The family-friendly podcasts that rival screen time in our house
For me, podcasts have single-handedly transformed the most mundane aspects of adulting—commuting, folding laundry, washing dishes—into opportunities to be entertained and curious. For my kids, they’ve become the low-hanging fruit that can stave off screen time, sure, but they’ve also changed the way we interact as a family. A phenomenon which, according to the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, we’re not alone in.
How podcasts changed our definition of “family time”
While family movie nights happen occasionally—the two-hour commitment compounded by conflicting opinions on viewing options can be a tall order—we listen to family-friendly podcasts together daily.
They’re playing while we make breakfast, drive around, wait for appointments, and engage in calming activities (a puzzle and a new podcast episode is peak decompression in my house).
Sometimes, my 6- and 9-year-old sons will listen together on a Bluetooth speaker while they shoot hoops in the driveway, build forts in the living room, and wind down for bed. We even created a ridiculously hilarious car game inspired by the game show podcast Don’t Break The Rules.
How podcasts shape our understanding of each other and the world
Both kids will often rattle off random facts they’ve picked up from a podcast or ask me a follow-up question about a topic. Even when I don’t know the answer (which is often), it gives us an excuse to find out more together.
I like to think of podcasts as the auditory version of sneaking a bagful of spinach into a fruit smoothie. My kids are swallowing facts about everything from ancient Greece to sloths without it being forced down their throats—and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m usually learning along with them.
I like to think of podcasts as the auditory version of sneaking a bagful of spinach into a fruit smoothie. My kids are swallowing facts about everything from ancient Greece (Greeking Out) to sloths (Brains On!) without it being forced down their throats—and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m usually learning along with them.
At the height of the pandemic, when virtual work, school, and screens in general were all-encompassing, podcasts crept in as a hybrid form of learning and entertainment, filling educational and parenting gaps that we’re still finding useful.
Playful learning research from the Harvard Graduate School of Education reinforces why they work. It identified three pillars of effective learning that align with what podcasts offer: an opportunity to chase wonder, take ownership in learning, and find joy and delight in the process.
Our favorite family-friendly podcasts
This fantasy trilogy was created by a first grade teacher in Vermont, George Patrick Leal, who shared the Magic Woods tales with his students. When the pandemic put school on hold, his students were so invested in listening to the end of the story that he began recording them. Since then, it’s been played in 50 different countries. My kids listen to these stories on repeat, cycling through Magic Woods (the original podcast), Legends of Magic Woods (prequel to the original podcast), and The World Beyond Magic Woods (sequel to the original podcast).
If you have a kid who’s interested in Greek mythology, they’ll get a kick out of the playful and educational format of this National Geographic Kids podcast. It retells ancient Greek myths but sprinkles in historical context along the way. Plus, the banter between the host (Kenny Curtis) and the Oracle of Wi-Fi (played by Tori Kerr) is comedy gold.
Bestselling author Adam Gidwitz retells the original Brothers Grimm fairytales in all their weird and gory glory to a group of kids, pausing to anticipate plot twists and discuss some of the stranger aspects. Each episode is rated on a scale of grimm, grimmer, and grimmest so that kids and parents can choose the level of creepiness they’re after. It’s a thoughtful and wildly entertaining peek into classic literature and folklore.
If you need a palate cleanser after “Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest,” this comedy game show is it. In each episode, four different voice actors take on the persona of wacky characters based on kid-created prompts. Hosted by Carly Ciarrocchi, it’s a Parent’s Choice Recommended Award Winner loaded with brilliant comedic performances.
This scripted, adventure-packed podcast tells the story of Miles, a kid who sets off on a journey to the jungle with his scientist parents. When they’re accidentally separated, Miles uncovers an ancient, concealed world and his quest begins. The story explores what it means to be brave and the power that comes from wading through uncharted territory.
This award-winning science podcast for kids unpacks all sorts of topics, from carnivorous plants to deep sea creatures, with humor and easy-to-grasp explanations. In each episode, expert co-hosts join host Molly Bloom to get answers to tricky yet fascinating kid-submitted questions like, do dogs know they’re dogs? Plus, bonus perks like guessing the mystery sound in each episode add even more fun.
source https://www.mother.ly/entertainment/best-family-friendly-podcasts/
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