How to Get Your Kids to Listen to Podcasts for Kids

Are you curious about podcasts for kids but aren’t sure how to get kids to listen to them? According to the latest stats from Podcast Insights, over 1,000,000 podcasts are currently available. I’ll say it again- that is MILLION different shows (and over 30 million episodes) as of April 2020. Growing exponentially, this form of entertainment (and education) is becoming a major part of daily life. Our Ultimate Guide to Educational Podcasts for Kids is a great place to begin.

Although adults already are clearly consuming this form of media, the popularity amongst kids (including tweens and teens) isn’t as evident. Truly, I think parents forget about the availability of FREE shows geared to kids and teens.

That said, the number one pushback parents tell me regarding the use of podcasts for their kids is simply that they can’t get their kids to listen to them. So…..

How to get your kids to listen (and learn) from educational podcasts…..

PLAY THEM IN THE CAR– Podcasts are super convenient and accessible- any time, any place with a smartphone. Use the podcast player of your choice- if you have an iPhone, you can play them simply through Apple podcasts; other options include Spotify, Google Podcasts, and various other apps Thus, the number 1 time to play podcasts is in the car! You can use them for short trips to extracurricular activities, or check out these shows during longer car rides on vacation.
To start the day– while everyone is grabbing breakfast, play a short 5-minute podcast like KidsNuz to inform the family of the daily news in a child-friendly manner. This quickly will become a daily habit and your kiddo can be responsible for playing the daily episode.
While doing chores– Play an episode (or 2) with your kids while folding laundry, unloading the dishwasher, or waiting for dinner to cook. If you choose, you can connect your podcast player up and automatically play podcasts from your virtual assistant Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
While doing another creative activity-younger kids may enjoy listening to a podcast while coloring, doing a puzzle, putting legos together, drawing, or playing with slime.
During exercise-no better time to play a quick podcast than while walking the dog, doing some yoga stretches, or for older kids, running on the treadmill.
At bedtime-make one night of the week a podcast night! Specific podcasts are geared to bedtime stories- our favorites are Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and Bedtime History.
Last but not least- pay them! Yep, I said it- just like some people pay for their kids to read personal development books, I am a proponent of paying my teens to listen to self development podcasts (I have a list here).