Kids Who Explore Parent Edition

Ep. 30 Nursing On-The-Trail with Petra Sporinova

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.  

Ep. 29 Limiting Screen Time

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. 

Ep. 28 Getting Kids Out The Door with Tara Matheron

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. 

Ep. 27 Get In The Water with Tanya Vanthuyne

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. 

Ep. 26 How to Inspire Kids to WANT to Get Outside

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.  

Ep. 25 Raise them to be Ordinary; Let THEM Choose Extraordinary with John O‘Sullivan

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.  

Ep. 24 Second Hand Adventure Gear with Rowan Rocskar

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.  

Ep. 23 Summer Bucket List with Kids

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. 

Ep. 22 Gentle Parenting Outside with M.J. Singletary-Villalobos

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. 

Ep. 21 Snacks on the Trail with Dr. Ashley Toporowski

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.