PeaPod Travel Bed - https://www.kidco.com/product/peapod/ (Can also find at West Coast Kids, or possibly secondhand on Facebook Marketplace)

Tips for Biking:

Recommends: Thule Chariot Sport 2, with infant sling (attaches to adult bike) - https://www.thule.com/en-pf/strollers/double-jogging-strollers/thule-chariot-sport-2-_-10201023 & https://www.thule.com/en-pf/bike-trailer-accessories/thule-infant-sling-_-20101000
Babies must wear a helmet (even in chariot and sling), so baby should be over 1-year-old, have strong neck strength, and be able to sit up unassisted
Again, practice close to home!
Biking App: Trailforks - https://www.trailforks.com/apps/map/

Tips for Hiking:

Choose not too challenging of hikes with big pay offs, like ones with amazing views
Hiking App: AllTrails - https://www.alltrails.com/mobile

Tips for Food While Travelling:

Pre-plan meals, so you can have some groceries ready
Make what food you can ahead of time
Some food ideas they had for baby J: Iron-rich muffins, bread or wraps with hummus, tofu with spices, kiwi, bananas, berries, and nursing (mama’s milk!)

Tara is on KWE’s Inclusion Committee. She continually tries to learn from the lived experiences of BIPOC and LBGTQ+ communities in the outdoors. She encourages others to learn how to act in allyship when they are in the outdoors, so that it can be a safe space for all who are out exploring. Let’s use our privilege to break down barriers and welcome more people into the outdoors!

Suggestions:

iLids – lids that fit on mason jars, to turn them into cups with straws or for storage (BPA-free) - https://www.intelligentlids.com
Book: Braiding Sweetgrass [Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants] by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Follow Tara on IG: @tsliwk

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

When your kiddos say goodbye to diapers, adventures look a whole lot different. Easier or harder? You decide! But there may be a period of time where you’re adventuring with a toilet in tow, until they master the outdoor squat. Don’t worry – you can still get outside, even in the learning-phase. We have expert Jamie Glowacki on today’s podcast, to talk all things toddlers and poop!

Jamie Glowacki is an internationally recognized potty training and parenting expert. She is the author of both Oh Crap Potty Training and Oh Crap I Have a Toddler.

When to Start Potty Training:

“Wait until they are ready” is the biggest myth (tune in to learn why)
20 to 30 months is prime age, if not earlier
After 30 months, children get individuation, making the process much harder
Remember that using a toilet is socialized behaviour

How Much Time Is Needed to Stay Home to Focus on Learning the Toilet (and how can you also get outside):

Devote at least 4 days to staying home
Jamie’s book is in blocks of learning, instead of specific time frames, as each child will progress differently
In desperate times, throw a diaper on for a hike or car ride if you need, just don’t get too dependent on it, but STILL go outside
The outdoors and actions such as throwing, help release the pelvic floor, so it will actually help kids who are withholding, to release
Hike and adventure with a potty chair
Don’t forget to have your kids wear two-piece everything!

Tip: A post-it note, or wet toilet paper, over automatic-flush sensors will stop toilet from automatically flushing when a little one is sitting on it

Follow Jamie at:

IG: @jamie.glowacki

Website: https://www.jamieglowacki.com/homepage

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

If you take nothing else away from this episode when it comes to avalanche safety, please remember this: avoid, avoid, avoid! The best thing you can do to protect yourself from an avalanche is to avoid it! That being said, there is so much more to know. That’s why Russell Bruder is on the podcast today – let’s learn about avalanche safety!

Russell Bruder was born and raised in Pincher Creek, Alberta. His bio is quite extensive, but today we are focusing on his role as a snowmobile, ATV, and UTV Safety Instructor. He is an expert in everything from winter survival, to ATV & Snowmobile Operations, to first aid, CPR, GPS/map/and compass navigation, and Avalanche safety. He has 23 years experience with Pincher Creek search and rescue, and 30+ years of snowmobile and ATV experience.

Know Where Avalanches Are:

For Canadians, check Avalanche Canada, and look at the forecast zones. Always submit information if you know it, to help protect others. Ie. if you see natural slides, or were in waist deep snow, report that.

www.avalanche.ca

Get Certified:

Book AST Level 1 or 2
Contact an avalanche safety trainer
Take a trainer course (instructor level)
Link for Albertans: https://www.safetycouncil.ab.ca

Things You’ll Want to Know/Learn:

How to recognize avalanche terrain
How to use a beacon
What to do with a probe
How to shovel to rescue someone caught in an avalanche

If You Witness Someone Caught in an Avalanche:

Watch where the person went down, so you know WHERE to search
Look out for other avalanches
Reminder: Get educated, so you can jump into action when you need to

Each area has their own avalanche forecast. Ski hills do safety assessments before they open each day.

The Sad Statistics:

If someone gets stuck in an avalanche (90% of the people triggered the avalanche) and you do not have time to go get help
You’ll need to companion rescue someone from your group
The first 15 minutes, chance of survival goes down by 50%. By 45 minutes, 25%. By 1 hour in, 10% chance of survival
A lot of the people who die in avalanches have beacons, shovels, probes, air bags…half the people who die in avalanches, die from trauma. If you get piled under 15 metres of snow, people cannot get to you before your brain starves of oxygen

Talking to Kids About Winter Safety:

When they are young, talk to them about how to dress in winter, animal safety, fire safety, and snow!
Lead by example and prepare for safety, plus don’t put yourself in harms-way
Point out what to notice, such as pinwheel snow showing signs of instability

Winter safety: If you’re a motor sports enthusiast, you can go farther on an snowmobile in 15 minutes than you could walk in 8 hours. You could go farther in an hour than you could walk in a day. So, from a risk standpoint, ask yourself how quickly someone could get to you if you were in trouble. You may need to be prepared to keep yourself and your family safe overnight, if they couldn’t get a helicopter in!

Some Other Reminders:

Be prepared!!!
Watch for hypothermia
Speak up and listen to your gut if it doesn’t feel safe or comfortable

Suggestions:

Life Proof Phone Case: https://www.lifeproof.com
Mitywah Phone Case: https://www.imitywah.com
Podcast: Huberman Lab https://hubermanlab.com

Thank you to Headster for supporting today’s episode. Check out https://headsterkids.com for all the awesome style they have to offer!

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

At Kids Who Explore, we are list people! There’s no pressure to check every item off, but we love the ability to create traditions, simplify or go big (depending what suits your family), and share a love for the winter season!

Snow Activities

Play in the snow
Build a snowman
Make snow angels
“Paint” the snow
Sled
Skate
Ski/Snowboard
Strap on “skis” for toddlers in the backyard
Snowshoe
Cross-country ski (with chariot option, too)

Seasonal Activities

Ice sculptures
Winter festivals
See Christmas lights
Eat seasonal foods

Seasonal Crafts

Finger paint
Handprint ornaments

Create a Tradition

Annual trip
Getting a real tree
Christmas in July (serving as sibling gifts!)

Tip: Pack a sled for everything…skating, skiing, hiking…you won’t regret it!

Toddler Skis mentioned in episode: https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5044-087/Ski-Set?org_text=komperdell%20ski%20set%20

Thank you to Sawyer for sponsoring today’s podcast! https://besawyer.com

Today’s Hosts: @laurenrodycheberle and @cldowsett from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

“But, what if you need to go to the bathroom?” Where and how to go #1 and #2 in the outdoors, whether adventuring, or camping, can be a huge sense of anxiety for people. So, whether it’s simply squatting in the bush, or bringing a portable potty, we are here to share all the ways we’ve created toilets in the outdoors!

Portable Toilet Suggestions:

Go Girl: https://go-girl.com

Shewee: https://www.shewee.com

Luggable Loo: https://www.rei.com/product/876179/reliance-luggable-loo-portable-toilet

Lauren’s Awoken Unisex Urinal for Car: https://tinyurl.com/nj2swhke

Portable Toilets are great solutions for when you’re in busy areas, or you don’t want to be away from your child - you can use some in a car, in a tent, or hugged up against a tree.

If you choose to squat and leave nature in nature, remember to leave no trace – and carry out any toilet paper you may use. (www.leavenotrace.ca)

When Camping:

use head lamp, and have bear spray
bring mason jar, bucket, toddler training seat, or portable potty
dig cat hole: rule is that it must be dug 200 feet away from water sources, walking trails, and camp sites (or carry out poop, like you would carry out dog poop)

For toddlers who are new to learning how to squat, you can support the toddler’s legs behind their knees, to help them form a squat.

Thank you to Scat Belt for sponsoring today’s podcast! Get your Scat Belt today to always have your bear spray accessible at www.scatbelt.com and on IG: @scatbelt

Today’s Hosts: @laurenrodycheberle and @cldowsett from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

What if the secrets to parenting aren’t secrets at all? What if everything you need to know to raise intrinsically-motivated, helpful, kind, and generous humans can all be learned from the Maya in Yucatan, the Inuit in the Arctic circle, and the Hadzabe in Tanzania? We dive into this topic with Michaeleen Doucleff, PhD, but after this episode, we think you’ll want to dive even deeper!

Michaeleen Doucleff, PhD is author of New York Times Bestseller, Hunt Gather Parent. This is the parenting book of all parenting books, where Doucleff shares what she learned about parenting after visiting three continents with her 3-year-old daughter. You can also find her over at NPR, where she uses her expertise to cover a wide range of topics, all with science and health in mind. She currently lives in Alpine, Texas with her family.

Doucleff says her book isn’t just about parenting, it is also about how we treat other people, and how to relate to children in a different way than we do in Western culture.

Children Go With:

In these places, it is normal for children to go with adults; children are integrated into the adult world
Bringing children into your work world gets them to connect with you and learn! A lot of struggle American parents have is because kids aren’t used to working together with their parents/family unit

Why/How to Avoid Kid-Centred Activities:

The vast majority of cultures don’t have kid-centred activities, because they don’t think kids need specific activities (In these cultures, usually kid “toys” are related to work)
After kid-centred activities, kid behaviour can be very poor
Allow sports and activities to be child-driven, meaning let them choose, and hopefully make it family-centred in some way, or allow it to foster independence
Kids who aren’t over-scheduled are found to take more initiative in chores and homework
Extra activities are, and should be seen as, privileges

T.E.A.M. Acronym (works best outside!!):

Together (with someone older, who loves them)
Encourage (versus force)
Autonomy (allow kids to make decisions, but still expect them to help, be kind, and generous)
Minimal Interference

The TEAM Acronym is extraordinary for kids physical and mental health.

How/Why to Avoid Bribery & Chore Charts:

Bribery and chore charts don’t support kids in becoming intrinsically-motivated to help the family
In cultures outside America, when kids are young, they don’t “shoo” the little ones away when they try to help (check out Hunt, Gather, Parent for the other two secrets to this!)
Allow kids to be with you and help you, and start them with a tiny, but still meaningful task

Follow Michaeleen at:

Twitter: @FoodieScience

Contact her via email

Book Recommendation:

Hunt Gather Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff

Self-Driven Child by Ned Johnson

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Today’s Hosts: @laurenrodycheberle and @cldowsett from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

What’s in your first aid kit? Most importantly, do you have a first aid kit? Katie Braswell is here to get us thinking not only about all the things that should be in a first aid kit, but also all the ingredients we DON’T want in a first aid kit. Get ready to revamp your adventure pack!

Katie Braswell, of Wild + Well, is a Holistic Nutritionist, based in Boulder, Colorado. Katie’s specific areas of interest are preconception health, fertility, prenatal nutrition and supplementation, gestational diabetes, breastfeeding and postpartum care (focusing on nurturing mama and baby). She specializes in functional nutrition for families – especially the mama or mama-to-be who is looking to maximize their time adventuring with their little ones! She and her family love to adventure and are passionate about spending as much time as possible outdoors and in nature – so she has worked to master the perfect holistic, non-toxic first aid & adventure kit.

Don’t feel guilty about what you’ve used in the past, or what you have on hand now. You can start changing over your first aid kit by integrating one item at a time (or even as your items are used up!).

Some chemicals we want to avoid (hard on our hormones / endocrine disruptors):

petroleum
alcohols
sulphates
preservatives

Here is the link to help you build your non-toxic first aid kit:

https://www.livewildbewell.com/blog-posts-all/how-to-build-a-holistic-non-toxic-first-aid-kit

Some Quick Tips:

Band-Aids: Aim for band-aids without latex and petroleum (Welly is a good brand)
Sunscreen: Try cover up and use SPF-clothing more than not (stay away from oxybenzone in sunscreen. Katie is a fan of these brands for sunscreen: Beauty Counter, Supergoop, and Badger)
For Burns & Stings: Calendula Cream, Aloe Vera Gel, Arnica Cream or Gel; Manuka Honey for Healing
For Bug Bites & Headaches: Lavender
For Anything Poisonous: Tea Tree Oil
For Cuts, Scrapes & Wind Burn: Witch Hazel, Homemade Neosporin, Good Goo brand
For Coughs: Zarbees brand
Probiotic Brands: Mary Ruth’s, Thrive, Seed
Electrolyte Brands: Element, Altima
For Nausea: Chewable Ginger or Peppermint
For Blisters: Mole Skin
Some other items to remember: Cold packs, Scissors, Tweezers

Carry Coconut Oil or Jajoba Oil as a carrier oil, for essential oils

Lavender and Tea Tree Oil can be a little bit of a natural hormone disruptor, if persistent exposure.*

Link to EWG Guide, to check “clean rating” for products:

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

Where to find Katie:

Website: https://www.livewildbewell.com

IG: @livewildbewell

Other Social: Live Wild Be Well

Thank you L-Bow Mittens for supporting today’s podcast! Find them on IG: @lbowgear or at www.lbow.com

Today’s Hosts: @laurenrodycheberle and @cldowsett from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

“When I talk about grounding, I’m talking about physically touching the earth. Head to toe, you are conductive, [and] the earth has an actual heartbeat.” Those are the words of Dr. Laura Koniver, who is a true expert on grounding/earthing. If you haven’t heard of this before, don’t miss out! It will quite literally, change your life!

Laura Koniver, M.D. is also known as the Intuition Physician. She says that she loves approaching health and well-being from every angle and offering the most helpful solution to her patients. She started studying and practicing medicine, and then, when her first daughter was born, she listened to her mama heart and paved her own unique path. Since then, she has grown her family, but you can also find her speaking as an expert on grounding, running online health classes, making art, writing books, designing grounding tools, and of course, grounding herself!

Some of the MANY Benefits of Grounding:

Your brain waves go into a healing pattern
Your muscle tension drops
It heals inflammation in the body
Your sleep patterns change, for the better
It supports vagal tones
It calms the nervous system
It improves lungs, the heart, and so much more!!
A study showed it helps babies in the NICU bio-regulate their temperature (Wow!!! How does everyone not know about this?!)

Ways to Ground for Those with Mobility Issues, or In Severe Weather:

Indoor grounding options (refer to Dr. Koniver’s website)
Ground through the hands (touch a tree in the ground, or a metal pole in the ground, or parts of the earth, like a rock)
Touch someone else who is grounded

Dr. Koniver suggests that we recharge our bodies! Don’t fall into the rut of taking better care of your electronics, than you do your body.

To Keep Safe from Ticks While Grounding:

Refer to episode 20, Tick Safety with 3 Moms Organics (https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-20-tick-safety-with-3-moms-organics/)
Stay out of long grass
Learn how to check for ticks after being outdoors, and what to do if you find a tick
Chickens will eat ticks
Use cedar oil (Cedarcide brand is what Dr. Koniver likes, or you can check out 3MomsOrganics TickWise) for yourself and your pets
Don’t let the fear of ticks keep you from getting outside!

Grounding requires moisture and minerals! This is likely why our feet are the most sweaty part of our bodies!

Surfaces that are NOT Conductive for Grounding:

Rubber soles
Painted metal
Black tar asphalt
Dry lumber
Artificial turf

Surfaces that ARE Conductive for Grounding:

Sand, and play sand, if it’s on the earth, and WET!
Grass
Unsealed garage
Sidewalk
Most pipes
Metal poles (in the ground)
Trees
Rocks that have been touching the earth

Dr. Koniver creates grounding products that are made of natural cotton, stainless steel, and natural materials. She makes sure her grounding materials are good for people and good for the earth.

Learn more from Dr. Laura Koniver:

Website: https://intuition-physician.myshopify.com IG, Facebook, TikTok: @intuitionphysician

Podcast: Intuition Physician

Documentary: The Earthing Movie

Book Suggestions:

The Earth Prescription by Laura Koniver, M.D.

Only Love Today by Rachel Macy Stafford

Thank you to Sawyer for sponsoring today’s episode! Find more at https://besawyer.com

Today’s Hosts: @laurenrodycheberle & @cldowsett from @kidswhoexplore Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Whether you’ve been skiing or snowboarding your whole life, or you’re new to the sport, there’s a lot more gear to pack with extra bodies. Today’s podcast will help you learn not only what to pack for winter adventures with kids, but also, some helpful tips for on the hill!

What to Pack:

Layers (listen to episode 36, for our three layer rule: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-36-the-three-layer-winter-rule/)
Mittens
Gear: skis/board, boots, bindings, helmet, goggles, poles
Sled: to carry toddlers and gear
Baby carrier: for younger siblings, if you’re watching older kids
Snacks!
And of course, a positive attitude!

Tips:

When kids are younger, use wool socks underneath their mittens for extra warmth (they stay on easily)
It’s helpful to do the same activity when you’re teaching someone who is learning, partly so you’re facing the same way, and so you can demonstrate
Check out different ski hills for different pricing and accessibility (some ski hills, 5-year-olds and younger are free)
Look for second hand gear for little ones, as their gear doesn’t get too worn out
Pack the night before by laying out all the layers, and loading up the gear in the car
Practice at home, or in a park, before you go to the slopes!
Bring more adults, and take turns with the runs

Thank you to Morrison Outdoors for sponsoring today’s podcast! Find more at: www.morrisonoutdoors.com

Today’s Hosts: @laurenrodycheberle & @cldowsett from @kidswhoexplore

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Did you know bears can, and do, come out of their dens in the winter? If you’re shocked, we got you covered! Wildlife Specialist, Kim Titchener, who is the Owner of Bear Safety and More, is back on the podcast for the third time to help us navigate wildlife safety in winter!

Learn about Bear Safety, Episode 5: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-5-bear-safety-with-kim-titchene%E2%80%AAr%E2%80%AC/

Learn about Wildlife Safety While Camping, Episode 15: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-15-wildlife-safety-while-camping-with-kim-titchener/

If you really want to see wildlife in winter, look more into the community of Churchill, Manitoba, where the community truly lives with the polar bears!

Top Safety Reminders:

Always have bear spray accessible (not tucked away), and know how to use it
Make lots of noise, regularly (listen to today's episode, to hear Kim’s “Zombie Voice”)
Be alert
Keep kids and pets close
Teach kids: Stay safe as a group and look big, so you’re not misidentified as a “deer”
Keep scents and food away (even think of fruit trees in the backyard if kids are playing alone in an area with wildlife)
Carry a communication device
Carry a first aid kit (and take a wilderness first aid class)

Think about where you are and what animals are in your area.

Hibernation Learning Time:

You can still get attacked by bears in winter (so, don’t let down your guard in the cold)
Bear hibernation is called “denning”

What is Bear Denning:

Bear heart rate slows down
Bear lives off of fat storages
Bear stays in a very calm state (unless disturbed)
Bear can come outside of den to cool off, or repair den from flooding
Bear gives birth in den

How to Avoid Dens:

Stay on the trail! Most dens will not be close to a trail
Downhill backcountry skiiers and ice climbers are more likely to disturb a bear den, so carry bear spray
Talk to local authorities and find out if they’ve done any denning maps

98% of people who encounter bears and administer their bear spray, walk away with no injuries. Bear spray has not been scientifically tested on other animals, but Kim has video evidence of it working on other animals, like cougars, for example.

Reminder:

Check if you bear spray is expired
If it is expired, call your local municipal government to find out locations that accept it, to dispose of it properly

Recommendations:

Podcast: Ologies with Alie Ward https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ologies-with-alie-ward/id1278815517

Book: The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad

Follow Kim at: IG: @bearsafetyadventures Twitter: @bearconflicts Facebook: Bear Safety and More

Learn more at: www.recsafewithwildlife.com and www.bearsafety.com

Thank you to Scat Belt for sponsoring today’s podcast! Get your Scat Belt today to always have your bear spray accessible at www.scatbelt.com and on IG: @scatbelt. Discount code is KIM for 15% off

Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

How often do you catch yourself saying, “be careful”? Do our kids even know what “be careful” means? Or, do we need to be specific? Do we need to let our children take on some ‘risky play’ to explore the world and see what they are capable of? Brittany Williams is here today to give us insight on all of those questions, and so much more!

Brittany Williams is from Knoxville, Tennessee. She has worked in Early Childhood Education for around 11 years. Children are a true passion of hers – watching them grow, develop and learn to process the world around them brings her pure joy!

How to Safely Allow Risky Play (Does That Sound Like an Oxymoron?):

Talk through and help them assess the risk
Stay calm FOR them
Try using constructive words, versus general words, like “be careful”
Follow the child’s lead in their interests

“It’s about them exploring for themselves and you being on the sidelines, helping to guide if needed.”

How You Can Set Up a Good Environment:

Don’t complain
Bring positive energy
Enjoy nature WITH them
SHOW them
Don’t force – allow for bodily autonomy

You can structure the day, or activity, and allow them to choose what they want to do within that setting.

How to Handle Toddler Tantrums:

Accept the emotion
Name the emotion
Be Aware: Know when it’s going to happen

Suggested Resources:

Learning With Nature by Claire Warden

Wild Play: Parenting Adventures in the Great Outdoors by David Sobel

Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bbwilliams21

Thank you L-Bow Mittens for supporting today’s podcast! Find them on IG: @lbowgear or at www.lbow.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

While some people have winter layers down to a science, others are new to winter, or they are new to dressing KIDS for winter. So, let’s sum up our three layer winter rule, for all ages, adults included!

Previous Winter Layer Episodes:

Episode 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-2-how-to-dress-kids-for-winter-adventures/id1548759798?i=1000508292336

Episode 4: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-4-getting-outside-in-winter/id1548759798?i=1000510277939

Three Layers:

Base Layer: We like merino wool (or wool). If the merino wool price point is not accessible, synthetic layers work too!
Mid Layer: We like fleece
Top Layer: We like water-resistant when they are younger, but waterproof once they are older and playing in the snow or rain
Extra: Mitts, Toques/Beanies, Socks, Boots, Neck Warmer (fleece or merino wool - size differs between the two; merino wool is more snug)

Merino wool base layers are good for all seasons, because they keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer [also acts as an SPF].

Babies:

Check baby’s temperatures by feeling the temperature on the back of their neck
When babywearing, B&Me (https://bookerandme.com) or babywearing specific layers help to keep both baby and caregiver warm

Toddlers:

When getting to potty training/toilet learning stage, 2-piece clothing is easier than 1-piece

Older Kids:

Set out the layers in order, so they can get themselves dressed

The stage when kids don’t want layers on:

Try singing (even about what you’re doing)
Use a whisper
Keep your energy calm

Always pack extra clothes, in case anything gets wet.

-10 to -15 degrees Celcius is our limit for big adventures. Colder than that, short adventures just in the backyard.

Thank you to Sawyer for sponsoring today’s episode! https://besawyer.com

Production: @ kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

In the words of the 2-year-old Sanchez daughter, “The mountains are my home.” That is how the Sanchez family is living their lives. Today we chat with Rachel Sanchez about part-time life in a van-home, to ditching the carriers, to hiking while pregnant. KWE is proud to see a family that is allowing nature to help raise their kids!

The Sanchez Family, is a multicultural family based in Utah, USA. They have three little girls and a little boy on the way. They love being outdoors as a family and feel it is the best way to experience life and all that the earth has to offer. They use the outdoors as their favorite parenting tool to teach many of life's important lessons from strength and courage, to kindness and gentleness. Inclusion and diversity in the outdoors is important for Rachel, and her husband, to show her daughters!

How They Make Their Van-Home Feel Like Home:

Allow each girl to have a drawer in the van that is their own
Let them bring their favourite items from home
Her girls are most comfortable in the van in close proximity, especially sleeping

How They Ditch the Child Carriers:

They decide the carrier isn’t their go-to, and they never tell their kids to get in the carrier
They expect that the kids will hike [They’ve seen it benefit them so much and foster independence!]
Carrier has never been a punishment or a necessity, even if they are “going too slow”
They let them get in and out, as much as they want!
They choose shorter hikes when they need to

Advice for Hiking While Pregnant:

Listen to your body and how far you want to go
Trust yourself
If pregnant with carrier, wear your pack properly with waist strap buckled, and belly band
Close to end of pregnancy, maybe avoid using the carrier/hiking pack
Bring someone along to carry kids

Book Recommendation: Wild Vet Adventures: Saving Animals Around the World with Dr. Gabby Wild

Follow the Sanchez Family on IG: @beboldlittleones

Thank you to Morrison Outdoors for supporting today’s podcast! Find more at: www.morrisonoutdoors.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

What if your kid doesn’t like getting outdoors? There’s still hope, at any age…and Kika Vila-Nova is here to share that with us! Her 12-year-old daughter has finally embraced her mama’s love for the outdoors. Tune in to hear tips on helping your child embrace nature, plus hear some great Utah recommendations!

Kika Vila-Nova moved to the USA from Brazil in 2001 to pursue a Master's Degree in Chlidren's Theatre. She fell in love with Utah and all the diverse landscape and that is where she has chosen to raise her 12-year-old daughter. Kika loves to shares their adventures, life as an immigrant and a single mom exploring Utah.

Some Utah Recommendations:

Salt Lake City
Zion National Park
Canyon Meadows Park
Moab
Lake Powell
Bear Lake State Park
Goblin Valley State Park

How to Help Your Kid LIKE Going Outside:

Be persistent
Take your time…take as many breaks as kids want!
Put the kid in charge of something (evaluate your kids’ personalities)
Let them take pictures
Teach them about nature!
Provide snacks!
Bring friends
Make it a game…a little bit at a time

Recommendation: Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty

Follow Kika on IG: @kikassadventures

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

The Musser family is the definition of chosen family! From being foster parents to 34 children, to now travelling the United States on a bus with their family of four (plus a dog), to homeschooling in nature, they are here to teach us about respecting the earth, enjoying nature, and leaving no trace!

The Musser family calls themselves a misfit family of four that squeezes themselves (plus a slightly feral pup) into an 18 foot mini skoolie, to live the full time nomad life. Their eldest - Buckets - was adopted from foster care. Their son - Monkey - they are legal guardians of. And their puppy - Dingo - is a rescue mutt found running with a wild pack of dogs. The Tall One works remotely as an electrical engineer designing power and lighting for new construction to pay the bills, while Minnie plays paparazzi and writes for a couple outlets about their wild adventures. They love skiing, rock climbing, trail running, hiking, backpacking and all things that include getting dirty. Minnie just completed a hike on the pacific crest trail from Mexico to Canada and together as a family they are training to safely mountaineer.

Leave No Trace

Do not litter
Pick up garbage you see in nature and on the ground
Leave nature as nature; remember even a leaf can be an animal’s home
Do not create fires just anywhere; research fire bans, and only use fire rings that rangers make and maintain
Tip: Call the ranger station and they will come collect garbage bags you have picked up, and dispose of them

Kids suggest making picking up trash a game, like I Spy!

“Do something about it…put in action to make the world better!”

The Musser family likes to spend money on experiences rather than things. This year they are spending their adventure money on a Power Pass that gets you access to ski within 4 states.

https://www.thepowerpass.ski

Follow IG: @runawaymusbus

Website: www.runawaymusbus.com

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Production: @kpmediaproductions.

Music: @michaelferraro_music.

We love adventure wish lists and the fall season brings so much to wish for! Tune in to hear what’s on our bucket lists for the fall, and snag some ideas for your families!

Our Fall Bucket List:

Larch Hike
Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
Pumpkin Decorating or Carving
Eat Pumpkin Anything
Eat Apple Anything!!
Halloween Celebrations (Tip: Take costume pics a day(s) ahead of trick-or-treating)
Fall Crafts (Leaf or Rock Art)
Thanksgiving Celebration
Create a Fall Tradition (ie. Annual Bike Trip)

Tripod Recommendation - Small Portable Tripod for your hiking pack (Logics) Meditation Suggestion: https://m.youtube.com/user/TheHonestGuys

Thank you to Sawyer for sponsoring today’s episode! https://besawyer.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

It’s no surprise that we love our planet. We love nature, and we want to protect it! Today’s episode teaches us how to lessen our impact on the environment through recycling and compost. Michelle Dias, an expert in the two, teaches us what the three R’s should REALLY be, (with a C mixed in there)!

The Three R’s:

REDUCE (as much as possible, first)
Then REUSE,
And if you can’t do either of those, RECYCLE (recycling does require a lot of energy, so put YOUR energy into the first two!).

Michelle Dias, born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, studied Biology at the University of Calgary. She now works for the Waste & Recycling Services at the City of Calgary. She has been a naturalist and environmental educator for over 20 years, and has always felt curious and inspired by nature.

Fun Fact: Michelle did a blended program with her two children for school, which included home school, as well as outdoor school. It’s called Windsor Park.

Some of the information below will be Calgary, AB specific, so please check the rules for the recycling and composting programs in your municipality.

REDUCE:

Try products with less packaging, like laundry detergent strips, or bar shampoo and conditioner
Remove purely recyclable items from your kitchen, such as Ziploc bags, and use reusable jars or bags instead

REUSE:

Get things second-hand
Reuse items like jam jars and other containers!

RECYCLE:

The three categories of recycling are: Containers (plastic, tin, glass…think kitchen and bathroom packaging), paper, plastic bags
Loose bags do not belong in the blue cart. Plastic bags should be stretchy material and bundled all in one, so they do not fly away at the facility. Crinkly plastic bags, like pasta bags are not collected
Household items like toy trucks, shoes, and toothbrushes are not for the blue cart (when recycling, think about packaging over items)
Black plastic can be a challenge to recycle in some systems, because of black conveyer belts camouflaging the items and the scanners not recognizing them
Recycling metal, glass, and paper is way more valuable than recycling plastic (although, we should still recycle plastic that can be recycled...or reduce it in the first place!)
Rule of thumb: anything smaller than your hand cannot be recycled. For example, Starbucks lids or to-go sauce containers. However, if recycled at the locations you received them, they usually have a program to recycle!

COMPOST:

[In Calgary, specifically] no food packaging and plastic can be composted, even if it says compostable (remember, it also takes a lot of resources to make compostable containers)
Some offices or festivals have their own compostable systems that can handle compostable containers
Food and yard scraps can be composted

Terra Cycle is a company that recycles old items like toothpaste and other mixed material items. Michelle thinks it’s worth looking at the energy spent on shipping one item at a time; we don’t want to negate the benefit.

https://www.terracycle.com/en-CA/

City of Calgary Waste and Recycling: https://www.calgary.ca/uep/wrs/waste-and-recycling-services.html

Library programs: https://calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/programs/talking-trash-with-waste-and-recycling/

Virtual KWE Planet Cleanup: https://kidswhoexplore.com/events/virtual-kids-who-explore-planet-cleanup/

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Kids do better outdoors! As do parents, for that matter!! Being a breastfeeding mom shouldn’t keep you indoors, so, what is the best way to nurse while adventuring? Between KOJO breastfeeding activewear and Petra Sporinova’s tips, you should be set!

Petra Sporinova is an active mom of 2 little boys. She moved from Slovakia to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, which was quite the adventure in itself, and now is happy to daily put on her KOJO breastfeeding activewear and adventure with her sons! KOJO is a brand that is made in Europe, and run by two moms, one being Petra. It is focused on sustainability and child-parent bonding, and we can’t forget, getting outside!

Advice for adventuring with a new baby:

Start slow
Choose small adventures
Do something you’re already comfortable with
Don’t forget that a walk around the neighbourhood is an adventure!

Nursing-specific clothing is great for adventures, especially when it’s colder on the trail, to keep your middle section warm. However, KOJO is expanding to casual wear, as well as clothing for kids.

Tips for feeding babies on the trail:

Practise nursing in different positions at home
Try nursing somewhere in public (outside)
Stay relaxed, hydrated, well-fed, and rested
Practise nursing with baby in a front carrier (works great to get stuff done around the house too)
Nurse at the trailhead, in the car, before and after adventure
Bring a toy to entertain the older kids while you are nursing the younger one on the trail

Petra says she loves nursing, because it’s good for nourishment, connection, and convenience!

Follow KOJO on IG: @kojo_activewear

Petra’s Suggestions:

Book: Breastfeeding for Busy Moms – the Handbook! by Heather ONeal

Documentary: Deadliest Journeys

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Production: @kpmediaproductions.

Music: @michaelferraro_music.

How much screen time should we have? How much screen time should our children have? How do we set limits? And should we all try a screen time detox?! Today, the mamas talk about their relationship with TV and screens, and how they are trying to raise their kids in the digital age!

Lauren’s Relationship with TV –

She gave up TV for Lent in Grade 4, and never went back to it. She never turns on the TV by herself and only watches it with true intention, like picking a documentary with her husband or watching a music show with her parents. Currently, her daughter doesn’t get any screen time.

Adrianna’s Relationship with TV –

She is very casual about TV. At times it gets thrown on or used as background noise. Sometimes she’s into a true crime series or a romantic movie. Usually her attention isn’t ON the TV. Her son is fascinated by the TV, especially when it comes to watching sports with Dad!

Cindy’s Relationship with TV –

She grew up not watching a lot of TV, but doing movie nights with “snackie dinner” (charcuterie) with her family. When her oldest child became a toddler, she introduced him to TV and tablets. Now with two kids, she tries to watch the amount of time they spend on devices and tries to choose educational shows.

Book Recommendation:

The Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox Gurdon

[Discusses reading & shares studies on kids’ brains watching screens versus reading and looking at pictures!]

Some Ideas for Screen Time:

Choose intentional times to use it, like family movie night
Create TV Coupons for kids – kids have to give a coupon to watch a show, and everyone has to agree on which show
Try a 30-day TV detox

Ways to Watch Your Kids NOT Through a Screen:

Try to be on phone mostly when kids are napping (or tell kids what you are doing on phone)
Airplane mode for when kids are using, or on adventures
Take photos and videos candidly
Watch your kids through your eyes, instead of through the recording screen, while videoing

While travelling, or at restaurants, we hope to use screens as the last resort, instead of the first.

Thank you to Elements Inc. for supporting today’s episode! Check them out to shop, or find in-store locations at www.patagoniaelements.ca

Production: @kpmediaproductions.

Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Tips for Car Rides with Kids:

Scavenger Hunts!
Songs

Tips to Make it Easier to Get Outside:

“Fake it” and keep that smile on – you’ll start to feel it
Create “Bug Out Bags” – days packs with all the essentials for particular activities (kids can help with them too)

Businesses:

Rad Mums (follow on IG: @radmums_): An outdoor community in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for Mums who want to explore without their kids
CYa Outdoors (follow on IG: @cya.outdoors): Custom hand-painted hats with beautiful mountain landscapes. Currently on wait list
Relish Apparel (follow on IG: @madebyrelish): Top Quality, Eco-Conscious, Transparent company that makes clothing in Canada. Printing free of chemicals. Scraps donated to make dog beds. There is so much to love here!

Follow Tara on IG: @rockymountainminis

Thank you to Elements Inc. for supporting today’s episode! Check them out to shop, or find in-store locations at www.patagoniaelements.ca

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Tanya Vanthuyne lives in Edson, Alberta, a very small town located about an hour east of the Rockies. She has two sons. Her oldest, who is on the spectrum, loves water and low impact activities. Her youngest is always pushing the boundaries on new adventures. Her family loves camping, hiking, paddle boarding, snowboarding, and pretty much anything active outdoors.She believes life doesn't have to change completely when you have kids - it just requires a little adjusting, extra patience, and always a Plan A, B, C and D. Tanya always says "YOU create your kids’ normal" She suggests pushing out the noise of what "society says is the norm" and being confident in raising your kids with the life that makes your heart happy.

Tips for paddle boarding with a baby (have them wearing a life jacket):

Start slow
Lie or sit on the board with them
Have their hand exploring the water
Have snacks available (for after)

Get in the water! Let your kids see you do it!

Keep hikes interesting:

Play games
Notice what’s around you – animals, plants, etc.

GoPro Advice for Beginners:

Take photos in “time lapse”
Video continuously and pull photos from video
Have the two above settings prepared, so you can simply turn it on and start capturing
Invest in a mouth guard mount, a chest mount, or a bike mount, depending what suits you, so you can take in the moment, while the GoPro captures it
Remember: The GoPro works best in the sun!
It’s durable, so let kids try it out!
Edit in Lightroom

Thank you to Sawyer for sponsoring today’s episode! https://besawyer.com

Production: @ kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

A question that comes up from our community again and again, in many forms, is how to get your kid(s) outside...how to inspire your kid(s) to WANT to get outside.

Here are some of our tips:

Start them young
Share YOUR love and energy about the outdoors
Let them choose the adventure
Have the mental attitude that it’s supposed to be fun!
Play games [bring a hammock!]
Accept their emotions
Bring along friends

Some ideas for getting outside after injuries:

Keep it simple and adventure in the backyard
Wrap up injury (to avoid getting wet)
Make use of a wagon!

We end up talking a lot about the benefits of “Grounding” (also known as “Earthing”) in this episode. Stay tuned for a whole future episode on this topic. Sneak peek: It helps with pain and inflammation.

Some ideas for volunteering with kids in the outdoors:

Big Brothers/Big Sisters
4H

Balloons mentioned (remember to recycle):

Zuru BunchO Balloons

Thank you to Rumpl for supporting today’s episode! Use EXPLORE15 for 15% your first order at www.rumpl.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

John O’Sullivan is an internationally known TEDx Speaker, and the founder of the Changing the Game Project since 2012. He is the author of two #1 bestselling books, Changing the Game and Every Moment Matters. On top of that, he is a leading youth sports blogger, a host of his own podcast Way of Champions, former professional soccer player, and a coach and consultant for over 20 years in sports such as soccer, football, lacrosse, swimming, rugby, and more! He is also a huge advocate for positive coaching.

Sport Parents Should:

Follow their children’s lead in how competitive they want to be
Listen to if their child wants to talk about the game
Allow many options for sports, and let them choose which to try
“Prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child”

How Parents Can Inspire Kids to Get Outside:

Value free play
Show them videos of the times they loved adventuring
Bring a friend

Follow John:

Twitter & IG: CTGProjectHQ
changingthegameproject.com[find his books and podcast here]

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Rowan Rocskar is the Public Relations Manager at Kids Who Explore. She is mama to 1-year-old Stevie. The Rocskar family lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, which is a short drive to the Rocky Mountains! Rowan and Stevie embarked on many adventures (mostly hikes!) while Rowan was off on her 13-month maternity leave from work. Rowan still tries to get out to the mountains at least once a week, and is now learning to go a bit slower to let Stevie explore too.

Secondhand gear is more responsible for the planet. Rowan suggests trying before buying. Rent items or borrow items to decide if they are worth the purchase.

The Adventure Essentials:

Comfy footwear
Food and water
Safety items

Where to look for Secondhand Gear:

Facebook Marketplace
Thrift and consignment stores
Friends – lend and don’t forget to give back
Kijiji (in Canada)

Tip: Try looking at surrounding areas or areas your friends live in

Items you shouldn’t get secondhand:

Car seats (due to expiry and/or risk of a past car accident)
Personal Floatation Devices (if it has been repaired or altered)
Helmets (due to expiry and/or risk of a past fall)
Bear spray (due to expiry and/or considered a weapon)

For carriers, make sure you try them on!

Rowan also suggests limiting consumption.

Try a no gift birthday party!
Other ideas for gifts: group gifts, donations, experiences, education money

Rowan challenges you to check out the Buy Nothing Project in your area!

https://buynothingproject.org

(Items gifted from the community)

Or…Rent items (in Calgary) from:

https://ruckify.com

Follow Rowan at:

IG: @rowanexplores

Thank you to Rumpl for supporting today’s episode! Use EXPLORE15 for 15% your first order at www.rumpl.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Our Summer Bucket List:

Hike
Road Trip
Picnic
Swim
Paddle Board
Backyard Games
BBQ
Festival
Seasonal Café
Camp
Canoe/Kayak
Fish
Bike
Rock Climb (hire local guide)
Grounding/Earthing
Bird Watch
Sail/Boat
Local Outdoor Theatre

You should not feel the need to fill time when your child is bored. Down time, or quiet time is super important, and needed, by both children and parents. It's also important for your child to have unplanned time so that when they are "bored", they are able to find their own ways to busy themselves that is unstructured. This allows their creativity and imagination to flow.

Get Kids Involved:

Allow them to make the list
Write each adventure idea on popsicle sticks and place in a jar (pull one out at a time for a surprise adventure)

Tip: Pack the car before the kids!

Thank you to Sawyer for sponsoring today’s episode! https://besawyer.com

Production: @ kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

MJ Singletary-Villalobos practices Gentle Parenting, but there are many other names for it - Conscious Parenting. Mindful Parenting. Respectful Parenting. He believes that all of them come down to a long-term approach in regards to both discipline and the relationship one has with their children. He believes the parent-child relationship should focus on respect and seeing a child as a whole person (no matter their age). From parenting without the use of fear, to handling meltdowns on the trail respectfully, MJ is here for all of it!

Skills of gentle parenting:

Love
Patience
Positive Affirmations
Treating yourself AND others with love and respect
NEVER using fear as a guide

In modern society, we separate nature and life…but, in reality, they are one. MJ says that the root of a loving relationship with our children is the same root of our love for nature. He calls on us to empower our children; to let them lead.

When it comes to child meltdowns on the trail:

Don’t worry about concurring the summit; concur your relationship
Get on their level
Let them talk and lead the conversation
Accept their emotion
Be a “safe spot”
Don’t tell them what to think or feel

*In America, a lot of highway systems make nature inaccessible for various classes

Call to action: Get involved. Vote. Speak at town halls. Advocate with non-profits that make nature accessible. In nature, do unto others as you would want done unto you. Be a gentle person, not just a gentle parent.

Book recommendation: Raising Cain by Dan Kindlon, PhD & Michael Thompson PhD

Find MJ Singletary-Villalobos’ book, A Flower Never Picks Itself via Amazon

Follow MJ:

IG: @verdelobosproject

Thank you to Rumpl for supporting today’s episode! Use EXPLORE15 for 15% your first order at www.rumpl.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Continual snacking, which Dr. Ashley calls “grazing,” increases the chance of cavities, so she suggests sticking to somewhat of a “scheduled” snack schedule, especially on adventures!

Best Foods for Teeth:

Cheese
Raw Vegetables
Nuts
Eggs
Fruits
Crunchy foods (ie. apples)

Foods that Increase Chances of Cavities:

Foods high in sugar
Foods high in carbs
Sticky foods (ie. crackers, that get stuck in teeth)
If you’re going to eat chocolate, chocolate over 70% cocoa is best for teeth (still in moderation)

This doesn’t mean not to have any of the “foods that increase chances of cavities”; it just means balancing those foods with foods that are good for your teeth! Also, after eating, drink water to wash away the excess food and sugars.

Another tip: Chewing xylitol gum or sugar-free gum after eating can help, because it promotes the saliva in your mouth, allowing the mouth to repair the enamel.

Drinking:

On adventures with kids, bring a straw cup!
Kids need water after age 1.
Before age 1, water is just for practice, as you do not want water to displace a breastmilk or formula feed.

Book Recommendation: Big Steps - We’re Going to the Dentist

Reminder: Children should visit the dentist for the first time at 1-year-old, or 6 months after first tooth erupts

Follow Dr. Ashley at: IG: @drashleytop

Thank you to Bloom Nutrition for supporting today’s podcast! Find them on IG: @yourbloomnutrition or at www.yourbloomnutrition.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

On today’s episode, we sit down with Jennifer and LJ, the founders and owners of 3 Moms Organics, which carries a product we love, TickWise. TickWise is an organic, DEET-free, family safe, insect repellent, that also repels ticks, among many other bugs! Their product is EPA compliant, and is registered in all 50 states in the US. It is sold in over 300 stores and that number is increasing every day. It is also sold on Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and Lowes.com. Furthermore, 3 Moms Organics was recently certified as a prestigious Women-Owned Small Business. Both Jennifer and LJ have lived in the Hamptons of New York for all their adult life. They have both raised families in East Hampton and learned early on the dangers of ticks, and the diseases they carry. LJ’s children have each been infected with tick-borne diseases multiple times, as have Jennifer’s. The tick problem has gotten so bad in East Hampton that you cannot even step onto your lawn without finding at least one crawling up your leg.

LJ shares her story of having Neurological Lyme Disease [Neurological Lyme Disease requires a Deet-Free product]. We learn how LJ’s tick knowledge, paired with Jennifer’s essential oil knowledge, sent them down the path to protect their children from ticks (and now, thankfully, many other people)!

All the Tick Safety Tips:

Spray Permethrin on your shoes (spray it outside, and let it dry before wearing; repeat every 2 weeks)
Spray yourself (with TickWise)
Spray your belongings, including your backpack
For babies, do not spray hands or face, but you can spray their clothes, their carrier, their stroller, etc.
Wear light-coloured clothing, so you can easily spot ticks
Tuck your pants into your tall socks
Wear clothes that cover your skin
Avoid walking in long grass; although, ticks can also be found in short grass, depending location, and closer to trail where they are looking to feed
Use a lint roller (or duct tape) right after adventuring, to take off any ticks that are hanging on clothing
At home, strip down, and put your clothing in the dryer on high heat for 1 hour (ticks do not like high heat)
Shower and do a thorough tick check, especially warm areas of your body, and your hair
Be cognisant of anything that is itchy once inside – look before you scratch!

If You Find a Tick:

If you find a tick around your house, get rid of it
If a tick is found on you, remove it immediately with needle-nose tweezers, or a tick twister (remove it slowly, and make sure all of the tick is removed)
If the tick has bitten you, put it in a bottle or a plastic bag to send in for testing (do not put it in tape) – check www.tickreport.com
If a tick has bitten you, do the full 28-days of antibiotics (as that brackets the life cycle of the bacteria) – testing for Lyme disease in people is very flawed. The CDC says that just because you test negative, does not mean you don’t have Lyme disease. Testing is only 30% positive
**Don’t do the “soap on a cotton ball trick” to remove a tick, because it could leave some of the tick behind, or the tick could regurgitate their stomach contents

Facts about Ticks that will Scare You (Sorry!)

They can sense when someone has walked in the last 5 hours
There is a type of tick that can reproduce without a male
Mice, rabbits, deer, squirrels carry them around
Possums eat ticks

TickWise Spray Info:

It’s been field tested for its efficacy
It’s registered in all 50 states in the US
It lasts for 2 hours for ticks, and 1.75 hours for mosquitos; then it must be re-applied
It is also good for dogs, but not cats.

If you’re trying to keep ticks away from the yard, it’s best to set up tick boxes, because if you spray the yard, it negatively impacts other animals

Follow:

Website: https://www.3momsorganics.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3momsorganics/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3momsorganics/

Shop at:

Website: https://www.3momsorganics.com

Amazon: www.amazon.com/

Walmart: www.walmart.com/

Lowes: www.lowes.com/

Thank you to Rumpl for supporting today’s episode! Use EXPLORE15 for 15% your first order at www.rumpl.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Cindy Dowsett, from Kids Who Explore, along with her husband, John Dowsett, are sharing their knowledge!

How to Book for Backcountry Camping:

choose site via Provincial or National Park sites (albertaparks.ca)
book a reservation and then it’s usually first come first serve for specific spots

How to Get to Backcountry Camping Site:

hike in
pack everything in a chariot and bike in
canoe in!

What to Expect:

usually zero service
many locations have bear locks and fire wood, but some have no amenities
don’t expect a lot of sleep
sometimes there are communal cooking areas, sometimes not

How to Start with Kids:

plan for one night (maybe two)
pick a close location (smaller hike to get into site, for example)

Safety Tips:

always watch kids
make a “safety circle” with a stick around the fire for kids not to cross
pack warm, “winter” gear even in the summer (plan for all weather)

Backcountry Camping Packing List:

Backcountry Camping Additionals for Baby:

Baby carrier
Diapers
Wipes
Layers (wool base layers and socks, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer layer, neck warmer, mitts, boots or slippers) & extra layers!
Sleep sac
Milk
Soother
Toys
Sunhat/Sunglasses

Don’t over pack! It will get heavy! Many items are backcountry camping specific, so they are much lighter and smaller to pack down.

Borrow or rent to get started, if you don’t want to commit to buying everything.

Thank you to Rumpl for supporting today’s episode! Use EXPLORE15 for 15% your first order at www.rumpl.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

About Annika: Annika Mang is a content creator, storyteller, writer, and photographer. Her book, Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies has over 45 family-friendly hikes. In 2014, she created the Born to Explore Adventurous platform founded on the belief that “Adventuring does not end when you have children, it is only the beginning.”

She has lived all over Western Canada with her family, including three months in a van! Although she hiked as a kid herself, her love for hiking really flourished in University.

She has recently started a new initiative called Trail Collectiv, that determines difficulty level of hikes in 5 different categories, making it more clear for families what is accessible to them! She also shares which hikes are friendly for all-terrain strollers.

Annika loves rock climbing, because it allows her and her family to see nature from a new perspective.

Starting Rock Climbing with Your Kids:

Get certified [Annika took the Outdoor Climbing Course through the Calgary Climbing Gym – they used an ACMG Certified Instructor]
Be able to climb a 5.10 in the gym
Learn to create proper anchors and how to set up with proper etiquette
Pick a location with smooth ground and not a lot of rock fall
Check in with locals from the area for suggestions
Always think of safety first!

Make It Happen:

Bring your kids by 2-years-old up to a hold to “hang”
Let your kids see you enjoying it!
Find friends interested in taking turns between watching the kids and climbing

Recommendations for Rock Climbing Spots in Alberta with Kids:

Wasootch (https://www.thecrag.com/en/climbing/canada/kananaskis-country/area/11922961) -Sunshine Rock (https://www.thecrag.com/en/climbing/canada/alberta/banff/area/547764147)

Not Recommended for Rock Climbing in Alberta with Kids:

Grassi Lakes

Links: Calgary Climbing Gym (to certify) – www.calgaryclimbing.com Mountain Guides (to certify) – https://yamnuska.com/mountain-guides/

Follow Annika: IG: @borntobeadventurous Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BorntobeAdventurous/

Follow Trail Collectiv: IG: @trailcollectiv

Find Annika’s Book: Her Website – https://www.borntobeadventurous.com The Great Outdoors Store Calgary - https://www.thegreatoutdoorscalgary.ca Valhalla Pure Canmore - https://vpo.ca/topic/VPO.StoreLocator.Canmore All Out Kids Online - https://alloutkids.com

Thank you to Sawyer for sponsoring today’s episode! https://besawyer.com

Production: @ kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Lauren Rodych-Eberle is the Communications and Media Director for Kids Who Explore, and her passions with KWE really lie in sharing knowledge, tips and tricks, and promoting even the smallest of adventures!

Outside of Kids Who Explore, Lauren is the owner and instructor of Miss Lauren’s Music Studio, where she just released a Preschool Music eCourse: https://laurenrodycheberle.mykajabi.com/store

She is releasing her 4th cookbook in 2022 that is specifically for kids! She hopes it helps others pack food on their adventures: https://laurenrodycheberle.com/shop/

In today’s episode, she will also discuss:

How she involves her daughter in ALL things
How she’s meditated for 4 years consecutively
How she’s learned to check safety for different adventure areas, from bears to ticks
How KWE and the IG community inspire her to write

Links: Jan&Jul Sun Hats: https://janandjul.com/sun-hats/

Follow Lauren at: IG: @laurenrodycheberle; www.laurenrodycheberle.com; or over on Kids Who Explore!

Thank you to Rumpl for supporting today’s episode! Use EXPLORE15 for 15% your first order at www.rumpl.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Making friends can be hard! Making friends who want to do the same outdoor activities as you can be even harder! Tanya Koob, a Calgary-based mom, found herself in that predicament 12 years ago, when she first had her son. The solution? She started Facebook groups that brought like-minded, outdoor loving families together! Calgary Outdoor Play Groups run by Tanya: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1570536683159307/ Cross Country Skiing YYC: https://www.facebook.com/groups/562727260820378/ Mighty Mountains Kid Group (6 to 12/14-years-old): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1880664988893275/

Also mentioned – YYC Family Biking on Facebook

Other fun suggestions:

Geocaching: https://www.geocaching.com/play
Bike closed highways: One example is Highway 66 outside Bragg Creek, starting from Elbow Falls to Beaver Dam Flats Campground (check if it is closed before you go)

Follow Tanya at: IG: @mountainmomyyc; the Facebook groups listed above; http://www.rockiesfamilyadventures.com

Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities: https://kidswhoexplore.ca/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Carrie Malin grew up camping. She loves being in the outdoors - camping, hiking, backpacking, and canoeing, joined by her spouse, her son, and her dog! She is the Marketing Manager for Kids Who Explore, and we loved talking all things camping with her! Alberta Camping: https://www.albertaparks.ca To Get Kids Excited to Camp:

build up anticipation
involve them in packing camping gear
let them pack a backpack of toys that they carry

Carrie’s Camping Essentials:

Tent
Sleeping Bag
Hammock
Head Lamp
Tylenol/Advil
Google: 10 Must-Bring Camping Essentials

Carrie likes to camp May-October, until it gets to -5 degrees Celsius. Tip: Learn to build a fire to keep warm! A perfect camping trip would be 3-4 days for her, but she will take even a night, if that’s all she can get. She loves playing camping games with her son - tag, or X’s & O’s.

Her Advice to Beginner Campers:

You don’t need fancy gear
Start small and add as you need
Plan for one night to start, close to home

Links:

Carrie’s Post, Let’s Get Camping: https://thatoutdoorsyfamily.com/lets-get-camping/
Hug a Tree Foundation: https://www.adventuresmart.ca/programs/hug-a-tree-and-survive/

Follow Carrie at: IG: @__carrielynnn & www.thatoutdoorsyfamily.com

Thank you to Rumpl for supporting today’s episode! Use EXPLORE15 for 15% your first order at www.rumpl.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Back in Episode 5, we learned from Wildlife Specialist, Kim Titchener, who is the Owner of Bear Safety and More. In this episode, we dive deeper into wildlife safety when it comes to camping. Kim camps in all seasons and is building a cabin right in the heart of grizzly bear habitat, so she knows a thing or two first-hand!! The safety we talk about applies to all wildlife, even though we specifically address bears most often. Before Heading Out Camping:

Find out if your camp site is in bear country
Find out if there are bear warnings for the camp area (if so, don’t go)
Contact campsite beforehand and ask them what has been going on at their site (Provincial or National Parks are often good spots)

Before Setting Up:

Check site to see if anything has been eaten, if there is a carcass nearby, if birds of prey are flying overhead, or if there is bear food, like berries, near your site…all of these are very dangerous signs and the bear will come back

Once Camping:

Be self-sufficient and keep your food away from animals with bear-resistant garbages or bear lockers
If there are none of the above, you will need to know where to put your garbage…the car is fine for some locations, but some places in the USA, bears have learned how to get into cars – in that case, you will need to look into a bear hang or bear keg
Keep anything with scent away from campsite (even to go on a walk or to the washroom): food, toiletries, cans of kerosene, etc.
Make sure where you are eating and where you are sleeping are separate from each other
Have bear spray nearby at all times – even on the picnic table with an air horn – and then by your head when in the tent at night, with a glow-in-the-dark safety
Keep kids supervised, and stay together
Keep dogs on leash
Leave no trace, and pack up everything you brought in when leaving

When hiking, have food sealed up in good containers Teach kids bear safety, without scaring them – Give them knowledge to make lots of noise, make themselves big, back away, get to safety Take a course to feel knowledgeable on what to do in any encounter

Remember that it is also dangerous for wildlife to come near your site, as they will have to be shot, or put in a zoo, and no longer be allowed to live on the land. Don’t feed bears/coyotes/wolves/birds/etc. Stay in groups!

Some other great tips Kim has for getting kids outside:

Have layers for them and be prepared for all weather conditions
Carry a first aid kit, and bliss wool for blisters
Play games and make checklists for kids to look out for, and check off, on the trail
Bring stuffed animal, for the kids to focus on and take care of (take selfie with stuffie!)…but, do not leave stuffie on site

Learn more at: www.recsafewithwildlife.com and www.bearsafety.com Follow Kim at: IG: @bearconflicts and @bearsafetyadventures Thank you to Scat Belt for sponsoring today’s podcast! Get your Scat Belt today to always have your bear spray accessible at www.scatbelt.com and on IG: @scatbelt Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals giving medical advice.

Jamie Jones is a Minnesota girl with a heart full of wanderlust. She is a wife, a mother to two energetic boys, and an event/wedding planner. She loves travelling, working out, skating, and being on the water.

She grew up on a ranch, where she spent all her time outdoors, where the ticks love to roam. In college, she started getting really sore, and wondered if it was arthritis. She was often dismissed and told it was just from stress.

Jamie’s Symptoms:

Joints hurting – sore and swollen
Feet felt like walking on pins and needles
Fatigued
Headaches

Thankfully, Jamie’s story didn’t lead to chronic Lyme disease, as many do, because hers was caught early enough and she was put on antibiotics (for a year).

Becoming diagnosed Is hard, as something like 20-30% of people don’t test positive.

Being Diagnosed:

Blood test (looking for antibody marker)
Visible bullseye rash
Usually followed with a 30-day cycle of antibiotics

Jamie’s Lasting Effects:

Loses voice very easily (especially when tired)
Gets swollen muscles
Joints and feet get sore (especially when it’s cold)

Deer ticks (the ticks that most often carry Lyme disease), are about the size of a sesame seed.

How to Prevent Tick Exposure:

Wear layers and cover up your skin (tall socks, long sleeves, etc.)
Wear light colours, so ticks can easily be spotted
Pull hair up
Avoid tall grass, when you can
Use Tick Spray (Lauren suggests 3momsorganics TickWise, and Jamie uses Deep Woods Off)
When inside, check hair, clothing, and dark, warm areas for ticks
Be cautious of your pets, as they can be exposed to ticks as well (Jamie shares that in Minnesota, there is a Lyme disease vaccine for dogs, and also a chewable fly and tick guard that they use)
Be mindful: Jamie cautions that she was simply running barefoot in her backyard when she was exposed

Links:

3momsorganics TickWise - https://www.3momsorganics.com
Deep Woods Off - https://off.com/en/product/deep-woods
Thule Chariot (Jamie’s Favourite) - https://www.thule.com/en-us/bike-trailers/multisport-trailers/thule-chariot-cross-2-_-10202023

Be mindful, but still get outside!! The world was meant for exploring!

Find Jamie on IG: @jamie_m_jones

Thank you to Sawyer for supporting today’s episode! Check out Sawyer goods at https://besawyer.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Whether you’re like us and want your kids on all your adventures, or the pandemic has made it so you can’t travel far, or get childcare, we are here promoting small adventures…you don’t need to go far from your backyard to expose kids to the beauty of nature! Remember, for kids, these small adventures are anything but small!

Some small adventure ideas:

walks
yardwork
step outside!
play in the yard
parks
green space
biking
yard sledding
yard snowboarding

If you can’t get outside, you can bring the outdoors in, from making leaf prints to using food colouring in bins of snow indoors, get creative with nature!!

Thank you to Rumpl for supporting today’s episode! Use EXPLORE15 for 15% your first order at www.rumpl.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

We all have a pelvic floor…every single one of us! But, how much do we really know about it? Rachel Parrotta, who is a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist based on Long Island, in New York, teaches us how to take care of our pelvic floor, especially for those in pregnancy or postpartum. We think you’re going to be very motivated to visit a Pelvic Floor Therapist after this episode! And, as we learn, it’s never too late!

Get assessment from a Pelvic Floor Therapist if:

you feel “pressure” in the pelvis
you are experiencing incontinence (any leaking of urine from running, jumping, sneezing, etc.)
you have Diastasis Recti (when the abdominal wall widens, and if you have feelings of pressure coming up from that line)

If you are pregnant:

you want to still be active during your pregnancy and use
your core muscles, but there are modifications to do so safely
visit a pelvic floor therapist to gauge where you’re at, learn about the pelvic floor, and prepare for birth and recovery

If you have a pelvic prolapse (distension or stretching of the vaginal walls internally):

hold off on more intense exercise until 12 weeks postpartum
week 6-12 should be rehabilitative, and you should have an assessment done
strengthen the core and pelvic floor, also the hips and whole body!
some may need internal support, from a pessary

If you have Diastasis Recti:

work with a Pelvic Floor Therapist to strength the entire abdominal wall
correct the feelings of pressure

How to return to postpartum exercise:

week 6-12 postpartum should be about rehabilitation
think of exercise as a progressive program
start with easier workouts on the ground: the core, pelvic floor, and breath
then get up on your feet, and return to squatting and lunging
runners need to think about if they can do one legged squatting, before running

Follow Rachel on IG: @rachel_parrotta_dpt www.rachelparrotta.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParrottaPhysicalTherapy/

To find a PFT in your area:

www.pelvicrehab.com
www.pelvicguru.com
ask birth workers in your community

Thank you to Rumpl for supporting today’s episode! Use EXPLORE15 for 15% your first order at www.rumpl.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

This isn’t just an episode about one of the mamas behind the scenes of KWE, it’s an episode about challenging yourself! Adventure mama, Cindy Dowsett, challenged herself in 2021 to complete 52 hikes. In this episode, she discusses how she’s including her kids in this adventure and some great Alberta hikes she has planned. We are in awe and can’t wait to cheer her on!

Learn more about the Triple Crown Canmore Challenge: https://rockymountainadaptive.com/triple-crown-canmore/

Follow Cindy at: IG: @cldowsett & @springbankwellness www.springbankwellness.com

Read more about Cindy and other KWE mamas: https://kidswhoexplore.ca/about-us/mamas-behind-the-scenes/

Thank you to Sawyer for sponsoring today’s episode! https://besawyer.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions Music: @michaelferraro_music

Some benefits of baby-wearing:

Bonding
Simulating the womb
Producing oxytocin
Offering safety for baby
Allowing the adult to get things done (hands-free)
Giving child access and engagement in the outdoors

Some baby-wearing safety tips:

Baby close enough to kiss
If baby on back (see below for when to put baby on back), make sure you can turn your neck around and see them
Allowing an open airway for baby; chin away from chest (1 to 2 fingers can fit in between their chin and chest…especially for a newborn) & fabric away from their face
Check your work; and check every 20-30 minutes in addition
Make sure baby’s torso is well supported by carrier (watch with stretchy wraps)
Baby’s legs should be in an M-shape
Usually carrier should reach from baby’s knee to knee

Baby forward-facing on adult’s front can cause overstimulation, can be too hammock-like with lack of support for baby, and can tilt adult’s pelvis out in a poor position causing back pain That being said, Vanessa just loves seeing baby’s being worn, so if it’s working for you and baby, then it’s working for you and baby!

To switch to back-wearing, make sure:

Baby has enough neck strength
Baby is over 6 months
Baby is able to sit unassisted
The instruction manual of carrier says baby is able to be back-worn

Some of KWE’s fav soft-structured carriers:

Tula Free to Grow
Ergo Baby 360
Onya Baby
Ring Sling

Some of KWE’s fav hiking packs:

Osprey Poco
Deuter 3

Some bonus things Vanessa loves:

Uppy Mama Store in Red Deer, Alberta
Nuun Tablets for energy!
She reminds you to find a local educator!

Follow Vanessa on IG: @vangrowyeg

Massage Therapy Edmonton: https://pinehealth.ca/

Doula Care: https://www.fullcirclebirthcollective.com/

Thank you so much to Springbank Wellness for sponsoring today’s episode!

IG: @springbankwellness https://springbankwellness.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions

Music: @michaelferraro_music

Our Hiking Packs:

For on your body:

-clothes [Tip: pack layers. Ideally wear lighter colours and full coverage to protect from the sun and ticks] -rain cover & extra rain gear -hat & sunglasses -sunscreen -tick spray -trail runners or hiking boots

For in your belly:

-squeeze packs (not just for kids) -fruit -veggies and hummus -sandwiches -“treats” -water (in bottles and/or a hydration pack)

For baby: -milk [for nursing mamas: in cold temperatures, nursing workout gear is great – we like Kojo Activewear] -diapers & wipes -change pad [or use a blanket or a seat you’ve packed] -flip cover [to avoid blow outs] We love changing baby in the car at the trail head, if you can. Put the front seat down in the winter, or use trunk space in the summer

All the other good stuff: -something to sit on (Rumpl Stash Mat or Z Seat) -scavenger hunt -satellite phone -first aid kit [Tip: KT Tape is helpful for avoiding blisters] -hiking poles

-bear spray (and Scat Belt to carry it)

Secondhand gear is good to keep your eye out for at the end of the season, or on Facebook Market Place.

Safety Tip: Never let car go under half a tank of gas.

Remember to keep hiking fun for kids. We love games, like safely playing Hide & Seek with an adult, or packing a hiking scavenger hunt, hiking bingo, or “I Spy” to keep their little eyes out while exploring!

Links: Rumpl Stash Mat – www.tinyurl.com/um65ykp2

Z Seat - www.thermarest.com/seating/seats/z-seat/z-seat.html Tick spray - www.3momsorganics.com

Scavenger Hunt – www.laurenrodycheberle.com/2020/07/21/hiking-scavenger-hunt/

Kojo Activewear – www.kojo.shop/en/ Oma + Jo Trapper Hats - www.omaandjo.com

Thank you to Rumpl for supporting today’s episode! Use EXPLORE15 for 15% your first order at www.rumpl.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music.

Disclaimer: Nothing we say in this episode is medical advice. Please talk to your doctor (and your family) to recognize signs of PPD and PPA in you.

Autumn Kuenzi and her family live and explore in Oregon, in a valley near Salem. Her family loves Smith Rock State Park for rock climbing! She is also a big fan of hot springs – because who wouldn’t love a big hot tub nature-made?

While this episode dives into Autumn’s personal experience with PPD and PPA, it highlights how nature is what healed her!

Autumn’s fun tip for thriving during car trips with kids: Dollar Store finds & SNACKS!

Find more about Autumn and her family: IG: @autumnmariahh

Links: She Moves Mountains (for rock climbing training) – www.shemovesmountains.org Women Who Explore (for finding exploring friends) – IG: @womenwhoeexplore

Garmin GPS (for safety) - www.garmin.com Bear Spray (for safety) – Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/jdxms8k8

Thank you to ik’splor for sponsoring today’s podcast! We love their base layers for our kiddos here at KWE.

https://iksplor.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Sometimes we just can’t get outside. On those days, how can we bring the outdoors indoors? One way, is through story. Dineo Dowd is a mother who saw where books for her daughter were lacking, and chose to fill in the gap by self-publishing her own! She is the author of many kid adventure books, specifically related to hiking, and she is an advocate for diversity in the outdoors!

Find all Dineo Dowd’s books on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/2n5wyrdm

Follow Dineo on IG: @author_dineodowd @dineodowd

Tip: Adopt a trail with your family (check local areas or hikeitbaby.com)

Thank you to Sawyer for sponsoring today's episode!

https://besawyer.com

Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Adrianna Skori may be on what she calls maternity leave, but that hasn’t stopped her from launching Kids Who Explore, with her son being at the forefront of it all! How could he not be, when the spark of KWE was born while she was out hiking while pregnant?

This episode covers:

What is KWE?

Where did the idea come from?

What do we share on our IG?

What will you learn being a part of this community?

Who are our ambassador families? And…our patch!

Links: IG: @kidswhoexplore Adrianna IG: @adriannaadventures

Patch ($1 from every patch is donated to Alberta Parks. Made in Canada) - https://kids-who-explore.square.site

Thank you to our producer @kpmediaproductions & @michaelferraro_music for their music.

When we are getting outdoors, whether it’s hiking, biking, fishing, camping, or any other nature adventure, it’s important to remember that we are visitors in the homes of the wildlife who roam there.

How much do you truly know about bears? Do you know how to avoid encounters? Do you know how to handle encounters you come across?

Thankfully, Kim Titchener, owner of Bear Safety & More, gives us a rundown of what to do to protect ourselves and our families in bear territory.

Some tips on the trail: -Keep children attended (do not let them run ahead) -Bear bells and music are not helpful -Use your voice regularly; more people are helpful for multiple tones of voices; the natural sounds of adventure, like branches cracking and footsteps is also helpful

-Have a communication device with you (ie. Garmin inReach) -Each adult should have a can of bear spray (and know how to use it)

Some tips before you hit the trail: -Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back -Let someone know your vehicle type and license plate -Explore with ID on you

This episode also briefly touches on defensive versus non-defensive bear encounters, and how and when to safely back away, versus make yourself intimidating (and, of course, get your bear spray ready).

Links:

-Join the RecSafe with Wildlife Community for free today - www.bearsafety.com or www.recsafewithwildlife.com

-Scat Belt - Thank you for being a wonderful sponsor - www.scatbelt.com -Garmin inReach - https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/561269

Instagram Links: @bearconflicts @bearsafetyadventures @scatbelt

Are you struggling to get outside with the cold temperatures, snow, and ice? While some adventures might look like building a snowman in the backyard and others might look like snowshoeing in the backcountry, we have some tips and tricks to help making winter adventures with kids a little easier.

Layers -

-2 piece suits once kiddos are out of diapers is key! [Fun tip: A 5 Gallon Paint Bucket with Toilet Training Seat works great in the car]

-Base layer (wool or synthetics), mid-layer fleece, waterproof or water resistant outer layer (ie. MEC Bunting Suit)

-Neck warmer, toque/winter hat, waterproof boots, mittens/gloves

For on the trail -

-Ice cleats/crampons - for kids, use size XS and then tie on with a zip tie

-Snowshoes and poles

-Make sure to follow signage on adventures!

-Pack a sled!!

Links -

-MEC Bunting Suit - https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5034-350/Ursus-Bunting-Suit

-All Trails to Choose a Trail - https://www.alltrails.com

Also check the conditions in your area (https://albertaparks.ca for Alberta)

-Aiare Level 1 Course for Avalanche Safety - https://avtraining.org/aiare-level-1/

-Rockies Family Adventures for fun adventure ideas -http://www.rockiesfamilyadventures.com

Thank you to our producer, @kpmediaproductions. Thank you to @michaelferraro_music for their music.

Whether you want to be a homeschooler, you've somehow become a homeschooler during Covid-times, or you have zero interest in ever doing anything homeschool-related, this episode will show you how Jessica Human gets her three busy boys learning in nature. Plus, you'll want to hear the best spots to road trip and explore in Pennsylvania and Maryland, USA!

Jessica Human: IG: @3.little.trees

Thank you to our producer, @kpmediaproductions. Thank you to @michaelferraro_music for their music.

Layers, layers, layers – that’s a big takeaway from this episode. But, the Kids Who Explore Mamas will give you more details on how to layer your little ones whether you’re babywearing or pulling a sled.

Ad featured B&Me –www.bookerandme.com– use discount code kidswhoexplore20 for 20% off from Feb 9-15, 2021.

Base layers – Great reference https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/underwear.html

Mec Bunting Fleece, Cindy referred to - https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5034-350/Ursus-Bunting-Suit

Thank you to our producer, @kpmediaproductions. Thank you to @michaelFerrro_music for their music.

Adventures stop when you have kids, right? Wrong! They just get better!

In this episode, Adrianna Skori, Cindy Dowsett, and Lauren Rodych-Eberle talk about how their adventures have continued once growing their families, and how each of them have found ways to become kids again themselves, as they get out in nature.

Three moms who have joined forces to build-up Kids Who Explore and connect adventure families from all over the world, also discuss how they individually have worked on finding a balance between their work, their passions, and their families.

As discussed in the episode, here are links to:

Kids Who Explore: IG: @kidswhoexplore, also find us on YouTube and Facebook

Adrianna’s Adventures: IG: @adriannaadventures

Cindy’s Clinic

IG: @springbankwellness and @cldowsett

Lauren’s Website IG: @laurenrodycheberle

Thank you to @kpmediaproductions for their podcast editing & @michaelferraro_music for their music.

Adrianna Skori, Cindy Dowsett, and Lauren Rodych-Eberle, the team behind Kids Who Explore, introduce their new podcast by sharing their first adventure experiences with their own kids! Instagram: @kidswhoexplore Facebook: Kids Who Explore Thank you to @kpmediaproductions and @michaelferraro_music