Be Calm on Ahway Island
Common Sense Media Review
By Lakshmi Hutchinson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bedtime stories and meditations with positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
Parent and Kid Reviews
What’s It About?
Each episode of BE CALM ON AHWAY ISLAND is designed to help the listener relax and fall asleep. The narrator leads a comforting routine of checking that the lights are turned down and that the child has a blankie or "listening buddy" as they start the 5-10 minute meditation. Kids follow breathing exercises, taking "Deep Dragon Breaths" as they imagine themselves in a relaxing location. The narrator then begins the story, featuring characters who are animals, toys, vehicles, or kids in a make-believe world. The characters learn or demonstrate a positive lesson, often about kindness, empathy, or acceptance. A tugboat learns to accept help from an icebreaker. A hyena teaches a lion how to calm himself, and the lion discovers that you don't have to be loud to have courage. Each story ends with the characters feeling relaxed and drifting off to sleep.
Is It Any Good?
This well-produced podcast is a great choice if you're looking to settle little ones to sleep as they listen to stories that model empathy and inclusivity. Be Calm on Ahway Island is perfect for helping kids to relax if they're feeling stressed, nervous, or simply have the wiggles during nap time or quiet time. They'll learn how to calm themselves using deep breathing and other self-soothing techniques while engaging with fun magical characters. The narrators speak in quiet, reassuring tones and are accompanied by gentle background music. The podcast hits the right mark in making sure the stories aren't so exciting that they'll keep kids awake, but are just interesting enough to draw the listener in until they do nod off.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how diversity and inclusion are celebrated in Be Calm on Ahway Island. How is representation handled in the podcast, since we can't see the characters?
What techniques have you learned from meditation podcasts like this one that can help when you're feeling stressed or anxious? How can you use these techniques in your life when strong emotions come up?
What did your body feel like before you did the breathing and meditation exercises in the show? What did it feel like after?
Podcast Details
- Release date: December 6, 2021
- Genre: Mental Health & Wellness
- Average Run Time: 20 minutes
- Website: https://www.ahwayisland.com/
- Host: Susie Perkowitz
- Production Company and Network: Sheep Jam Productions
- Pricing structure: Free
- Last updated: June 10, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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What to Listen to Next
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