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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 May 31, 2022
Tuesday May 31, 2022
Everyone’s pregnancy looks different, and hiking while pregnant will too. Make sure to listen to your own body and your care providers’ recommendations. In today’s episodes we share a little bit about what our hiking has looked like while pregnant, especially now, while hiking pregnant with toddlers in tow!
Hiking While Pregnant Tips:
- Set the expectation that adventures may slow down for a period of time (or be shorter)
- Allow yourself to go at toddler-pace, and let them lead the way
- If carrying a toddler while pregnant, you may find the soft-structured carriers more comfortable than the bigger hiking carriers
- Trekking poles are fantastic for balance! [And ice cleats/crampons in winter]
- Put a boundary around first trimester, and “fourth trimester” (3 months postpartum) and be very cautious to listen to your body and what it needs
- There is no pressure to do anything grand…just step outside!
- Remember that in the grand scheme of things, pregnancy is such a short period of time
So, in summary:
Slow down. Be present. Breathe in the fresh air. Cuddle that little bundle of joy!
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 May 24, 2022
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Rukmini Halliwell is a lover of mushrooms…the kind you would try to spot in nature. And that’s what we are going to discuss today…mushrooms!! You may just be picking up a new hobby after this episode.
You recently met Rukmini Halliwell on our podcast about Choosing a Life Jacket {PFD}. If you don’t remember, she is Kids Who Explore’s Inclusion Lead, she is a voice for breaking cultural barriers that prevent BIPOC from entering outdoor spaces, she is a wife and a mama who enjoys hiking with her family, and she’s a mushroom-lover.
Previous Episode: https://laurenrodycheberle.podbean.com/e/ep-67-choosing-a-life-jacket-with-rukmini-halliwell/
Ruk’s first ever hiking trip was in the Himalayas. After that, she set a goal for 30 hikes that year. Her husband broke his foot when she was already at 27, so she had to finish it on her own. She found a new hiking friend, and because they didn’t have anything in common, they started looking for mushrooms together. Then she started taking photos, put them up on a Reddit Mushroom Forum, then joined her local mycology society, and audited classes at York University.
Mushroom Identification:
- Location
- Time of year
- Soil composition (or what it’s growing on)
- It’s tree “best friend”
- Sustainable foraging…only take one specimen (do not eat! Unless you 100% know what it is, and it’s cooked) – also check laws of country for foraging
- Can use iNature app to help ID, or just to track
- Take photos of mushroom from front, side, upskirt, and gills.
- Check ID Key to go through list of identification markers
Where to Start with this Hobby:
- Get books!
- Read up on sustainable foraging
- Join Mycology Society
- Join a Facebook or Reddit Group
Mushroom “Hunting” is a great activity to do with toddlers!! It allows you to get on their level, get low, see how alive the forest is, and gets you to slow down and be present.
Eating pinecones mention: IG - @blackforager
Follow Ruk on IG: @rukminihalliwell
Thank you to Elements Outfitters for supporting today’s episode! Check out @elementsoutfitters, @patagoniacalgary, @patagoniabanff, and @patagoniavictoria.
Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Adventuring with twins (or multiple kids very close in age) is a whole different ball game! Why not learn from a mama who has been doing it for 6 years? Jenny Carter has a ton of fun tips that not only makes adventuring with multiples seem more than do-able, but fun too! Hint: Find an adventure buddy, so you have another set of hands!
Jenny and her husband, John, love adventuring with their daughters, Salley and Lily. They moved to Wisconsin in the fall of 2021 from Arizona. On top of that, she is homeschooling her kids who are currently in kindergarten. The Carter’s got to try new winter activities this year, including snow shoeing and ice fishing. They also adore kayaking, hiking, camping, and road tripping. Plus, they can’t wait to one day introduce the girls to backpacking.
The biggest challenge for adventuring with twins was when they were learning to walk. Going out by herself wasn’t really a good idea, because everything in Arizona was sharp, pointy, or poisonous. She needed another set of adult hands.
Tips for Adventuring with Twins:
- Always have another adult helper!
- Tag team on the trail
- Each adult can wear a baby, if you aren’t tandem babywearing
- Pick a short, do-able trail
- Focus on the desires of the kids, for them to be successful
- Teach the kids to compromise together
- Establish boundaries, so they stay close
- Prepare the night before, and check the weather
- By age 4, you can pick “points of interest” for kids to get to
Suggestions:
Wisconsin State Park Sticker - https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/admission
Dr. Ana Maria Temple, Holistic Pediatrician – IG: @dranamariatemple
Follow Jenny on IG: @salleylily
Thank you to Elements Outfitters for supporting today’s episode! Check out @elementsoutfitters, @patagoniacalgary, @patagoniabanff, and @patagoniavictoria.
Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music
Monday May 09, 2022
Monday May 09, 2022
A life jacket is a life saving device! We will say it again…a life jacket is a life saving device! But, do you know what to look for when purchasing a life jacket? Do you know how to check if it fits your child correctly? Rukmini Halliwell is here to teach you everything you need to know!
You’ll find Rukmini Halliwell on any given weekend hiking along the Bruce Trail with her toddler, dog and husband in tow, hunting for mushrooms and sharing her biodiversity knowledge on the ‘gram. With a deep connection to her heritage and a passion to be on trail, she is also advocating for diversity and inclusion in the outdoors. After having her first child, Ruk began focusing on how to break cultural barriers that prevent BIPOC from entering outdoor spaces. Ruk is our Inclusion Manager at Kids Who Explore and we love having her on our team.
Ruk was a competitive swimmer for the majority of her life. She trained as a lifeguard, and practiced as a lifeguard, which got her passionate about the topic of water safety!!
Difference Between Life Jacket and Personal Floatation Device:
- A life jacket is a piece of safety equipment. A safety regulation life jacket has very specific check boxes to be “coast-guard approved”
- Personal floatation devices (PFD) can be any floatation outside of your body. Lots of items can be listed under PFD
- There are different regulations for what you can call a life jacket or PFD in Canada versus States, and possibly other places
Please refer back to Episode 57 for Water Safety Tips too!
https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-57-water-safety-with-kaylee-kennedy/
Water Safety Tips:
- Life jackets are meant to be life saving devices, but they are not meant to be a replacement of parental supervision, or to teach people to swim
- Do not lose sight of your child (or anyone you’re attending to)
- Open water requires a life jacket! [Model appropriate behaviour for your children by wearing a life jacket yourself]
What to Look for in a Life Jacket:
- Colour: Red or orange (needs to show up bright in the water) *Tip to correct ones that are bad colours/not visible in the water…use fluorescent duct tape*
- Crotch Strap: Needs to be done up, so the life jacket doesn’t float up over the child in the water
- Fit: Multiple buckles, and proper size/fit
- Material: Made out of foam (still works if there is a little rip or tear)
- Head Rest: Flips them onto their back, so it keeps their airway open
- Neck Pull: Allows you to grab them in the water and rescue them
- NOT Inflatable: Do not use an inflatable life jacket! It’s not reliable
Think of a life jacket as a yearly investment! Buy the red one that fits at that exact time!!
Recommendations:
Smart Wool Base Layers: https://www.smartwool.com
Oh Crap Potty Training Book: On the Podcast - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-46-potty-training-in-the-outdoors-with-jamie-glowacki/
Follow Ruk on IG: @rukminihalliwell
Thank you to Elements Outfitters for supporting today’s episode! Check out @elementsoutfitters, @patagoniacalgary, @patagoniabanff, and @patagoniavictoria.
Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music
Tuesday May 03, 2022
Tuesday May 03, 2022
We’ve said it a million and one times. And we’ve heard it even more than that. Snacks! The number one thing you never want to forget on any adventure, near or far…the snacks!
We aren’t dieticians, although you can refer back to episode 21 with Dr. Ashley to learn about which snacks are good for your teeth.
Episode 21: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-21-snacks-on-the-trail-with-dr-ashley-toporowski/
What You Can Find in our Snack Packs:
- Dates
- Bars – make your own, or grab-and-go
- Baked Goods – homemade muffins or egg bites
- Fruit or Fruit Bowl
- Veggies and Dip – especially hummus
- Wraps and Sandwiches
- Salad – usually without kids, or picnic-style
- Smoothie – often for in the car
- Crackers – have water for after to protect those teeth!
- Water!
- Electrolyte Gummies – sometimes
- Pouches – can also make your own in reusable pouches (to be kind to the environment)
- Coffee or Tea – after adventure or for the car ride
Resources Mentioned:
Brownie Pan Snacks: https://laurenrodycheberle.com/2016/09/27/primal-pancakes/
Bento Box (Yum Box): https://yumboxlunch.com/blogs/press/the-best-lunch-boxes-for-kids
Rumpl Picnic Blanket & Towel: https://www.rumpl.com
Pro Tip (haha):
Make sure to take pits out of dates before you blend them into a smoothie. Good idea to do before hiking with kids too!
Thank you to Elements Outfitters for supporting today’s episode! Check out @elementsoutfitters, @patagoniacalgary, @patagoniabanff, and @patagoniavictoria.
Today’s Host: @adriannaadventures & @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Back on Episode 20, we had the pleasure of chatting with Jennifer and LJ, the founds and owners of 3 Moms Organics, which carries a natural, organic, DEET-free tick and insect repellent, that is EPA compliant, and is registered in all 50 States. We had so many more questions following that episode that we just had to have them back!!
Episode 20, Tick Safety: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-20-tick-safety-with-3-moms-organics/id1548759798?i=1000525534832
Jenn’s daughter was recently bit by a tick. She came home and felt an itch, Jenn looked and saw the tick. She stayed calm. Got the needle-nose tweezers. Removed the tick straight out (do not twist). Washed the area. Put the tick in a plastic bag, wrote the date on it, and taped it to the cabinet. Then they waited for symptoms/signs, because you don’t want to test every tick. She found her daughter had symptoms 2 weeks later, so they sent the tick in for testing, and got an antibiotic from the doctor in the meantime.
If you have a concern and are showing symptoms, ask for tick-borne panel testing, as it tests for more than just Lyme disease.
Where Ticks Can Be Found:
- Long and short grass
- Beach sand
- Sidewalk
They have 8 legs, so they hang out and “quest” and then cling onto you. Spring brings a higher chance of tick encounters.
Steps Before/During Adventuring:
- Spray TickWise on you and your equipment (lasts for 90 minutes)
- Wear long, light-coloured socks and tuck your pants into socks
- Cover up with light-coloured clothing
- Use Permethrin on shoes (not on skin!!)
- Reapply TickWise every 90 minutes
Steps After Adventuring:
- Use a lint roller on clothing to catch any ticks
- Remove cloths, put in dryer for 1 hour on high heat
- Check body for ticks; Shower
- Don’t scratch without looking
If You Find a Tick:
- Use needle nose tweezers to pull it straight out, slowly
- Clean area
- Put tick in plastic bag with date
- Watch for symptoms
- If you find it in your house, not on you, burn it
TickWise Spray:
- Organic and natural, so no harm having directly on you regularly
- 3 Moms Organics is all about tick education!
- TickWise can last for 3 years, if not in direct sunlight
- Replace bottle more often if in direct sunlight
- Can also deter many other bugs, including mosquitos
- Can work in hair as detangler, and to keep lice away
- “Tick Kit” coming soon!
Signs of a Tick-Borne Illness:
- Fever
- Stomach issues
- Joints hurting (usually travelling joint pain)
- Lethargic
- Dark circles under eyes
- Night sweats
- Meat allergy (4-8 hours after eating)
- Anything out of the ordinary for you!
Lyme disease symptoms will show up instantly, but many other tick-borne diseases don’t show up as quickly.
Follow 3 Moms Organics:
@3momsorganics
Youtube, Facebook, IG
Recommendations:
Book: Glow Kids by Nicholas Kardaras, Ph.D.
Podcast – Imagined Life
Use Code: KWE2022 for 15% off TickWise now until May 14, 2022
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 Apr 19, 2022
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Whether you can already name countless birds, or you simply enjoy hearing the birds singing around you, there are so many ways to appreciate birds even more and make them a bigger part of your outdoor adventures! Your kids may surpass you in their birding-skills, but today’s guest, Launne Kolla, who is a Wildlife and Marine Biologist, has so many ways to making birding fun for the whole family!
Launne Kolla grew up on a cattle and grain farm near Melfort, SK, Canada. She attended the University of Saskatchewan and Dalhousie University to further her education. She works as a wildlife biologist for EDI Environmental Dynamics, a consulting company with offices across Western Canada. Most of Launne's work deals with bird species at risk, identifying where they are, where they nest and how to protect those species. Launne lives with her husband Dillon and two daughters, Ruby (4) and Polly (1) in Saskatoon.
Birding Resources Mentioned:
- App: Sibley
- App: Song Sleuth
- Book: Sibley
- Cornel Ornithology Lab
- Allaboutbirds.org
How To Include Kids in Birding/Bird-Watching:
- Make it a game: “How many birds will we see today?”
- Make a scavenger hunt of lists of birds to find (Tip: Start with bigger birds)
- Listen for birds everywhere; mimic their sounds, and identify direction of sound
Practice Mnemonics:
- Try saying out loud what they are saying; Some examples:
- Chickadee says “chickadee-dee-dee”
- Olive Sided Fly Catcher says “drink three beer”
- Yellow Worbler says “sweet sweet sweet I’m so sweet”
- Barred Owl says “who cooks for you who cooks for you all”
- Google these! OR sometimes you will find them in their bios on Sibley, OR you can simply try listen and figure out what you hear
How to Protect Birds:
- Don’t “call them” from Sibley too much, but one call to listen for a call back is fine
- Don’t feed them
- Don’t touch nests, unless you are helping put an egg back that fell
- Get out of the way of birds aggressively squawking/chirping
- Be cautious considering birds as pets that don’t get to fly freely
Migratory birds come back in the spring, breed all summer, and leave to somewhere warm in the fall. Best time to see all the birds is May-August usually.
Launne’s Favourite Birds:
- Maribou Storks (in Africa)
- Great Blue Herons (locally)
- Crows (they are really smart!)
Recommendations:
- Lint Scraper for dog hair from Lint Rolled - https://lintrolled.com/
- Book: Nightingale and The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Find Launne:
IG: @do.more.good (goal of sustainability)
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 Apr 12, 2022
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Adrianna birthed Kids Who Explore along with the birth of her first son, Turner. Adrianna’s adventure friend, Lauren came right along with her, and birthed a little buddy for Turner, just 5 months earlier. Now, we have more exciting news!
Follow along as we adventure with 4 kids, 2-years and under!! Coming July and October 2022! In this episode we talk about parental leave, moving houses, and how life will look a little bit different! Don’t worry – still lots of 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
Tuesday Apr 05, 2022
Tuesday Apr 05, 2022
Getting outside doesn’t always need to be a big hike or a far away destination; It can be to your local park. Natasha Dillinger takes park adventures to a whole new level, with exploring more than 35 parks in 2021 with her two kids. That sounds like a fun goal to us!!
Raised in California, Natasha, known on Instagram as Suitcases in Seattle, now calls Seattle home. She not-so-secretly loves the gray skies, green landscapes, rocky beaches and mountain views. An accountant by trade, she's adapted her love of spreadsheets to plan outings with her two young children. You'll usually find them at a park or trailhead, or enjoying some of the amazing road-trippable destinations the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Why Parks Are a Great Outing:
- They are accessible
- They are free!
- They are closer proximity than big hikes
- They get you at least an hour outside even on rainy days
Why Park Days Make for a “Lucky Mama:”
- You need less toys at home
- Your home stays cleaner!
- The fun is already created, for those who don’t want to set up a Pinterest Project
- Kids practise their gross motor skills
- Kids can get dirty!
- Allows opportunity for kids to see other kids outside, and all different kinds of kids!
- It’s a great “coffee date” option for parents
Other great toys to bring along to the park can be sand toys for the sand pit!
Some Seattle Locations Mentioned:
- Garfield Ledges (North Bend)
- Yesler Terrace (hit up Tougo Coffee Shop)
- Golden Gardens Park & Beach
- Pivot Farm (unicorn ride)
Rain Gear Mentioned:
Polarn O. Pyret (get some rain mittens!) - https://www.polarnopyretusa.com
Book Recommendation:
Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff
Check Out Episode 42 to hear her and learn more - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-42-why-to-avoid-kid-centered-activities-with/id1548759798?i=1000542061182
Follow Natasha:
IG: @suitcasesinseattle
Writes for Parent Map & Seattle Child
https://www.parentmap.com & https://www.seattleschild.com
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
Tuesday Mar 29, 2022
Tuesday Mar 29, 2022
Gary Martinez raises his voice for all to hear, as he teaches others about autism. His daughter is on the autism spectrum, and she is his inspiration! His message is one of patience, perspective, and creativity and it is a great lesson for all of us!
Gary Martinez is a father of two, an inspirational speaker, the author of Living Life Through Their Eyes, Our Journey Together On the Autism Spectrum, a personal trainer, and he runs the S.T.A.R. Program, which is a digital Autism Course.
Signs of Autism He Noticed in his Daughter:
- She didn’t respond to people
- She was non-verbal
- Her play was very lined up and organized
- She was very repetitive
How He Helps His Daughter Thrive:
- Allows her to have to her own space
- Knows she may not be able to make eye contact
- Learns about what she is fascinated with
- Allows lots of play breaks
- Offers physical space for moving her body
- Uses the outdoors and music heavily
- Tries to avoid overstimulation of the senses
How the Outdoors Has Helped His Daughter:
- Got her comfortable walking on uneven surfaces
- Comfort found in the outdoors, especially areas she knows
- Repetitive motions are enjoyed, such as swings
Some Tips on Meltdowns:
- Reduce meltdowns by offering play breaks as many times throughout the day as needed
- During meltdown, let them experience it in a safe space
- Evaluate meltdown, some may require distraction (listen to his story about enacting a Disney scene), or co-regulation
References:
- Occupational Therapist: Angie Voss - http://asensorylife.com/index.html
- Podcast: Ed Mylett - https://www.edmylett.com/podcasts/
Gary’s Call to Action is: Respect differences. Ask parents if they need any help – make a friend!
Follow Gary:
Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn: Gary Martinez Jr
IG: @gary_martinez_jr
TikTok: @garymartinezjr
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