Be Calm on Ahway Island

Podcast review by Lakshmi Hutchinson, Common Sense Media
Be Calm on Ahway Island poster

Common Sense says

age 3+

Bedtime stories and meditations with positive messages.

Mental Health & Wellness Susie Perkowitz 2021
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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Be Calm on Ahway Island is a relaxing bedtime story and guided meditation podcast that's suitable for all ages. The meditation portion of the podcast helps kids relax before going to bed, through breathing exercises and self-soothing techniques. The stories share positive messages of kindness, empathy, gratitude, and inclusivity. Characters learn important lessons about sharing, being a good friend, and being thankful for what they have. The stories are simple enough for preschool age children to follow, but older children and even adults may find the soothing narration helps them relax and fall asleep.

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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

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