4 Steps for Using Sleep Podcasts with Your Kids

As parents, we’re always on the lookout for ways to make bedtime smoother, gentler, and—let’s be honest—a little less chaotic. If your little ones struggle with settling down at night, you're not alone. At The Sleepy Wolf, we know how powerful a calming voice and a soothing story can be. That’s why sleep podcasts are becoming a game-changer for families seeking screen-free, tech-supported routines.

Whether your child has trouble winding down, separating at bedtime, or just needs a consistent ritual to help them drift off, here’s a simple guide to incorporating sleep podcasts into your nightly routine.

Step 1: Set the Scene

Before you even press play, create a sleep-friendly environment. Dim the lights, turn off all screens (yes, that includes tablets and TVs!), and encourage your child to settle in bed. Make it cozy and inviting. Think soft blankets, favorite stuffed animals, and a quiet atmosphere. Let them know it’s time for their wolf breathing—slow inhales and soft howls on the exhale—to calm their minds and bodies.

Step 2: Press Play—But Don’t Watch!

Choose a sleep podcast and play it from a phone or smart speaker nearby. Important: Your child should not be watching the screen. Instead, let the audio and the exercises become the focus. Instruct them to close their eyes, take deep breaths, and simply listen. This helps their brains shift away from stimulation and into imagination and rest.

Step 3: Listen Together (At First)

If your child is new to sleep podcasts, start by listening together. Sit beside them or lie down for a few minutes. This creates a sense of safety and trust, and makes the podcast feel like a shared experience. Over time, you can slowly transition out of the room earlier—letting the podcast take over as your child’s independent tool for winding down.

Step 4: Make It Routine

Like brushing teeth or putting on pajamas, listening to a sleep podcast works best when it becomes part of the nightly rhythm. Choose a consistent time, use the same episode for a few nights in a row if needed, and let your child’s brain begin to associate the podcast with rest. Over time, the sound of the familiar voice (maybe even Mama Wolf’s) will signal to their body: “It’s time to sleep.”

A Last Howl of Advice:

Every family is different, and every child has unique needs. The beauty of sleep podcasts is that they are self-guided, soothing, and screen-free. With patience and consistency, they can become a healthy habit for better sleep—for both your kids and you.

So the next time your little one is tossing and turning, invite them to curl up, take a deep wolf breath, and listen to a story. The Sleepy Wolf is here to help guide them into sweet dreams, one soft howl at a time.

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About The Sleepy Wolf
The Sleepy Wolf is a children’s sleep podcast that helps families create calming, screen-free bedtime routines through music, storytelling, and guided breathing. Hosted by a real-life music therapist and mother, the show features original characters—Mama Wolf, Papa Wolf, Sister Wolf, and Baby Wolf—who gently guide little listeners through meditative stories designed to soothe anxious minds and encourage deep, restful sleep. Rooted in love, independence, and relaxation, The Sleepy Wolf turns bedtime into a moment of confidence, self-care, and peaceful howls under the moonlight.

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