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Adrianna Skori, founder and CEO of Kids Who Explore, shares 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 Jan 17, 2023
Tuesday Jan 17, 2023
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
Monday Jan 09, 2023
Monday Jan 09, 2023
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
Tuesday Jan 03, 2023
Tuesday Jan 03, 2023
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
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
Monday Dec 12, 2022
Monday Dec 12, 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
Monday Nov 14, 2022
Monday Nov 14, 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