Kids Who Explore

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 63 The KWE Family is Growing Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

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

Ep. 62 A Year of Playgrounds with Natasha Dillinger Apr 04, 2022

Show notes

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

Ep. 61 Understanding Autism with Gary Martinez Jr. Mar 29, 2022

Show notes

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

Ep. 60 Prioritizing Nature While City-Living with Kathryn Farrell Mar 21, 2022

Show notes

Kathryn Farrell says that in the outdoors her family’s spirit is better! Isn’t that the truth for all of us? So, even working in a dark, operating room all day, and living right in the city, she has found a way to prioritize the outdoors. Not only are her words hang-on-your-wall quote worthy, but she has many great takeaways for all of us surrounded by concrete!

Kathryn Farrell has a Masters in Health Science, a Degree in Nutrition, and as she says, she loves to get nerdy with her two kids and sneak in science lessons. For the past decade she has worked as a Physician’s Assistant. She designed the CO Carrier after struggling to find a baby carrier that fit all her needs - comfortable enough to wear outside in her hot summers, quick and simple to put on, and compact enough to bring on her daily outings. Nearly her entire life has been spent in the Southeast, in Atlanta and Florida. She grew up camping, swimming, and rarely playing indoors. By high school, she fell in love with the sport of running, and since has competed in many marathons.

Outdoor Adventure Ideas While City-Living:

Go in the backyard
Learn about all things in nature!
Head for a hike
Go on a bike ride
Go swimming
Take a walk
Visit a park
Play soccer (or other sports)
Roll cars down a hill
Experience the whole world!

And don’t forget to incorporate those science lessons into your adventures! Just talk…answer all the “why” questions. Notice things changing in the environment, or what things are made of, or what creatures are doing. Be curious about how things work.

Items to Have Ready in a To-Go Bag:

Backpack (with drink holders)
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Towel
Diapers (depending on age)
Spare Clothes
Carrier
Wet Wipes
Water and Snacks
Some toys

Getting Outside When It’s Hot:

Spend time in water
Find shade
Take regular sips of water

Kathryn’s CO Carrier can go all directions, can hold up to 35 pounds, is light weight, and folds up easily.

Book Suggestion:

Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst by Robert M. Sapolsky

Find Kathryn at CO Carrier:

cofamily.co

@cofamilyco – IG, Facebook, & TikTok

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

Ep. 59 Maintaining an Adventure Relationship After Kids Mar 14, 2022

Show notes

How do you transition a friendship from wild (possibly reckless) adventures to family-friendly, safe adventures with kids literally ALWAYS in tow? Adrianna & Lauren did that exact thing, and they have found some key takeaways that help them maintain their friendship, and have even watched it flourish with the addition of their mini adventurers!

Some Key Lessons/Tips:

Plan next adventure after each adventure, so you always have the next one pencilled in
Give 30-minute arrival windows!
Agree on difficulty level of adventures, type of adventures, temperature, etc.
Have Plan A, B, and C – alter activity if you need, but honour that time you have scheduled together

Remember: Your summit doesn’t have to be the top of the mountain. It can be whatever you want it to be - a rock pile, a lake, a spot in the city, a coffee shop!! Choose your summit. The language and perspective of that will take you far!

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. 58 Renting Their Way Through the USA with Melissa Bald Mar 07, 2022

Show notes

Melissa Bald had a burning desire to explore, but the Van-Life simply wasn’t going to work for her family. So, what did she do? She found a way! The Balds sold their home and rented their way through the USA for a year, allowing her husband to work virtually, and her to homeschool her kiddos! Learn how a year as nomads taught a family how to find adventure in their own backyard!

Their Favourite Outdoor Adventures:

Nature scavenger hunts
Hiking
Swimming
Enjoying the mountains!

A Memorable Location:

Keystone, Colorado

Pros from a Year of Travel:

So much family bonding time
They felt safe during the pandemic, because they were their own little bubble

Challenge from a Year of Travel:

Learning what/how to pack for different climates and homeschool, which all needed to fit into their SUV
Packing monthly to “move” again
Finding rentals for the duration they wanted (4-6 weeks each time)

Advice for Those Wanting to Take On Something Similar:

You can create adventure in smaller stints (start small, if you need)
You can rent out your house to make it more financially-feasible (they sold, as it was the right time for them)
Book as you go, so you can gauge how long you want to spend in each place
You can often use your current address for shipping items you may need, such as contact lenses, or medicine, for example
Other mail can be forwarded to a (willing) relative, if you don’t have a PO Box

A key takeaway: The Balds had a drive and desire to see everything where they were, and now they bring that into their permanent home/stationary suburb “normal life”!

Show Recommendation:

Alone (on the Discovery Channel)

Follow Melissa:

IG: @melissbald

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. 57 Water Safety with Kaylee Kennedy Mar 01, 2022

Show notes

We all want to be present with our children, right? That’s what is so beautiful about swimming – there’s no place that you could be more present. You need to be exactly where you are! Talking to Kaylee Kennedy, the founder of many swim schools, not only inspired us to get in the water with our children, but also taught us the best safety measures to take, and methods to teach to foster a love for the water.

Kaylee Kennedy, taught her oldest son to swim as a baby, and it bonded them in such a strong way. It inspired Kaylee to open up Saskatoon Swim School in the Fall of 2014 when her son was just a year old. Her overall philosophy of teaching beginners to swim is to do so as effectively and safely as possible. But it did not end there. In came K&K Swim School throughout Canada. Then, with the pandemic, came a whole new vision - teaching babies and toddlers to swim in their own bathtubs at home - watermellow (previously, KKOnlineSwim)l was born.

Start Swimming with Kids:

Can start as young as 3-weeks-old
The younger, the better! [definitely before 14-months-old is ideal]
Can start in the bathtub
Can also learn in a hot tub that is set to 90-91 degrees [what you need for kids until around 3-years-old is depth, more than length]
Kids should be swimming once a week, or at least twice a month, so their body doesn’t forget

Tip: Bring goggles for anywhere with a hot tub or a big bathtub!

Teaching Water as a Caregiver:

A large part is going under the water with your kids and having fun!
If you’re not a confident swimmer, a swim school should be able to teach you that with your child
Once you want your child to learn technique, they can join swim lessons
Get in the water with them and hold them by their underarms and be their floatation device! The lighter your fingers, the more independence they have
Tip: Wear a T-shirt in the water – it allows your child to grab onto you

Typical Swim Groups [Swimming Doesn’t Have to be Competitive]:

Synchro
Diving
Water Polo
Swim Team

Why We Are Not Fans of Self-Rescue Lessons:

Some methods of self-rescue can include listening to the child’s input
Lots of aggressive forms of teaching self-rescue doesn’t stay attuned to child’s feelings and progression
The word “rescue” alone brings a fear to the water – a child should never have to rescue or save themselves in the water – if a child feels like they are going to die, that’s a very traumatic experience (and then imagine that trauma over and over and over again)
The mindset doesn’t match the intention; instead focus on learning to breathe, have fun, and swim, so children can become independent in the water

Let’s Talk Water Safety:

Always, always, always, make sure child is at arm’s reach from an adult [100% supervision]
Teach children to respect the strength of water by teaching them submerging, breath control, and calm controlled movements in the water
Kids learn by submerging again and again and again
The danger comes when kids don’t know what water is capable of, so exposure is key!
Have a gate around pools and an alarm at the back door (and no doggy door) – remember non-swim times are the largest concern, so we need to teach our kids that they do not go in the water without us
When you go to a place with water, make going in the water the first thing you do, and watch what your kids do, so they learn boundaries

PFDs, Lifejackets, and Puddle Jumpers:

These products should never be used as a replacement for parental supervision
They are meant to be used for if you were to fall off a boat and be knocked unconscious
Kids should not “learn to swim” in these - doesn’t allow them to submerge and doesn’t allow them to be in a horizontal position
It’s not a great idea to wear them outside of the pool either, because it gives a false sense of security [that being said, you need to know your situation, and if you can be physically present with all your kids]

Book Recommendation:

Finding Chika & The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom

Follow Kaylee’s Swim School:

Websites: http://watermellow.com & http://kkswimschool.com

Facebook: Watermellow & KKSwimSchool

Instagram & TikTok: @watermellow.swim @knkswimschool

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. 56 How to Get Kids Biking with Mike Chan Feb 21, 2022

Show notes

We can all picture that moment where the adult lets go and the kid keeps pedalling…they are doing it, they are biking on their own!! Mike Chan calls that the PedalHead moment. We want every kid to have that moment, not only for their own self-confidence and the opportunity to learn a life-long sport, but also for the quality family time that comes along with it. Today’s podcast shares all the bike tips and tricks, from how to get started, to how to fit a helmet correctly!

Mike Chan is a dad to a 2-year-old, and 6-year-old, plus they often have their dog in tow in the outdoors! They love to find new playgrounds, go on hikes, and play in the snow when it visits them in Vancouver, BC. Mike is also the Marketing Manager for PedalHeads.

PedalHeads has kids programming across North America. They are most known for their biking, but they also offer swim lessons and trail riding programs. They are all about bringing families together by adding a confidence to riding!

Starting Kids Biking:

Get kids on a bike around age 2, for comfort (you can start indoors)
Watch other kids biking
Join PedalHeads camp as young as 2-years-old, with parent and tot option
Benefits of starting with a balance bike: gives them the feeling of gliding
Benefits of starting with training wheels: learns the pedalling motion
Get off training wheels & learn to ride with Pedalheads - https://youtu.be/hoZX59J1JqA
Learning to Bike Game (water the flowers) - https://youtu.be/TP95YuMbaes
Learning to Bike Game (lines and circles) - https://youtu.be/slNrJk7MjnA

Biking with Babies:

Add a chariot to your bike
Add a bike chair to your bike, once child has proper neck strength and can wear a helmet (after 1-year)

You don’t need the latest, greatest, most expensive bike – the most important part is getting the right size. Check second-hand bike stores, Facebook Market Place, or hand-me-downs from other siblings/friends.

Choosing a Helmet:

Helmets should not be secondhand
Follow the 4 S’s: check strap, sticker on there for how old it is, shake your head to check tightness, retention system on the back is ideal for loosening or tightening according to a child’s head and it will fit them better
Helmet should protect the forehead and back of head - only two fingers (horizontal) should fit above eyebrows
Brand doesn’t matter, as long as it fits properly!
[However,] Brands Mentioned: Giro Scamp & Louis Garneau Raid
Bike and Helmet Fit - https://youtu.be/0mpz1cj2caE

If You Choose to Bike in Winter:

Watch for ice (be cautious)
Be aware of traffic
Have reflective gear, so you can easily be spotted

Recommendations:

Books: The Elephant and Piggie Series by Mo Willems

Show: Ted Lasso

Podcast: Finding Cleo

PedalHeads is Located In:

Canada: BC, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec
USA: Washington State, Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, DMV Region, Massachusetts

Follow PedalHeads:

www.pedalheads.com

PedalHeads on Facebook, IG, Twitter & YouTube

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. 55 When Your Family Likes Different Activities Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

Let’s face it – not everyone in a family is always going to like the same activities. So, how do you create a balance? How do you compromise? How do you allow space for each other? We may not have the perfect answers for everyone, but we have the perfect answers for us! Come along and hear more!

What We’ve Learned:

Our spouses don’t have to be everything to us
Talk it out and find the compromise that works best for your family
When you go along on an activity that you don’t enjoy, bring your positivity!

Our Rule of Thumb:

Find an outdoor and indoor activity that you both truly enjoy together (can be more than one!)
Activities that the other doesn’t enjoy, the role can be filled by other family members and friends
Dedicate a few times a year for each person to come along on the other’s activities
See if you can find a compromise in the activities (ie. hike to a fishing location)
Alternate who plans the adventure (works great when you have multiple kid voices chiming in!)

Other Podcast Episode Mentioned:

Ep. 37 Risky Play & Nature Education with Brittany Williams

We want to hear how your family finds this compromise – head over to our IG, @kidswhoexplore, to tell us!!

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. 54 Adventuring Diaper-Free with Andrea Olson Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

Can you imagine never having to change a poopy diaper? Can you imagine adventuring with your young babies without wondering where you will set up a diaper changing station? Andrea Olson can, because she did Elimination Communication with all 5 of her kids…basically potty training from birth. We are going to learn the tricks of her trade, and the why behind it!

Andrea Olson never intended on teaching people about baby potty training, and like many, she didn't even realize Elimination Communication (EC) existed until her mid-20's. Since then, she says it has become her passion, her career, and her motivation. She started Elimination Communication with her first son at birth. Soon after, she started helping other moms practice EC. That turned into a pamphlet, which turned into a book, and more books, and videos, and courses, and...the list goes on! For over 10 years now, Andrea has helped thousands of parents worldwide learn about and practice Elimination Communication.

Elimination Communication practices using listening and responding to the cries and signals that our kids show us, as early as newborns, that they need to relieve themselves.

Reminder: Poop, even in disposable diapers, is never supposed to go in the landfill; the poop should be put into the toilet before the diaper is disposed of.

Elimination Communication Pros:

You save a ton of money on diapers
It reduces fussiness and colic-symptoms
It helps make breastfeeding easier
It gives babies a sense of control (in a good way)
It’s makes for less to clean up, or wash
The process is quicker
No blow outs!
Babies smell better
It gives you and your kiddos a deeper connection

It is okay to do part-time EC, if daycare or other care providers are not on board.

Adventuring with EC:

Signs they need to relieve themselves in the carrier – they will “buck” and try to get out
Bring a tiny potty (or top hat potty) that’s easy to travel with on adventures
Allow them to go in the car before and after adventure (or after a nap in the carrier)
“Offer” them a chance to go whenever you transition or when your gut is telling you they may need to go
Fun tip: Bring journaling and crafting for potty time before adventures (especially when you have multiple kids who need turns using the potty – crafting is perfect waiting material)

Elimination Communication Cons:

Effort! There is the upfront work of being extremely present and learning your baby’s cues
After getting out of diapers completely, sometimes parents/kids don’t know how to “finalize the potty training”

So, when can you start? Anytime! From birth onwards. Once you hit 12-months, but especially 15-months, you would go directly to potty training, and not practice EC.

Follow Andrea:

Websites: https://godiaperfree.com & https://tinyundies.com

IG: @godiaperfree & @tinyundies

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

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