Seven Great Podcasts Your Kids Will Love
Did you even know there were podcasts for kids? They’re a gamechanger.
You’ve probably realised by now that I’m a big fan of podcasts. An avid listener, I guess you could say. I came to podcasts purely because after child number three arrived, I found I had no time to pick up a book. Even watching the news is always interrupted by one (or all) of the kids wanting their bum wiped. I’m not anti-TV, I love a box-set binge as much as the next person; and my kids are big fans of YouTube channels filled with (in my opinion, highly irritating) kids content. But podcasts require less attention than screens, and for me they became a great way of being able to become really engrossed in a story or a subject whilst doing something else. I listen to them in the car, as I fall asleep at night, while I’m cooking, or on the very rare occasion I get out for a run.
Since lockdown number 3, my middle son has become quite anxious and struggles to get to sleep. I looked into podcasts for kids and came up with the idea of him listening to a podcast as a way to feel less alone as he drifts off. It’s working!
For his elder brother who has suddenly become that typical pre-teenage boy who thinks reading is like so uncool… and like, so pointless; podcasts are my sneaky way of keeping his brain engaged with topics other than FIFA 2021.
Even the littlest offspring (who is only three) is getting in on the action and and quite enjoys listening to a ‘Story-pod’ as he calls them.
If you’ve got a reluctant reader, or even just a child with an inquiring mind who likes to be challenged; pop one of these podcasts for kids in their lugholes… you never know; you might even get a blessed five minutes peace yourself!
- Best for enquiring minds… The Big Fib
Each week, a kid gets to interview two experts in a particular topic. One of whom is a genuine expert, the other a liar. Hilarious and fast-paced, this show teaches kids to ask insightful questions, weigh up the evidence and in the era of fake news; helps them trust their gut.
- Best for vivid imaginations… Super Great Kid’s Stories
A collection of fun tales to make you laugh and cry, told by some of the best storytellers from around the world. These tales can be enjoyed by ages 5 to 105!
- Best for ages four and under… CBeebies Radio Podcast
Let your little one head into a world of sound and music, full of imaginative adventures, stories, friends and characters.
- Best for the kid with endless questions… Everything Under The Sun
Molly Oldfield, the very first writer on the BBC show QI, answers questions sent in by children from all around the world. If your kid is bursting with questions that you don’t have the answers to; send them to Molly!
- Best for girls who want to change the world… Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls
Based on the bestselling series of books, each episode explores the lives of extraordinary women, encouraging young listeners to ask questions and form opinions. Each one is narrated by women who are real-life pioneers, creators, champions and leaders.
- Best for creative kids… The Scoop
A podcast which celebrates reading, writing and creativity. Each month, the host is joined by a different popular children’s author or illustrator to discuss their books, ideas and inspirations. A show for kids who love books and want to find out more about their literary heroes.
- Best for footy mad kids… Football Fun Factory Podcast
This is a weekly podcast for foot-mad Mums, Dads, kids and coaches. The episodes discuss everything from the controversies of VAR to mental health in football to how we can help get more girls involved in the beautiful game.
