45K
Downloads
122
Episodes
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
Episodes
Tuesday Dec 27, 2022
Tuesday Dec 27, 2022
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 @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music
Tuesday Dec 20, 2022
Tuesday Dec 20, 2022
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 @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
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 @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
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.com
IG: 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 @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
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
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
Tuesday Nov 22, 2022
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
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
Tuesday Nov 15, 2022
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
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
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
Tuesday Nov 01, 2022
Tuesday Nov 01, 2022
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
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
Tuesday Oct 25, 2022
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