Kids Who Explore

Ep. 73 Taking Your Kids’ Lead [Indoors & Outdoors] with Brittany Williams

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 

Ep. 72 Keeping Kids Moving on the Trail

“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 

Ep. 71 Sweet Sleep While Family Camping with Tara Sliwkanich

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 

Ep. 70 Hiking While Pregnant

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 

Ep. 69 Mushroom Hunting with Rukmini Halliwell

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 

Ep. 68 Adventuring with Twins with Jenny Carter

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 

Ep. 67 Choosing a Life Jacket with Rukmini Halliwell

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 

Ep. 66 Food is Part of the Adventure

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 

Ep. 65 Ticks Revisited with 3 Moms Organics

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 

3momsorganics.com 

 

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 

Ep. 64 Birding & Bird Watching with Launne Kolla

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