Kids Who Explore

Kids Who Explore

By Kids Who ExploreKids & Family
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Kids Who Explore episodes

  • 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 

    24 min
  • Ep. 63 The KWE Family is Growing

    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 

    21 min
  • Ep. 62 A Year of Playgrounds with Natasha Dillinger

    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 

    23 min
  • Ep. 61 Understanding Autism with Gary Martinez Jr.

    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 

    26 min
  • Ep. 60 Prioritizing Nature While City-Living with Kathryn Farrell

    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 

    31 min
  • Ep. 59 Maintaining an Adventure Relationship After Kids

    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.

    13 min
  • Ep. 58 Renting Their Way Through the USA with Melissa Bald

    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

    26 min
  • Ep. 57 Water Safety with Kaylee Kennedy

    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.  

    37 min
  • Ep. 56 How to Get Kids Biking with Mike Chan

    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.  

    26 min
  • Ep. 55 When Your Family Likes Different Activities

    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.  

    22 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…