Kids Who Explore

Kids Who Explore

By Kids Who ExploreKids & Family
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Kids Who Explore episodes

  • Ep. 84 Breastfeeding and Bottle-Feeding on the Trail

    One thing that can be overwhelming for adventure families is how to feed their babies on the adventure. We hope that by sending some ideas out there, we will inspire you to get out and try it - because actively doing it will help you find what works best for your family!  

     

    Tips for all: 

    • Feed in the car before/after adventure 
  • Have more than you think you need when it comes to snacks, always! Life-long lesson 
  • Have something for older kids/toddlers to keep them close: Nature journal, books, scavenger hunt, snacks, their own baby and carrier 
  • Have something to sit on – EZ Seat or Rumpl Blanket, for example  

    •  

    Breastfeeding Tips: 

    Listen back to episode Ep. 30 Nursing On-The-Trail with Petra Sporinova 

     about breastfeeding on-the-go - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-30-nursing-on-the-trail-with-petra-sporinova/ 

    • Wear nursing clothing (or what makes you feel comfortable) in all weather…[We partnered with Kojo to make our own - https://kojo.shop/en/produkt/growing-merino-pants-gray-wilderness-kopia/]  
  • Try different positions at home first  
  • You can feed in the front carrier [Check out Babywearing 101 episode: https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-10-babywearing-101-with-vanessa-shynkaruk/]  
  • Normalize breastfeeding in public  

    •  

    Bottle-Feeding Tips: 

    • Start with small adventures to be close to supplies 
  • Steam bottles, prep measurements ahead of time in each bottle, and put in Ziploc bags (or bring entire formula kit in tote bag in adventure wagon, or car) 
  • Use Yeti mug with hot water (or buzz through a drive thru and get hot water, if you forget) 
  • If using premade formula bottles, during cold weather wrap them up in clothing and put them in the middle of your pack, so they don’t freeze 
  • Try ‘not as hot’ bottles at home, to see if your baby can tolerate them  
  • Clean bottles after adventures 

    •  

    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 

    21 min
  • Ep. 83 Solo Parenting on Adventures with Kirsty Pardede

    Kirsty Pardede calls herself a “can’t stay at home” stay at home mum to two wild kids, Arlo & Eia. 2 weeks after they moved to their new home, Bali, her husband started working away during the week. Learning a whole new way of life with kids was the hardest thing she’s ever done. What kept her happy was getting outside, and exploring their new island home. Get ready to hear many tips on how to solo parent on adventures with kids! 

     

    Kirsty was born and raised in the West of Scotland, but currently calls Indonesia home. After years of backpacking around the world, hiking, climbing and living in various countries, her husband Hardin and her returned to Scotland. But even after having kids, settling down there didn't make them happy, so they jumped on the opportunity to move to Bali, Indonesia in 2019, when Arlo was 1 and Eia was just 10 weeks old. Nowadays you’ll find them hiking, surfing and exploring Indonesia and beyond! 

     

    Solo Adventure Tips: 

    • Just go! 
  • Go to well-trafficked places 
  • Take your dog, if you have one 
  • Let someone know where you’re going (can drop pin of location, or use satellite phone) 
  • Bring phone charger 
  • Make noise 
  • Always pack snacks! 

    •  

    Benefits to Getting Out Solo: 

    • Mental health – easier to parent outdoors 

     

    Snacks (cannot melt or go bad in heat): 

    • Rice snacks 
  • Jelly snacks 
  • A lot of fruit 
  • Watermelon – for hydration too! 
  • Cereal bars 
  • Tempeh and other Indonesian snacks 
  • Water!! And coconut water 

    •  

    Book Recommendation: The Call of the Wild and Free 

    @wildandfree.co 

     

    Follow Kirsty on IG: @wildadventuremum

    YouTube: Wild Adventure Mum - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB9whwphIwDcX4YrqDOYCUw 

     

    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

    31 min
  • Ep. 82 Comparison is the Thief of Joy with Erika Bertin

    Comparison is the thief of joy. Erika Bertin has felt this comparison and wants to send the message out to all adventure parents that it doesn’t have to be. When you see other people adventuring, try not to compare. Getting outside in the backyard, or the park, can be just as amazing as summiting a mountain for us and our kiddos! 

     

    Erika is mama to two little explorers, plus 2 doggos. She is a wife, and lover of the outdoors. Her family loves hiking, cross country skiing, enjoying picnics in nature, camping and basically anything that gets them outside. They are working on their 1000 hours outside this year (with her 5-year-old being very passionate about tracking their outdoor time).  

     

    Reminders When Comparison Creeps Up: 

    • Try to take inspiration and tips 
  • Know that it’s a highlight reel 
  • You don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes (you’re only seeing a snippet) 
  • Don’t let comparing keep you from doing your own thing – know it’s about being outside and being together  
  • Remind yourself of the awesome moments on the adventure 
  • Let yourself feel good about you sharing your good moments – don’t let other’s good moments dampen yours 

    •  

    Follow Erika on IG: @throw.me.to.the.bears 

    On the KWE Regional Facebook Pages – Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton 

    https://m.facebook.com/kidswhoexplore/ 

     

    Kid Podcast Suggestions: 

    Cool Facts about Animals - https://app.kidslisten.org/pod/Cool-Facts-About-Animals 

    The Curious Kid Podcast - https://www.curiouskidpodcast.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 

    28 min
  • Ep. 81 Travelling with Kids with Margaret Bradford

    “It’s not a hike, it’s a mission. It’s not a walk, it’s a quest. It’s not grocery shopping, it’s a scavenger hunt.” Margaret Bradford and her family have made life an adventure. Known as Our Family Flies, they share airport, plane, and destination tips, as they’ve seen their fair share of planes, trains, and automobiles!! 

     

    Margaret Bradford is mama to two daughters, 4-year-old Farrah, and 18-month-old Eleanor. Based out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, along with her spouse Dustin, and their dog Jagr, they love everything from camping, to road tripping, to international travel. Like many moms, Margaret was concerned before having kids that she would lose a part of her identity, one being travel, but today, she’s travelled to Thailand, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and even took a 9-week road trip in a 20-foot trailer through western Canada, all with kids in tow.  

     

    In Airport Tips: 

    • Use gate check options for strollers (and car seats, if you want) 
  • Can carry-on hiking pack (use pockets to pack extra) 
  • All airports seem to have different rules for pumped milk through security  

    • In Plane Tips: 

    • For long haul flights, airlines will often offer bassinette seats for babies up until a certain height/weight/age 
  • Take off and landing – breastfeed, bottle feed, use soother, or offer something to chew 
  • Toy ideas: Books, no mess colouring, reusable stickers, magnetic doodle board, Squigz, post-it notes, painter's tape, Pop It, wooden puzzle, pom poms and empty containers; but first toy can simply be people-watching on the plane (and the aisles)
  • Snacks! Pack pill containers with snacks, or wrapped Easter eggs, so it takes a little longer to “work for their food” 
  • Bring meals on longer flights, and fruit (and pouches) for refreshing hydration  

    • Destination Tips: 

    • Look for car seat rentals to be ready upon arrival, if you don’t want to pack car seat 
  • Look for Airbnbs or something that has a kitchen; you can also request a fridge at hotels  
  • For sleep – go with the sun and get outside, limit the cat naps to adjust to the new time 
  • Try not overschedule, especially at first 
  • Recommended: Packing travel crib (phil&teds® Traveller™ Portable Crib) and travel high chair 

    • Have patience. Expect meltdowns. Be prepared with snacks and activities - and don’t completely fly by the seat of your pants.  

     

    Book Recommendation: 

    Don't Try This at Home: One Family's (mis)Adventures Around the World by Rob Krause and Daria Salamon 

     

    Follow on IG: @ourfamilyflies 

    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 

    35 min
  • Ep. 80 7 Tips for Getting Kids Outside with Jen Parkes

    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: 

    1. 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: 

    1. 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 

    31 min
  • Ep. 79 Finding Family-Friendly Trails with Jess Sproat

    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 

    23 min
  • Ep. 78 Outdoor Time Over Screen Time with Andrea Davis

    “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 

    34 min
  • Ep. 77 Sharing Your Passions with Your Kids

    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 

    12 min
  • Ep. 76 Losing it All in a House Fire, but Gaining More with Christina Sizemore

    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 

    48 min
  • Ep. 75 How People Without Kids Can Support Families in the Outdoors

    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 

    11 min

About Kids Who Explore

From the publisher's feed

Adrianna Skori, founder and CEO of Kids Who Explore, shares weekly episodes covering all things exploring with kids, from simple walks outside to camping in the backcountry. Expect interviews with…