171 episodes

Welcome to Raising Wildlings, a podcast about parenting, alternative education and stepping into the wilderness, however that looks, with your family. Each week, we’ll be interviewing experts that truly inspire us, to answer your parenting and education questions. We’ll also be sharing stories from some incredible families that took the leap, and are taking the road less travelled. Whether you’re a parent looking for tips on how to better handle those sibling squabbles and tantrums, a couple searching for ways to create more freedom within your family’s lifestyle, an educator keen to explore alternative schooling models and how children learn, a father keen to delve into respectful parenting philosophies, or a mother wanting to learn more about why play is so important and how to get children outdoors safely, then this is the podcast for you. Each week you’ll get tried and tested tactics from parenting, play and education experts to help you on your journey towards creating the happiest, healthiest lifestyle you can for your family. We’ll also chat to real life families who have created freedom within their lives and are living life on their own terms. They’ll teach you how they did it and how you can too. And of course, you’ll hear from us about all things nature play and alternative education. We’ll answer all your questions on how children learn, the importance of play in all its forms, children’s rights and autonomy, and how to get your children outside safely, more often. This podcast hopes to empower parents and educators to raise kinder, more resilient, more adaptable children by helping them maintain happy connections and healthy lifestyles. So, what are you waiting for?! Let's dive in! Hit subscribe now to be notified when new episodes go live. To download our free Respectful Language Printable Cheat Sheet, head to: www.wildlingsforestschool.com/shop/respectful-language

Raising Wildlings Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell

    • Kids & Family
    • 4.9 • 28 Ratings

Welcome to Raising Wildlings, a podcast about parenting, alternative education and stepping into the wilderness, however that looks, with your family. Each week, we’ll be interviewing experts that truly inspire us, to answer your parenting and education questions. We’ll also be sharing stories from some incredible families that took the leap, and are taking the road less travelled. Whether you’re a parent looking for tips on how to better handle those sibling squabbles and tantrums, a couple searching for ways to create more freedom within your family’s lifestyle, an educator keen to explore alternative schooling models and how children learn, a father keen to delve into respectful parenting philosophies, or a mother wanting to learn more about why play is so important and how to get children outdoors safely, then this is the podcast for you. Each week you’ll get tried and tested tactics from parenting, play and education experts to help you on your journey towards creating the happiest, healthiest lifestyle you can for your family. We’ll also chat to real life families who have created freedom within their lives and are living life on their own terms. They’ll teach you how they did it and how you can too. And of course, you’ll hear from us about all things nature play and alternative education. We’ll answer all your questions on how children learn, the importance of play in all its forms, children’s rights and autonomy, and how to get your children outside safely, more often. This podcast hopes to empower parents and educators to raise kinder, more resilient, more adaptable children by helping them maintain happy connections and healthy lifestyles. So, what are you waiting for?! Let's dive in! Hit subscribe now to be notified when new episodes go live. To download our free Respectful Language Printable Cheat Sheet, head to: www.wildlingsforestschool.com/shop/respectful-language

    Embracing the Magic of Stick Play with Wildlings Forest School

    Embracing the Magic of Stick Play with Wildlings Forest School

    Ever reminisced about the simple joys of childhood when a stick wasn't just a stick but a sword, a wand, or a companion on countless adventures? 

    In today's episode, Nicki and Vicci will unravel the hidden developmental treasures found in stick play and how adults can prioritise safety without dampening the spirit of creativity.

    Listen in as Nicki and Vicci share their extensive knowledge of:

    🌱 The benefits of stick play
    🌱 How to find 'the perfect stick'
    🌱What's a 'blood bubble' and how does it create safety
    🌱 Antedotes and insights on guiding children to play responsibly
    🌱How and why children must be a part of shaping the safety rules 
    🌱Adults roles in recognising children's emotional cues

    Bringing the outdoors in can be daunting, especially in childcare settings, but it's not impossible and this episode will renew your appreciation for stick play with practical approaches to make it an enriching part of outdoor learning.
    Other ways we can help you:
    Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

    • 29 min
    Navigating Sex Education As Parents with Cath Hakanson

    Navigating Sex Education As Parents with Cath Hakanson

    It's time to gain the confidence to flex your 'uncomfortable muscles' and become an agent of positive change in your family's life – because when it comes to sex education, silence is not an option.

    This week we're chatting with Cath Hakanson, mother, sex educator, and founder of Sex Ed Rescue. Cath is all about helping kids and parents have better relationships through empowering conversations. With the right tools, self-confidence, and strategies, sex education can be less threatening, more natural, and much easier.

    Cath is a firm believer that if kids can talk to their parents about sex, they can talk to their parents about anything!

    In this episode Cath shares:

    0:00 Empowering Parent-Child Conversations on Sex
    11:38 Talking About Families, Relationships, and Pleasure
    19:34 Open Conversations About Sex Education
    30:36 Resourceful Parenting and Sex Education
    41:34 Importance of Open Communication About Sex


    From conversation starters to tackling sensitive subjects like pornography and consent, Cath's knowledge will help you feel supported and ready to make these crucial conversations a natural and normal part of your child's upbringing.
    Other ways we can help you:
    Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

    • 43 min
    Why Communities Need Creativity with Rosie Ricketson

    Why Communities Need Creativity with Rosie Ricketson

    Rosie Ricketson is a mother and award-winning creative producer passionate about maternal well-being.  With a background in the arts, Rosie curates community-led experiences and projects with a vision for a more connected world. 

    In this episode, Rosie shares:

    🌱Her Thoughts Investing in Community During Uncertain Times
    🌱Creativity's Role in Building Community
    🌱Modern Motherhood Challenges and Needs
    🌱Balancing Parenting, Education, and Work Support

    This conversation served as a tapestry woven with personal anecdotes, the wisdom of voices like Maggie Dent, and the transformative ripples that stem from intentional community engagement, reminding us how vital our bonds are for growth and survival. 

    Grab a cuppa, listen in, and let us know your thoughts x
    Other ways we can help you:
    Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

    • 1 hr 7 min
    2023 End of Year Wrap Up

    2023 End of Year Wrap Up

    As we close the chapter on an incredible year of growth and connection, our latest podcast episode takes you through a heartfelt journey of our key milestones, mistakes and goals for the new year.

    Somehow during this time, we have hit an astonishing 420,000 downloads and cultivated conversations that have deeply resonated within the realms of parenting, alternative education, forest schooling and child development. Our little project, birthed in our humble home office, has since spread its wings, touching lives and igniting a global dialogue on the transformative power of playing and learning in nature.

    The hustle of running a small business is nothing short of a rollercoaster, and trust us, we've had our fair share of stomach-dropping moments! From the anticipation of launching our Forest School Skills online course to navigating the choppy waters of economic uncertainty, we share our trials and triumphs. Yet, amidst the challenges, we've seen our programs soar to new heights, with over 5,600 children stepping through the doors of our Forest School sites this year alone to the simple joys of bringing on our first full-time team member. It's these victories, large and small, that chart the course for future growth and sustainability.

    Fasten your seatbelts as we map out the adventures and aspirations that await us in the coming year. Our heart is set on deepening the roots of our existing projects and empowering educators through our forest school skills course. We're also gearing up for personal travel escapades, including a five-week caravan journey through Tasmania! 

    Stay wild and join us on the journey—there's so much more to explore together.
    Other ways we can help you:
    Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

    • 35 min
    Respecting the Wild Heart of Child Development with Gill Howarth

    Respecting the Wild Heart of Child Development with Gill Howarth

    We're back, baby! Kicking off the 2024 season of the Raising Wildlings Podcast with our friend and fellow business owner Gill Howarth from Born Wise Education.

    Gill always brings her wisdom to the table and it's great to have her back for an in-depth discussion on what raising "wild and free" children truly means.

    Listen in as Gill shares:

    🌱Her experience on the delicate balance of granting our children the space to navigate their fears and the world at large. 

    🌱The spectrum of childhood "wildness" from mentorship to fostering autonomy. 

    🌱And we confront the crucial question: Are ideas of wildness and freedom more reflective of our aspirations as adults than the experiences of our children?

    Listen in and come away with a deepened understanding of nature play, child-centered learning, and the broader movements towards decolonising forest school education. 
    Other ways we can help you:
    Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

    • 29 min
    Breaking Educational Boundaries with Dr. Naomi Fisher

    Breaking Educational Boundaries with Dr. Naomi Fisher

    Have you ever questioned the traditional education system and its one-size-fits-all approach? If so, this episode is a must-listen as clinical psychologist and education advocate Dr. Naomi Fisher embarks on a deep discussion about alternative pathways to learning.

    Dr Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist who specialises in autism, trauma and alternative ways to learn. She is the author of two books, both about self-directed education, and she is the mother of two children.

    For full show notes head to 👉https://www.raisingwildlings.com.au/blog/breaking-educational-boundaries-with-dr-naomi-fisher
    Other ways we can help you:
    Want to learn the game-changing soft skills you'll need while leading group activities with fire, water and tools? Catch Our FREE Mini Training On The First Steps You Must Take To Lead A Forest School Program Ready to create your own Nature Play business? Head to www.raisingwildlings.com.au/wildbusiness to access the roadmap to starting your business journey. Keen to find your purpose in 10 minutes? Download our FREE treasure map to find your passion without compromising your educational values. Want to know how to craft an epic outdoor program that has parents and directors lining up to enrol? You need Nature Play Now our $57 Workshop and Bundle series (people are saying this is a steal!)

    • 57 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
28 Ratings

28 Ratings

truewesthats ,

So Inspiring

I’m a Mom of two awesome kiddos and I have been discontent with the existing education systems but not confident to take the leap and do something different. After listening to many of the guests, it has helped me to take that leap and follow my own intuition. Each time I feel societal pressures that I’m not doing something right- I find another episode to listen to and it sets my heart and mind at ease once again - and makes me want to do even more to reach more kiddos that struggled as mine had. Thanks for sharing your stories so I know I’m not the o Lu one out here!

Maura D. W ,

Finally!

Finally, something that makes me feel like I’m not alone. My husband and I have been unhappy with societal norms, specifically regarding education. The resources, and guest speakers have been very education for us.

Storytelling Secrets ,

Wonderful Podcast!

In an age where kids spend far more time on devices than in nature, this podcast is so necessary. Vicci and Nicki share great information and practical advice on how to support (and even create) nature programs for kids. My son went to a Waldorf school in the US and being out in nature was a key part and still is for him.

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