EXPOSE YOUR CHILDREN to everything you can. This is some of the best advice another parent has ever given me and I've taken it to heart as our boys continue to grow and learn. My partner and I are instep with this approach as we are always looking for new, interactive and unique experiences to expose or boys to.

Like root jumping, for instance...

We actively monitor our son’s television time. We rarely watch television during the week and Friday is our dedicated movie night. With the exception of the NFL season our schedule rarely is dictated by what is on television and even movie nights get postponed due to other activities. With the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London our television is getting a workout. My partner and I both enjoy the spectacle, the storylines and the national pride that surround this event.

A tiny Olympics watcher looking on...

“Go USA!” has been uttered with gusto by our 4-year old since the opening ceremonies of the games. The ceremony was a little beyond his comprehension and I found myself in a similar state of mind. The flags and the names of the countries were the first aspect of the games that caught his interest. He wanted to know the name of every country as they paraded into the arena. “Daddy what is that country’s name? Daddy what is that country’s name?” By country number 20 and question number 40 my excitement about his interest was waning but I continued to answer with patience.

Pictured: future Olympic hiker!

The greatness of the Olympics is the exposure to many sports that get very little coverage outside of this epic event. Synchronized diving seems to currently be our young fans favorite but he needs very little nudge to change his mind. Not only is our son being exposed to some new sports and activities but he is also witnessing teamwork, sportsmanship, and the reward for hard work and commitment. He still continues to be obsessed with the flags and every time a standings board is on the screen he reads-out with excitement the ones he recognizes. During a recent bedtime routine he asked “When can I get some flags from some other countries?” This is one in indicator for me that the Olympics is providing us another gateway for us to talk to him about the world and for him to be exposed to other aspects of the planet we call home.

So, way across that ocean are lots and lots more countries?

By no means are we planting ourselves in front the television every evening but we are watching when the schedule and acceptable behavior allow us too. The wet and cold weather have been making this an even easier evening option.

Here is a constructive opportunity to expose your child to the world from your living room. Go USA!

Steve SueWing regularly blogs at AKDad.com.

WRITING UTENSILS DO not have cooties, despite what your children may say upon the suggestion they pick up a pen or pencil and scribble something of substance over summer vacation. I can’t blame our kids for wanting a respite from the daily grind of careful printing or stylish cursive within the bounds of everyday school work, but a complete break from connecting the dots between brain and hand? Maybe not so much.

Fortunately, many popular visitor attractions in Alaska recognize both a children’s need for independent exploration and a parent’s desire for helping their children retain at least a few key points learned in writing class during the previous school year. In Alaska, where outdoor recreation sometimes trumps indoor learning, it’s easy to forget about the educational benefit of readin’ and writin’ within the scope of a vacation.

Dear diary, please make summer vacation never end. Yours truly, a Kid...

Here are a few educational and entertaining destinations that encourage the writing skills of kids preschool age and up:

1. Alaska Museum of Natural History, Anchorage. Located in northeast Anchorage, this little museum engages kids in writing and reading from the moment they walk in the front door. Grade-school children should grab a clipboard and take part in a seasonally-themed scavenger hunt, while younger kiddos can draw on the enormous chalkboard located in the classroom and dig pit area. Open year-round, suitable for all ages.

2. Museum of the North, Fairbanks. A bit more academic, perhaps, but perfect for kids age 9 and up, the Museum of the North is located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, and provides excellent opportunities for writing, reading and problem-solving through their education program and family events. Monthly free-admission evenings throughout the summer provide topic-specific sessions for the entire family. Open all year, but hours vary, so call ahead. 907-474-7505.

3. Juneau Douglas City Museum, downtown Juneau. We discovered this museum last summer and found its size and information to be perfect for our kindergarten student. With a short but informative kids’ guide (paper, not human), the museum seeks to interact with their young visitors through word searches, crosswords and other activity-based learning. We especially liked the Mining and Milling exhibit, where our son could pretend he was a miner headed into the depths of Alaska’s mountains. Open all year, free admission October through April. Kids 12 and younger are always free.

4. Junior Ranger program, National Park Service. There is no finer way to explore our national parks with kids than through the Junior Ranger program. With reading, writing, and a badge awarded at the end, kids three and up can capture the essence of each individual park, and have a free souvenir at the end. Pick up an age-appropriate Junior Ranger booklet at the entrance of any national park, or go online and become a Web-Ranger, the Park Services’ newest way to connect kids with our national parks even if they can’t visit in person.

5. REI Family Adventure program, nationwide. Join the thousands of REI member families who have experienced way-cool fun via the Family Adventure program. Kids can work in their Adventure Journal (find online or in stores), complete activity sheets, and gather valuable information about the world around them. We usually grab a stack of journals and complete one per trip, leaving our son with a legacy of family travel experiences sure to amuse him for years to come.

Erin Kirkland is a freelance writer, mom of two, and the owner/publisher of AKontheGO.com, a website dedicated to Alaska family travel and outdoor recreation. She lives in Anchorage and is already stocking up on school supplies.

INTERNATIONAL BACKPACKING TRIPS prior to starting college are a time honored tradition among recent high school graduates. Frequent KTD Teen Contributor Aviva Hirsch graduated from high school one semester early and decided to explore New Zealand with nothing more than the pack on her back while working on organic farms, staying in hostels. Oh, and she did it all by herself. 

While she was there, she sent back audio dispatches and many photos to let us know what this first taste of traveling freedom was like.

• Part 1: She's Leaving Home - After graduating high school one sememester early, Aviva leaves Alaska to backpack, solo, through New Zealand.
• Part 2: Flying High Over Hippy Heaven - Aviva stays with Alaskan friends in NZ, gets a ride on a homemade plane, then sets out to truly begin her solo trip.
• Part 3: Hitchhiking to a Hot Soak - It's okay, moms, everyone hitchhikes in NZ.
• Part 4: Remarkable Hiking, Scenery & Friends of Friends - Connecting with friends of friends back home leads to an amazing mountain climb.
• Part 5: Beets, Boulders & the Beautiful Stories People Tell - Aviva works on organic farms and gets to know the people of NZ.
• Part 6: World Music Around the World - The young reporter meets up with public radio in NZ, attends an outdoor music festival.
• Part 7: Undiscovered Paradise & Chatty Rowboat Captains - Getting lost and found in NZ.
• Part 8: Last Days in New Zealand - Making the final days in NZ count, Aviva gets around as much as possible.
• Part 9: Leaving NZ, Coca Cola Scholars, Meeting Morgan Freeman - Aviva learns she's won a scholarship so she cuts her trip short to return to the US.

OUR RESIDENT PEDIATRICIAN, "Dr. KTD" Michelle Laufer, M.D. addresses listeners' questions on a wide variety of topics - from bed bugs and cycling safety to mental health and medicine taking.

In these short (2-4 minute) episodes. Dr. KTD speaks directly to caregivers like you, offering practical advice on the health issues commonly faced by families. You will definitely learn something new!

• Pediatric Mental Health - how to find a mental health care provider for your child.
• Bed Bugs - kicking those little buggers out of the sheets.
• Nightmares - helping kids cope with nightmares and night terrors.
• Test Anxiety - dealing with pre-exam jitters.
• Taking Medication - Dr. KTD helps the medicine go down.
• *Bike Safety -  from training wheels on up, staying safe while cycling.
• *Upper Respitory Infections - chicken soup to cold meds, what works and what doesn't.
• *Vitamin D - what it does, how much we need and how to get it in your kids. (But always wear sunscreen!)
• *Well Child Visits - why these doctor visits are important for infants through teens.
• *Sun Screen - most lasting sun damage is done when we're under 18 years old - UVA, UVB and how to stay shielded.
• *Cold Weather Asthma - how chilly temps can make asthma feel worse and what to do about it.
• On the Go First Aid - what to pack for all those active Alaskan family outings.

(*Never before aired, web-exclusive!)

Dr. Michelle Laufer is an American Board of Pediatrics-certified physician who practices in Anchorage. She is the author of Anchorage With Kids: Family Fun in the Snow or Sun. Dr. Laufter is mother to three children.

“SAFETY FIRST” THIS is one of the top phrases that I use with our boys on a daily basis - especially in the summer. This season brings new activities or the increase in frequency of some activities. Most involved parents will dwell in a state of situational awareness but it's always helpful to have some reminders. With our sons, one sometimes understands what "safety first" means while the other doesn't yet, but I it's never too early to talk to children even if they do not understand.

Here is my summer list of safety firsts:

1. Berries! The blueberries in our backyard are starting to ripen and our firstborn is wasting no time to starting to sample them. We recently found some salmon berries that were perfectly ripe and the entire family enjoyed them. We LOVE berry picking but we remind our children often that they need to be with us or check in with Dad and Mom before eating any berries!

Terrific or toxic? Know the difference! Check this visual guide to Alaska's berries.
 

2. Bikes. Our oldest has his first push bike and he is mildly excited about it. We know that with experience and mastering the skill of balance and push he will want to do it more. Whether your child is riding in a bike trailer, pushing a bike, or riding like Dad and Mom, helmets should always be worn. I think it can be overkill in the bike trailer but starting the habit of helmets early is a good idea.

Whoa there, speed racer! You forgot your helmet!
 

3. Dehydration. Young bodies that like to move need liquids. Sometimes when we get involved with activities we get distracted and forget to keep fluids in our bodies and, consequently, our children do too. Let your child pick out a favorite water bottle and have him or her remind you to take it along. Our child enjoys reminding us of things and his memory is sharp!

4. Fire. Open fires are an obvious place for possible trouble. Contained fires such as BBQs and the metal that contains the controlled fire can be less so. We BBQ 365 days a year at our home and proactively keep little hands and feet at a safe distance, always diligent that the BBQ is never unattended with children nearby.

5. Light. Sun or no sun, long periods of time outside can still cause sunburn. It’s always better to be safe than to have an uncomfortable child who is not shy about letting you know what her/his discomfort, so make sure to dutifully apply the sunblock. Getting a child comfortable with putting on sunscreen will also make it easier when you make it out to a really sunny location where skin protection is a must!

Sun & water! Know where the life jackets are on big boats just in case.
 

6. Water. We find ourselves on docks, beaches, and marine vessels more often in the summer. Yes you know how it goes: Kids don't float! and most public access lakes and rivers have life jackets to loan if you don't have your own. Although life jackets are not required on ferries and sight-seeing boats it is always good to be informed as to where the children’s lifevests are located if the worst case scenario does happen.

Get outside and enjoy the extra light and opportunities Alaska has to offer this summer while making safety a priority with you and your family as you do so.

THINK OF HIKING in Alaska and steep treks up craggy mountains come to mind, maintaining careful footing on ridges and days-long journeys in untouched backcountry. Whoa - settle down! Alaska's trails aren't all meant for Denali climbers in training. Because sometimes you want to push a stroller in nature, here are five Alaskan hikes to do for the scenery, exercise and fresh air...

1. In Juneau, try the flat-out beautiful Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei trail.

"A wheelchair-accessible trail that follows the Mendenhall River greenbelt area, starting at Brotherhood Bridge off Glacier Highway. The name is Tlingit for "going back clearwater trail." Expect a lot of traffic, including some bikes and horses, on this zero-elevation-gain hike. The trail features access to fishing holes in Montana Creek, vivid wildflowers including Siberian Irises, and scenic overlooks." (Source)

2. Great scenery outside Anchorage at Thunderbird Falls Trail.

At mile 25 of the Glenn Highway, take the Thunderbird Falls exit to access an easy, 1-mile hike much of which takes place on a boardwalk. "Birch forest on steep hillside overhanging Eklutna Canyon. Views of 200 foot high Thunderbird Falls." (Source)

3. Urban Anchorage's Coastal Trail offers 10+ miles of paved strolling.

For gorgeous views of Knik Arm, Cook Inlet, Westchester Lagoon, Sleeping Lady and guaranteed bird sightings, get on the Coastal Trail with your stroller or bike trailer. All paved, you can hop on this trail from three points - from the South access descend from Kincaid Park to the coast, from the North access start downtown on 2nd Avenue, or start in the Middle at the Point Woronzof overlook where you can spy both gorgeous sunsets and spot low-flying planes. (Source)

4. The Eagle River Nature Trail makes for a great day trip.

At the end of 12-mile Eagle River Road (about 40 miles from Anchorage), you'll come to the log cabin visitor center at the Eagle River Nature Center. A number of trails start behind the building - try the easy 3/4-mile Rodak Nature Trail that leads to a beaver and salmon viewing deck, or opt for a longer stroll on the 3-mile Albert Loop trail if it's not too muddy.  (Source)

5. Calypso Orchid Nature Trail near UAF is for botany lovers.

This exotic-sounding loop near UAF campus, Creamer's Field and Georgeson Botanical Gardens gets its name from the orchids that bloom along the trail in spring. Just under a mile, take it slow to read all the interpretive signs. If you want more trail afterward - check out the Vireck Nature trail on the UAF campus. (Source)

Have fun and as always, be Bear Aware!

Sources from this article: TravelJuneau.com, dnr.Alaska.gov, TrailsOfAnchorage.com, ERNC.org, Facilities.Alaska.edu.

EVERY ALASKAN KNOWS a pilot. With one in five Alaska residents in possession of a valid pilot’s license, air travel up here is a near-constant state of taking off and landing. Midsummer is considered the busiest season for the FAA’s Alaska region and its 2,427,971 miles of airspace, with flightseeing, fishing and seasonal cabin transport in full swing.

To an Alaska visitor, the sight of so many colorful and interesting aircraft provides neverending eye candy. Day or night, one type of plane or another swoops across the Alaska sky, bound for adventure or business, engines roaring or propellers humming. Flying holds romantic value for many people, in addition to the heart-stopping beauty of seeing our state from heaven’s doorstep. But all this independent puttering around the sky comes with a price.

A small plane lands on the beach at Hallo Bay bear camp

Air travel is safe, but safety comes with myriad details and a strong sense of responsibility on the part of everyone who climbs aboard - passenger or pilot. In an effort to reduce aircraft accidents and encourage passengers to be their own best advocate for safety, the FAA has teamed up with the Medallion Foundation to create the Circle of Safety. A collaborative effort among air carriers, passengers, pilots, and the FAA, the Circle of Safety seeks to educate and empower everyone who rides in, or pilots, an aircraft.

I’ll admit, I’ve not been the strongest advocate for myself while sitting, knees-to-chest, in the back of a single-engine aircraft bound for a destination miles from assistance should things go wrong; nor am I the first to pull out that safety card at the beginning of a flight to the Lower 48. 

Kids can be in the Circle, too, by locating exits and reading safety cards onboard!

Here’s what I learned about the my part to play in the Circle of Safety:

1. Pay attention during the safety briefing - on any aircraft with any destination. Do you know the nearest exit? Or how to open the door? Do you have a plan for children in your care? Knowing what to do, where, and when could possibly save everyone in the event of an emergency.

2. Know the location of safety equipment. Smaller aircraft place emergency kits in different places according to size and item selection. When the pilot tells you where the kits are, look and locate for yourself.

3. Ask if a flight plan has been filed. What is a flight plan? Every pilot must state, in writing, where he or she intends to go, how, and at what time. Don’t hesitate to inquire; even the shortest distance is worthy of a plan. It’s your seat aboard that airplane, and you have the right to know the trip is recorded.

4. Don’t distract the pilot during take off or landing. The riskiest moments of flight come at the beginning and end of the trip. Pilots need to concentrate on a variety of duties at this time; asking questions or distracting the pilot with photographs or other potentially dangerous activities should be avoided. You’ll have plenty of time for chatting while up in the air. Ditto for making requests for flying low just for the sake of a good photo op.

Flying around Alaska is one of the most wonderful ways to experience our state, but safety should always take center stage.

Erin Kirkland is a freelance writer and author of AKontheGO.com, a website dedicated to family travel and outdoor recreation in Alaska.

WHEN WE FIRST launched AKontheGO in 2009, “AK Kid” was only four, and young enough to merely trundle into the car, airplane, or boat when we adults wanted to go somewhere. Considered old enough to carry his own luggage but not old enough to warrant an educated opinion about our destination, my husband and I simply went where the stories were. But things are different, this summer; Kid is now a grown-up 7.75 years old, and wants a voice about where we go, what we do, and how we do it.

Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned yet in the scope of family travel writing is being learned right now, tonight, as I sit across the hotel room from our leggy, almost-tween, hearing him snore with the enthusiasm of a lumberjack. His interests are not reflected in mine.

My son is now able to read a map and peruse a guide book. He loves museum dioramas and anything with wheels or a motor. Nearly eight, he enjoys nature movies and natural history slide shows when we stop at visitor centers, and loves to push all the buttons of interactive displays. He’s all movement, all the time, and if there’s no action, perceived or actual, then it’s no good. I get it. But I almost missed it in my hurry-up world of making sure I had my own bases covered.

Take a close look at the photo above. That’s our son after three days of ferry-riding, wildlife-cruising, trail-hiking, and Independence Day-celebrating in Valdez, where we are guests of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Yes, he’s tired. Yes, he’s also hungry. But he’s also had it with us. I think just after this shot, my kid told me to buzz off.

How could this be? We are a family of adventurers. Three people, one family travel blog, and six undeniably itchy feet. Four years of writing about Alaska has taken us to places near and far, toward breathtaking glaciers and among wild creatures; how could our dear child be so ungrateful, so, so, obnoxious? Haven’t we given him everything, everywhere, in Alaska?

I thought so, too. But in the seasons of exploring nooks and crannies of the 49th state, and immersed in the growing of a family travel website, producing a radio show, and digging up freelance gigs, I had forgotten about the most important maturation of all - that of my own progeny.

Happily, tonight we regrouped after a few hundred calories were consumed and we had reminded ourselves of one important family travel guideline: Everyone chooses. One individual activity, one family activity, depending upon time and destination. All hands on deck - everyone participates, everyone smiles, no one complains. Yes, even if it means going to the hotel swimming pool and playing Marco Polo. Quid pro quo, parents. You may have wanted to spend nine hours aboard a 50-foot tour boat looking at hunks of ice while standing in a rainstorm; the least you can do is take a time-out in another watery environment.

Humbled by an 7 year-old. God bless his little traveling heart. Now, I need to go to bed. The pool opens at 8 a.m.

Erin Kirkland is an Anchorage freelance writer and publisher of AKontheGO, a website dedicated to family travel and outdoor recreation in Alaska. She lives in Anchorage.
 

I'VE BEEN ON the East Coast for the last few days, surprising my Grandma for her 80th birthday with my family. It was nice to see all of my cousins again, and since I’m attending Lehigh University in the fall, get a taste of what my East Coast life might be like.

First off, I realized that living in Alaska has spoiled me. In the Lower 48, pretty much every long distance trip has the potential of being a road trip. Up here, the only places you can go are Fairbanks, the Kenai, and maybe Valdez. If it’s not in the state, you’re going to be travelling by airplane. But that’s not the case down there. I like road trips, but after 10 hours in a car, even a coach airline seat between two babies sounds inviting for the sheer purpose of getting there in a third of the time.

Second, unless your whole extended family is Alaskan, it’s likely that your nuclear family are the only ones up here. That means that weekend family reunions are nonexistent. But my family on the east coast is very close, while we’re the outcasts from up North. It’ll be different living close to them, because as a raised Alaskan, I’m used to thinking of relatives as people you see every third wedding.

Third, humidity sucks. If it’s 95 and overcast at ten in the morning, there’s something wrong. Alaska is great because you can always rely on wind to keep you cool, but down south (anything lower than Juneau) there is no escape - well, besides air conditioning or a pool. That’s one thing I liked about the heat: it made the pool feel so much better, and actually made me like it (only for a second).    

I’m going to have a drastic change of lifestyle in August, going from the 61st parallel to the 41st. I’m going to have to learn to deal with public transportation, high population density, and most of all, being 4,000 miles away from home. I already miss it, and I haven’t even left yet.

Dear Listeners and Supporters of KTD:

We are truly thankful for your support and enthusiasm for this radio program! In the 2 years that we have been on the air we've aired 83 one-hour programs (each on a different topic!) on 7 stations, we've had 170 guests in the studio to share their knowledge on raising Alaska's future today, and we've produced 227 featured stories, all of them examining issues that matter to Alaskan families.

What's more - every single one of those episodes (and many of the features) are still available right here on this website where about 35,000 of you have come to find out more information about raising happy and healthy Alaskan families, and to read Our Blogs, featuring original writing from Alaskans just like you.

When we announced on the air as part of this week's show that Kids These Days! would come to an end we never could have expected the kind of outpouring of comments, letters and calls that we have received from our supporters. We are so grateful and humbled to know that you care so much about Kids These Days! (the show) and the kids these days in Alaska.

Here are a few of the awesome comments you left us:

"Bring it back!! I am a faithful follower of Kids These Days that is played on our NPR channel in Anchorage, 91.1 FM.  I just learned a few days ago that KTD will be going off the air and I'm wondering why?  Is there anything we can do to keep it on air?  It has been such a valuable community service for me and my kids.  I am truly bummed to hear that it will no longer be on.  If there is anything I can do to help keep this fabulous program running, please let me know." - Carey (added 6/30)

"I'm very sorry to hear your show won't be able to continue. I really enjoyed the program and looked forward to those glorious Sunday mornings when I could just lay in bed and listen to it before starting my day. My whole family really liked it...  Thanks for all you folks did to put together a terrific program. It was an invaluable resource that deserved support enough to keep going and I really hope there's a future for it again some day." - M in Kodiak

"..the show filled a critical need to shine light on kids, families and healthy development as people. Listening to Kids These Days each week I knew I would not only learn something, but appreciate something."  - B in Anchorage

"I'm saddened to hear that you did not receive the funding necessary to continue your show. You and your team of producers has been making some great family-focused radio." - J in Dillingham

"I just caught the tail end of tonight's rebroadcast of "Kids These Days" and discovered that it was the last show. WAH! I don't have children, but for quite some time, I've thought that "Kids These Days" was the creme of the crop of our locally produced radio programs. Always well done, informative, and interesting. You will be missed... I don't even have kids and I find it really interesting. And fun." - Stephanie

"Absolutely "must listen" radio. I am heartbroken. You are my top 3 show of the week. I loved every episode. You guys are great." - Kristen

"Thanks for all you've done to promote healthy parenting, healthy kids, and the Alaska lifestyle!" - Erin

"No! Our communities need you!" - Shena

"As an involved father I often feel my voice and experience is not heard or recognized. Thank you Sarah and KTD for giving me this outlet and strong platform of support!" - Steve

"I LOVE your show. I was a loyal listener. I hope funding makes it possible for KTD to be on the air again soon. You guys did amazing radio. Thank you." - Laura

"So sad to see you all go. We love your show and look forward to keeping up with you on KidsTheseDays.org." - AK Center for Pediatrics

"We will miss you!! Kids These Days is such an awesome show! Thank you for all your great work!" - AYEA Teens

Without our listeners' feedback, show suggestions, and input when we called upon you for your thoughts, KTD would not have been the success that it has been. The awards we won over the last 2 years were terrific honors, and we absolutely couldn't have been award-worthy without our huge team of informal advisors, the board of directors at Content Producers Guild, the amazing staff at KSKA and APRN, all the freelance reporters who shared their stories, our slate of talented and brave bloggers and our own families, of course.

Mostly, we want to shine the light of gratitude on our number one supporter and funder: The Association of Alaska School Boards Inititiative for Community Engagement program (Alaska ICE), with extra special thanks to Sally Rue and Steve Nelson. Alaska ICE has consistently funded programs that make a huge impact in their communities and we applaud them for having the vision to see that media can have a healthy impact while helping to create a positive culture in which to raise healthy children. Bravo to Alaska ICE!

So, what's next for Kids These Days!, you ask? Right now we are exploring alternate avenues to keep some incarnation of KTD going on the air and/or online here at KidsTheseDays.org. You have not heard the last from us! Stay tuned to Kids These Days! and we will do our very best to stay tuned to our communities, continuing to report on relevant topics while starting the important conversations that matter to Alaskan families.

And thanks, everyone, we love you, too!

- Team KTD