Parenting Corner: Podcasts and Audiobooks!
Finding ways to pass time during challenging parts of the day can be hard for parents and children. Even with the best intentions to limit screen time, it may be tempting to hand over an iPad while making dinner or on long car rides. An alternative to consider could be audiobooks and podcasts. The benefit of listening rather than watching something on a screen is that children use their imagination and improve their listening comprehension skills.
We’ve put together a guide of wonderful children’s books and podcasts that would be great to listen to while working with play-dough, blocks, or coloring. We encourage you to consider this slower, more mindful way to entertain children’s imaginations.
Podcasts
Sparkle Stories
This is a fantastic podcast that includes several different collections ranging from the youngest child all the way up to 12 years old. They often center on kindness, wonder of the natural world, and respect. They release free episodes every week, but you can also sign up for a subscription which includes access to their app. The app includes all the collections of stories and is very easy to navigate! These stories are very easy to listen to and won’t annoy you to hear in the background of your day (Sarah promises). You can go here for a free trial or to listen to a sample story. We recommend the Martin and Sylvia collection!
https://www.sparklestories.com/about/
Little Stories for Tiny People
These are wonderful original stories by Rhea Pector. Many of the stories follow story lines that are fun to listen to, not to mention her characters are so loveable! Her sleep stories are also relaxing and great for before bedtime. Check it out here:
https://www.littlestoriestinypeople.com/
Brains on! (For older children)
Brains on! Is a science podcast for children from American Public Media. Each episode focuses on a topic that’s chosen by children. These are fun to listen to for the whole family!
Audiobooks
Magic Treehouse Series by Mary Pope Osborne
This series has been a classic for many years, and the books themselves are a great first chapter book option for early readers! For pre-readers, however, the audiobooks are a perfect option. Read by the author, Mary Pope Osborne (in her very soothing voice) each story features excitement and historical information!
Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
Enjoy this collection of timeless stories on audiobook!
Just So Stories by Roald Dahl
Every Roald Dahl story enchants children and adults, but this collection of short stories are just the right length for younger children.