Oh, Max, you're playing Umihara Kawase? Such a cool game for cool people. I love it and it makes me happy.
Definitely try with one of the little kids. They makes things much easier sometimes, specially if you're just trying to survive. The grappling mechanic might take some getting used to but keep at it and I'm sure it'll click and once it does it's very, very satisfying. Watching some youtube videos like the ones someone linked above might be a good idea if you want to see some advanced techniques, although they might have spoilers if you want to find stuff by yourself.
I finally found every exit a while ago and I'm only missing a couple of backpacks, so feel free to ask for advice if you're stuck and in despair. After beating a certain Giant Enemy Crab, life hasn't been the same. I'm fitter, happier, more productive, comfortable, not drinking too much.