Raising Wildlings

Present Parenting and Practicing Self-Compassion

It’s been a rough year across the globe, particularly on parents. With lockdowns, quarantines, working and schooling from home, financial and health concerns, we thought it was a good time to get Rebecca Branstetter in.  Rebecca is a school psychologist, speaker, and author on a mission to help children thrive by supporting school psychologists, educators, and families. She is the founder of The Thriving School Psychologist Collective, an online community dedicated to improving mental heal...

Powerful Realisations and Choices with The Homeschool Project

In this episode, we’re talking to Nathan and Anita from the Homeschool Project Podcast to hear their perspective on the most common questions we homeschoolers get asked. How do we manage financially, what type of curriculum should I follow, what made you start homeschooling and the most common question of all, what about socialisation?!  A few months ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with Anita and Nathan, hosts of The Homeschool Project Podcast about Forest Schooling, Wildschooling and Un...

Vicci's Leap to Homeschooling

Two weeks ago, we had a lot of fun when Vicci interviewed Nicki about her family's unschooling journey. In this episode, we flip the table and Nicki interviews Vicci about her family’s journey. We delve into her story of how they made the decision to homeschool based on their children’s personalities and how, after doing all the research, she took the leap. This is part four of our series on families that unschool, homeschool, wildschool and world school that will run until the end of the y...

Off-Grid and Unschooling with Lucy AitkenRead

In this episode we chat to Off-Grid and Unschooling mama and activist, Lucy AitkenRead. We discuss how unschooling allows you to stand back and watch your child bloom and how unschooling your own children can heal your own school wounds. We also chat to Lucy about how to show up as your authentic self in business and her new book 30 Days of Rewilding. 👉  We talk to Lucy about What made her choose to unschool her kids and if there was any defining moment that made the decision for her, or i...

Nicki's Journey to Wildschooling

In this episode, I’m chatting with Nicki about how her family ended up going from a teaching family to an unschooling family with two home businesses. This is part two of our series on families that unschool, homeschool, wildschool and world school that will run until the end of the year. Wondering if home schooling or unschooling is for you? Then this is the episode for you. 👉  Vicci & Nicki Discuss What the one thing was that made her decide to homeschool How her family manages financia...

Fearless Homeschool with Kelly George

Kelly is an Aussie who helps parents fall in love with homeschooling via blogging, summits, and courses. She's a wife plus mum of five never-schooled children. With no fixed address, their long-term travel provides endless adventures and ways of connecting with people and the world. Kelly is also the creator of the Fearless Homeschool and the host of the Australian Homeschool Summit, both of which are unbelievable resources for those families who need some support and encouragement when star...

The Art of Whittling with Wildlings Forest School

Whittling wood is one of the most calming and meditative crafts we do at Forest School. If you’ve ever taught in a classroom, you wouldn’t believe the calm, focus and engagement you’ll find in a whittling circle of usually rambunctious children. It has to be seen to be believed. In this episode we talk about all things whittling: how to keep children safe when using pocket knives, which knives we recommend, how to take care of your knife, which wood to whittle, what to make and how old chi...

E.25 How to Help Your Child Love Their Body with Jessica Sanders

 In this episode, we get some tips and tools from Social Worker and Author, Jessica Sanders about how we can help our children love their bodies, accept who they are and help process their emotions.  👉 Discussion Points  Jessica’s journey to becoming a social worker, author and advocate The inspiration for penning her beautiful books, Love Your Body and your most recent release, Be Your Own Man Jess’s tips for how to help our girls love their bodies and boys to be their own man What bei...

Breaking Down the Barriers to Bush Kindy

In this episode we break down three of the barriers that often hold centres and educators back from starting a Forest or Bush School program. Bush or Forest Kindy’s are growing in popularity, and for good reason. There are plenty of educators who are almost ready to take the plunge, but there is something holding them back. Well today we are going to discuss three barriers that may be making the process of even thinking about starting an Forest School session entirely too difficult! 👉 Discu...

E23. The Voices of Children with Kara Spence from Nature. Be in It

Today's episode is a little different. Join us as we take a trip to Tasmania, to Nature Be In It, run by the ever passionate, Kara Spence, where we will hear what the children of Howrah Primary School and their educators love about her Forest School programs. 👉 About Nature. Be In It At Nature. Be in it. we believe nature connection is a deep human need. We take you into nature to meet your need for connection to yourself, each other and the planet. During our expertly guided experiences fo...

The Voices of Children with Kara Spence from Nature. Be in It

Today's episode is a little different. Join us as we take a trip to Tasmania, to Nature Be In It, run by the ever passionate, Kara Spence, where we will hear what the children of Howrah Primary School and their educators love about her Forest School programs. 👉 About Nature. Be In It At Nature. Be in it. we believe nature connection is a deep human need. We take you into nature to meet your need for connection to yourself, each other and the planet. During our expertly guided experiences fo...

Let them climb trees!

22. Let Them Climb Trees!

Did you spend much of your childhood climbing trees? Did you know that 1 out of 4 Australian children have never climbed a tree and that this quintessential childhood experience is banned in most of our educational settings? In this episode talk about why sharing the view with birds from the branch of a tree is so beneficial for children! In a 2011 study by Planet Ark on Childhood interaction with nature 1000 parents were surveyed. One of the disturbing findings was that only 20% of childre...

Let Them Climb Trees!

Did you spend much of your childhood climbing trees? Did you know that 1 out of 4 Australian children have never climbed a tree and that this quintessential childhood experience is banned in most of our educational settings? In this episode talk about why sharing the view with birds from the branch of a tree is so beneficial for children! In a 2011 study by Planet Ark on Childhood interaction with nature 1000 parents were surveyed. One of the disturbing findings was that only 20% of childre...

E21. For the Sheer Joy - with Occupational Therapist Kaya Lyons

In this episode we chat with Occupational Therapist Kaya Lyons of Active OT for Kids about how Child Development occurs naturally through play, connecting & exploring. We discuss trauma and the impact on development and interactions and how therapy can and should be integrated into daily life. Discussion How occupational therapy helps children to live a joyful life, and how Kaya has created her business around collaboration and sharing of ideas so that she can deliver therapies for childre...

For the Sheer Joy - with Occupational Therapist Kaya Lyons

In this episode we chat with Occupational Therapist Kaya Lyons of Active OT for Kids about how Child Development occurs naturally through play, connecting & exploring. We discuss trauma and the impact on development and interactions and how therapy can and should be integrated into daily life. Discussion How occupational therapy helps children to live a joyful life, and how Kaya has created her business around collaboration and sharing of ideas so that she can deliver therapies for childre...

Breaking Down Common Misconceptions about our Nature Playgroups

Episode Description In this episode, we’re talking about nature playgroups, why we’re so passionate about them, and some of the misconceptions people might have when they go to attend one. So, wondering if nature playgroup is for you? In this episode, we answer that question.   👉 Discussion Points What is nature playgroup? Aimed at 0-3, immersed nature, not skill building. Includes seasonal song time, seasonal story time, seasonal craft or activity and a focus on free play with friends i...

E20. Breaking Down Common Misconceptions about our Nature Playgroups

Episode Description In this episode, we’re talking about nature playgroups, why we’re so passionate about them, and some of the misconceptions people might have when they go to attend one. So, wondering if nature playgroup is for you? In this episode, we answer that question.   👉 Discussion Points What is nature playgroup? Aimed at 0-3, immersed nature, not skill building. Includes seasonal song time, seasonal story time, seasonal craft or activity and a focus on free play with friends i...

The Conscious Parenting Revolution with Katherine Winter-Sellery

In this episode, we’re chatting with conscious parenting expert Katherine Winter- Sellery from Conscious Parenting Revolution, about non-violent communication, habitual parenting responses and how many of us haven’t learnt how to question what comes out of our mouths in response to our children’s behaviour. We also discuss childism, how labelling children can harm them, and why it’s important to break our negative views of children. Discussion What is Conscious Parenting and Non Violent C...

5 Parenting Hacks on How To Raise Independent Children

Today, we’re bringing you five parenting hacks on how we foster a family environment that helps raise children who are more independent, and why autonomy is the end goal. 👉 Key Points 1. Allowing Children to Make Choices          -        Dinner -        Shower -        Utensils 2. Let children struggle safely -        For example, children climbing trees and ‘can’t get down’. We might say, ‘You’re too high for me to help you but I’ll stay here with you while we work it out. What can ...

Democratic Education and the Play Cycle with Mathilda Element

In this episode we learn about Democratic Education and the theory of the Play Cycle from Educator and Parent, Mathilda Element, from Pine Community School in Brisbane. We chat about the key concepts behind democratic education and consensus decision making that underpin the values at Pine Community School, as well as the importance of multi-age play and the details of a child’s Play Cycle.    We discuss: The umbrella term of democratic education and the idea of consensus decision making  ...

Chaos to Calm with Chrissie Davies

Do you love the sound of turning your household from chaos to calm? We are joined by the Child Charmer and parenting educator Chrissie Davies where we discuss why our role as parents is one of the most important in the lives of our children. We also discuss the glaringly obvious gap in parenting education when it comes to raising toddlers in terms of our expectations of children and why reaching out for help and support in parenting needs to start before our child’s behaviour gets out of han...

Connecting Children, Culture & Community with Campfire

Do you have a fireplace or a fire pit at home? Do you let your children light and manage fires? If not, why not? Today, we’re talking about the benefits of children working with fire, why children will seek it out, why it’s important to incorporate it into your outdoor play and how to do it safely.  👉 Key Discussion Points: The purpose of fire activities in the home/school/centre Playing with dangerous elements – such as fire, water and animals is one of the 6 Pillars of Risk Play  We ar...

The Nature School

In this episode we look at the way the Australian Curriculum is embedded through the lens of nature at one of Australia’s newest independent school in Port Macquarie – The Nature School.  Their early learning and play programs include bush immersion for their playgroup, early years and vacation care as well as their independent primary school. We are joined by Jaqcui Leach who is the Head of Early Learning & Play at The Nature School and Catherine Oehlman who is the founding head of The Natu...

Autonomy, Creativity & Resilience - The Wildlings Way

In this episode, we talk about autonomy, creativity and resilience - the Wildlings way and how we’re on a mission to change the education system from the outside in, in the hopes that others can change it from the inside out. We shine a light on what we do here at Wildlings and why we want to see the Forest School philosophy incorporated into schools and childcare centres across Australia.   👉  DISCUSSION We want to see children respected, given more autonomy and control over their own lea...

The Art of Growing Up with John Marsden - Part Two

Episode Description In this episode (part two of two) with author and principal, John Marsden, we chat about how children are not all sweetness and innocence, how adolescents are not worthless and depraved and that parents need to be adults most of the time! If you’re curious as to why teens need to (metaphorically) ‘kill’ their parents to become adults, then this is the episode for you! 👉 Our Discussion All children are both good and bad, innocent and evil  How idealising childhood sets...

The Art of Growing Up with John Marsden Part 1

In this episode (part one of two), we talk to author and principal, John Marsden, about his schools, Candlebark School and Alice Miller School and how they are different to traditional schools. We talk about Candlebark’s fabulous school motto: ‘Take risks’ and how first-hand experiences are the essence of the schools educational philosophies. John tells us three things he would change about the traditional education system and what to look for when you’re searching for a school for your chi...

Risky Play and What to Say Instead of 'Be Careful'!

Has your child ever done something that has made you gasp and want to cover your eyes? Early climbers climbing out of their high chair, children scaling trees so high you can barely spot them or swimming beyond their depth, or teens wrestling like they’re in a WWF match? Good! We hope you may find some relief in the fact that your child is doing EXACTLY what they are designed to do! Take risks! And that is exactly what we’re going to be talking about - Risky Play. What it is, the 6 types of ...

There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather with Linda McGurk

👉 Our Discussion - The benefits of outdoor play, particularly during a pandemic, when so many children are still  having to practise social distancing. - How to create a habit of daily outdoor play with your family - The role of outdoor play for family culture and community. 👉 Freebie If you’d like a little inspiration to get your family outside, click HERE , to get our FREE Wildschooling printable with all the gear we keep in our car so that our families are always ready for adventure...

Wildschooling

In this episode we talk about Wildschooling. What it is, what is not, how to incorporate Wildschooling around traditional schooling and how we incorporate Wildschooling into our own children’s lives. Vicci Oliver and Nicki Farrell are adventurous nature play makers, risk-takers, children’s rights advocates and the co-founders of Wildlings Forest School. We are the hosts of the ‘Raising Wildlings’ podcast and we put the dirt back in childhood. Wildlings aims to get more children outdoors co...

The Parenting Disconnect, Smacking and Authoritarianism with Robin Grille

In this BONUS episode (part two of two), we continue our chat with psychologist, parent educator and author of Inner Child Journeys, Robin Grille. We cover the parenting disconnect, smacking and the origins of our authoritarian education and parenting culture. Be prepared to perhaps feel uncomfortable and/or challenged and remember that Robin's work focuses on how when we are triggered by these feelings - we can use these moments as opportunities for personal growth. Our discussion: How we...

Exploring Your Inner Child with Robin Grille

In this episode (part one of two), we chat with psychologist, parent educator and author of Inner Child Journeys, Robin Grille, about how the best way to understand our children, is to first understand ourselves. Think of this episode as your gentle reminder that parenting is a personal growth journey! Our discussion: What to do when we have a conflict with our children, or feel stuck as parents What it means when we are triggered by our children How our inner child holds the greatest tr...

Respectful Communication

In this episode we are going to discuss our road to finding peaceful, gentle approaches to raising our children.  We share with you why we wholeheartedly value working in cooperation with our own children and also the children we care for in our nature play programs.  The four ideas of respectful communication: 1.     Children and parents have the opportunity to be heard and understood 2.     Children have the freedom to feel their emotions 3.     Stating our expectations clearly and wit...

School readiness, falling behind and homework with Dr Justin Coulsen

In this episode, we are talking about school readiness and the academic pushdown. We ask about the importance of homework and the value of play, and talk about new perspectives on the role of sibling rivalry.  Wondering when your child is ready for school? In this episode, we answer that question.  Dr Justin Coulson is one of Australia's most respected and popular parenting authors and speakers. He is sought after for his expertise in family life, relationships, and wellbeing and resilienc...

E4. School readiness, falling behind and homework with Dr Justin Coulsen

In this episode, we are talking about school readiness and the academic pushdown. We ask about the importance of homework and the value of play, and talk about new perspectives on the role of sibling rivalry.  Wondering when your child is ready for school? In this episode, we answer that question.  Dr Justin Coulson is one of Australia's most respected and popular parenting authors and speakers. He is sought after for his expertise in family life, relationships, and wellbeing and resilienc...

Freedom to Learn with Peter Gray

In this episode, we’re talking with Psychologist, Peter Gray, about the importance of play and how we need to stop dismissing play as trivial; we’re talking about how to create environments where children learn best and we break down some of the misconceptions around self-directed learning, in particular university entry and future success. We also cover: The decline of children's freedom over recent decades and the psychological consequences of that decline.  How children are biologicall...

E1. Freedom to Learn with Peter Gray

In this episode, we’re talking with Psychologist, Peter Gray, about the importance of play and how we need to stop dismissing play as trivial; we’re talking about how to create environments where children learn best and we break down some of the misconceptions around self-directed learning, in particular university entry and future success. We also cover: The decline of children's freedom over recent decades and the psychological consequences of that decline.  How children are biologicall...

E3. Part One - Helping Children Regulate their Emotions with Dr. Justin Coulson

In this episode, we’re talking about big emotions. How do we help our children regulate their emotions in this transition back to school? We discuss some very simple and tangible strategies that you can use today to help find connection with your child and to validate their feelings. Download our FREE Words of Validation & Empathy Printable here. To access the full show notes click here. Follow and DM Wildlings Forest School on Instagram here.

Who are we? Getting to know Nicki & Vicci from Wildlings Forest School

In this episode, we’re opening up and telling you our story. How we left our mainstream teaching jobs, started Wildlings Forest School, began unschooling our children and right now, starting the Raising Wildlings podcast. We talk about why we made the choices we have for our families, why we finally decided to get this podcast up and running and where we want to take it. We cover: ●      Who are Nicki Farrell and Vicci Oliver? ●      How we met ●      What is Wildlings Forest School? ● ...

Part One - Helping Children Regulate their Emotions with Dr. Justin Coulson

In this episode, we’re talking about big emotions. How do we help our children regulate their emotions in this transition back to school? We discuss some very simple and tangible strategies that you can use today to help find connection with your child and to validate their feelings. Download our FREE Words of Validation & Empathy Printable here. To access the full show notes click here. Follow and DM Wildlings Forest School on Instagram here. Other ways we can help you: Want to learn ...

E2. Who are we? Getting to know Nicki & Vicci from Wildlings Forest School

In this episode, we’re opening up and telling you our story. How we left our mainstream teaching jobs, started Wildlings Forest School, began unschooling our children and right now, starting the Raising Wildlings podcast. We talk about why we made the choices we have for our families, why we finally decided to get this podcast up and running and where we want to take it. We cover: ●      Who are Nicki Farrell and Vicci Oliver? ●      How we met ●      What is Wildlings Forest School? ● ...

Coming Soon!

Raising Wildlings is a podcast for parents and educators who are seeking to learn more about respectful parenting, alternative education, how children learn and the importance of play. We can't wait to share the wisdom and experiences of experts as well as everyday parents who have taken a wilder path.  Don't forget to download your free Nature Scavenger Hunt printable here. Wildlings Forest School Links: ●      Website ●      Facebook ●      Instagram ●      Youtube  ●      Pinterest...