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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 Aug 09, 2022
Tuesday Aug 09, 2022
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
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
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
Tuesday Jul 26, 2022
Tuesday Jul 26, 2022
“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
Tuesday Jul 19, 2022
Tuesday Jul 19, 2022
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
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
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
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
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
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
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
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
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
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
“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
Tuesday Jun 07, 2022
Tuesday Jun 07, 2022
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