Summer scaries - this week On The Ground. Sandy Inkster, Sam Ennest-Wallis, and Kelly Armstrong explore the emotional journey of giving children the freedom to explore and grow. We get into the critical difference between a genuine safety issue and a parent’s own feeling of discomfort or anxiety. We also discuss how to help children overcome fears, like spiders. 

In This Episode

 * [03:10] The angst of letting kids have unsupervised adventures!
 * [05:47] A safety issue or our own discomfort?
 * [07:04] The importance of risky play and not projecting fears onto children
 * [09:31] Helping children get through fears
 * [11:47]  "I'm too itchy": the value of being prepared.
 * [13:45] Learning resilience from a frightening experience on a canoe trip.
 * [15:04] Takeaways: Validating feelings and doing our own emotional work.

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Summer Series: The Adventure of Letting Go

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Join the hosts of On the Ground Parenting, Sandy Inkster, Samantha Ennest-Wallis, and Kelly Armstrong, as they discuss the benefits of getting outside with your family. The hosts share research that suggests just two hours of outdoor time a week can reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure.  

We talk practical strategies for getting outdoors, suggesting taking indoor activities like art outside. We share fun ideas, from watercolour painting and using natural materials for art projects to leaving "little mini kits" in a backpack for spontaneous activities. A key theme is the balance between encouraging kids to try new things and respecting their comfort level, using personal anecdotes about a ropes course and canoe dumping to illustrate this delicate dance. The episode concludes with a reminder to be open to trying things outdoors without judging the outcome and to be attentive to both your child's and your own emotional cues.      

In This Episode:  

[01:25] Benefits of Being Outdoors   

[03:12] Research on Outdoor Time for Kids   

[05:01] Taking Indoor Activities Outside   

[09:40] Planning and Preparedness  

[14:44] The Dance of Pushing & Backing Off   

[17:51] Learning Limits: Ropes Courses & Canoes     

[19:01] Final Takeaways: Noticing Cues   

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Summer Series: Getting Outdoors: Intentionality, Art, & Cues

This episode dives deep into the meaning of "on-the-ground parenting," emphasizing the importance of being intentional in our interactions with children. Kelly shares insights on building relationships versus being "right". We move outdoors, offering practical tips for encouraging independence in children by involving them in planning and letting them experience natural consequences.  

In This Episode:

[01:30] The Evolution of On the Ground Parenting & Intentionality

[02:45] Intentional Choices: Relationship vs. Being Right

[03:38] Reflecting on How We Were Parented & Embracing New Skills

[06:01] Grace for Ourselves & Parenting as Leadership

[07:46] "Love is an Action Word," "Parenting is a Verb"

[09:27] Outdoor Exploration & Teaching Life Skills

[10:53] Natural Consequences & Learning from Experience

[13:22] Humorous Outdoor Adventures 

Have a question, suggestion, or want to tax-deductibly sponsor an episode of On The Ground Parenting? Send us a message here 👇 https://linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting

Summer Series: Intentional Parenting & Summer Adventures

Hosts Sandy Inkster, Sam Ennest-Wallis, and Kelly Armstrong dive into summer parenting, discussing adventures and challenges. Kelly shares her family's tradition of "no devices" camping, but Sam offers insights on planning trips for neurodiverse children, emphasizing preparation and the role of devices for "reset" time.  Tune in for practical tips every Wednesday; it's delightful.

In This Episode:  

[01:42] Summer Activity Ideas & Planning   

[01:50] Kelly's "No Devices" Camping Tradition   

[03:26] Neurodiversity & Trip Planning   

[05:49] Following the Kids' Lead   

[08:16] Preparing Kids for Adventures & Packing Tips   

[09:47] Budget-Friendly Gear & Bags   

[14:52] Day Trips & Finding Delightful Moments   

Subscribe for a new 20-minute podcast every Wednesday! Have a question, suggestion, or want to tax-deductibly sponsor an episode of On The Ground Parenting? Send us a message here 👇

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Summer Series: Camping & Day Trips with Kids

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Howl At The Moon

On the Ground Parenting is a digestible, engaging resource for parents, grandparents, and caregivers across all stages of family life. Sandy, Sam, and Kelly bring unique perspectives – from navigating neurodiversity to grassroots family care and seasoned grandmother wisdom, in this nonjudgmental conversation. Each episode, approximately 15 to 25 minutes in length, offers practical insights, relatable experiences, and expert guidance from our diverse team of parenting educators at Muskoka Family Focus [https://muskokafamilyfocus.ca/].

Subscribe for a new podcast every Wednesday! Have a question, suggestion, or want to tax-deductibly sponsor an episode of On The Ground Parenting? Send us a message here 👇https://linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting