Kids Who Explore Parent Edition

Ep. 110 KWE Explorer Families with Michelle Klatt

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 @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Ep. 109 Safety While Adventuring in Bear Country

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 @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

Ep. 108 Nature is Your Child’s Best Teacher with @schoollessinseattle

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 @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

Ep. 107 What Even Is Work-Life Balance?

“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 @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

Ep. 106 Embracing Winter with a Baby

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 @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

Ep. 105 Combatting the Negativity on Social Media

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 @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

Ep. 104 Snowshoeing with a Toddler

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 @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music

Ep. 103 Solo Parenting during Plane Travel

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 @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music 

Ep. 102 Seeing Every US National Park by the Age of 3 with The Castillos

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.com
  IG: @journey_castillo
  Facebook: Journey Go Explore 

Ep. 101 Adventuring with Two Under Two - What We’ve Learned

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 @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music