The challenge: Getting work done while keeping kids safe and entertained. Better still, helping them learn something. After looking at music and podcast streaming around the world for the week of March 17 to 23, Spotify found that parents have been playing everything from lullabies to help their children sleep to podcasts that spark curiosity. Here are some of the highlights from the find that you can try.
Podcasts for playtime
Story Pirates (age: 3+)
The Story Pirates aren’t your typical swashbuckling sailors. They don’t steal gold, pillage villages, or claim land; they’re searching for a different kind of treasure: kids’ wildest, most imaginative stories. Each week, the crew aboard the Story Pirates’ ship — including world-class actors, comedians, improvisers and musicians — takes original stories from real kids around the country and turns them into a wildly funny comedy podcast for kids.
Chompers (age: 3-7)
Kids will hear jokes, riddles, stories, fun facts, silly songs, and more that’ll keep them giggling while they brush for the full two minutes that dentists recommend. To help your family build good brushing habits — something that is especially important as dentist trips in the near future may be limited — Chompers counts the times you brush and celebrates your streaks.
Every Little Thing (age: 7+)
Who invented pants? How did “pink for girls” and “blue for boys” happen? What do dogs say when they bark? Every Little Thing is here to answer your kids’ burning questions. Recent episodes include Is It Weird to Be Nice to Alexa?, Symphony Secrets: Dirt from the Pit and Anesthesia and a Mysterious Chili Cheese Fry Craving.
The Two Princes (age: preteens and teens)
It sets out to break the mysterious curse that’s destroying his kingdom, he’s ready to face whatever dastardly villain or vile monster stands in his way.
Music for every moment
- Rest-related playlists, like ‘Baby Sleep’, ‘Music Box Lullabies’ and ‘Baby Sleep Aid’: Rain sounds are some of the top-streamed ‘Kids & Family’ playlists globally.
- Soundtracks like High School Musical and Frozen 2 as well as ‘Disney Sing-Alongs’, have seen an increase in streams compared to a week prior. Older kids are likely enjoying Kidz Bop’s takes on recent pop songs, with Old Town Road, Senorita and Dance Monkey being streamed the most.
- Your children may also enjoy non-kid-specific playlists. Take this opportunity to have them experience the magic (and sometimes silliness) that are The Beatles and Queen with ‘This Is The Beatles’ and ‘This Is Queen’ playlists.
- If excess screen time is something you’re trying to avoid, introduce kids to the best music from beloved shows, including Peppa Pig and Sesame Street.