Circle Round saved me from ruining my child with inappropriate music

In the car with your kids a lot? You need to listen to Circle Round! Read about it in this sponsored post!

I did the calculations recently and discovered that my children and I spend 10 – 15 hours in the car each week. From dropping Ayva off at school to running errands and going to extracurriculars, we are on the road a lot. Both Ayva and I love to talk, and we have super interesting conversations during our rides. Sometimes, we’re just not in the mood, though.

For a long time I would turn to my favorite 90’s hip hop radio station when we were in the car. The songs that they play are much more tame than than music that’s out today. I loved introducing my girl to songs that were hot when I was growing up.
Then Ayva got older and started asking questions about some of the lyrics. You’d be surprised at how much inappropriate stuff I apparently tuned out from 1990 – 2000! Nothing like an 8-year-old asking, “Mommy, what does (something dirty and salacious) mean?” to make you listen to songs in a different tune.

I was recently introduced to Circle Round, a storytelling podcast for children ages 4 – 10, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. While I know I can’t keep Ayva a kid forever, I want to encourage as much whimsy and childhood wonder for as long as possible. Circle Round helps me do that, and it’s a joy for both Ayva and me to listen to!

The Circle Round podcast features stories from all around the world

Although I listen to podcasts all of the time, I hadn’t found one to listen to with my entire family that enforced the values that are important to us while being entertaining. Circle Round, with its tales from all over the world showcases so many different cultures in a way that’s natural and engaging.

Each episode is 10 – 20 minutes long, and features original music and narration by popular film, television and theater actors. The host of the podcast, Rebecca Sheir is a delight as well. Her calm but bright voice is so lovely to listen to. After each story, Rebecca encourages both the kids and adults to do something that will reinforce the lesson shared in the story.

Oh, and let’s talk about the stories and the lessons. They are so good, y’all! Whenever we listen to them, I’m in the car gasping and laughing just as much as Ayva. Although the tales are modernized, they’re not TOO modern where it takes away from what makes the story special in the first place. I’ve really never listened to anything like Circle Round. From start to finish, it’s exactly everything I want in a family podcast.

Subscribe to Circle Round via iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app and download episodes!

4 things you need to know about Circle Round

1. Circle Round is produced by WBUR, an affiliate of NPR. The producer is Jessica Alpert.

2. Each episode features original music by Eric Shimelonis who introduces a different instrument each episode. The music is one of the best parts of Circle Round to me! (Fun note: Eric is host Rebecca Sheir’s husband!)

3. Circle Round’s first season will end soon with 30 episodes. Over the summer, you can listen to them over and over. They’re that good that your kids will be asking for repeats!

4. Every episode ends with a conversation starter and positive call-to-action. I love that it opens up the door for me to talk to Ayva about themes like being hardworking, generous, and kind without having to be heavy-handed or preachy.

How do you keep your children entertained in the car?

Check out Circle Round on their website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

One response to “Circle Round saved me from ruining my child with inappropriate music”

  1. Sharelle D. Lowery Avatar

    Thinking….I need this now! When I bring the baby home from the hospital!

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